Sulphur Beach

This once popular beach, named by Māori Oneoneroa, meaning “long sand beach,” was reclaimed for the motorway in the 1950s. The area got its name from the sulphur works opened there in 1878 by James Tunny and James Pond, who brought crude sulphur from Moutohorā / Whale Island off the Bay of Plenty. Unfortunately, the foundation for the works gave way and the project was abandoned within a few years. Boat builders Bailey and Lowe also operated from the southern end of this beach.

Turn left and walk along Sulphur Beach Road beside early cottages, beach houses, and the huge bank of land reclaimed for the motorway. Watch out for cars since there is no sidewalk along this short section of roadway.