Stokes Point and Onewa Pā

In pre-European times, Stokes Point was the site of Te Onewa Pā, a stronghold of great strategic importance. Onewa means 'divided earth.’ It refers to a trench fortification that ran across the headland. In 1908, a scout den was built on the reserve for the Northcote scout patrol, reputedly New Zealand’s first. In that year, a 22-metre-high flagstaff was erected on the point to celebrate Northcote becoming a borough and the visit of the American fleet. At the ceremony, the New Zealand flag was presented by local Māori, who also planted a totara named Tainui, since destroyed by bad weather.

Look beyond the point toward the structure of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.