A-Z of NZ Locations, New Zealand

A-Z of NZ Locations – Monkey Island

Suzanne

Where are the best places to visit? Those that only receive a fleeting mention in guidebooks and the most fun places to explore are along the roads as you drive between small towns and stopping points. When travelling, approach the locals for tips, as this is where some of the most special places can be found.

Let’s begin with a small isolated island at the eastern end of Te Waewae Bay, accessible at low tide. The name conjures up a different image than reality.

Years ago, Monkey Island was a delightful freedom camping spot for us when we were full-time motorhomers, as it’s separated by a low bank from a stunning stretch of sandy beach and a glittering expanse of sea. We were blessed back then with a blue, cloud-brushed sky and the sun’s warmth draped over our shoulders like friendly arms and a less crowded campsite in which to enjoy that not-so-frequent burst of sunshine in the depths of Southland.

Kai Tahu as Te Puka o Takitimu – Monkey Island
Monkey Island is renowned for it’s spectacular sunsets.

History – Kai Tahu as Te Puka o Takitimu – Monkey Island

Pre-European, the island was previously used by Māori as a lookout for spotting Southern Right Whales. 

As the years passed, there was much speculation surrounding the naming of this island. Before the road from Riverton reached here, a slipway was built on the island so that boats (the only means of delivering supplies) could be unloaded. A monkey winch was used to haul the boats ashore; thus, it is presumed that this gave its name to Monkey Island. On shore, a village developed to serve the needs of the influx of early settlers. In the early 1870s, this area brimmed with houses, three stores and of course a hotel, though funnily enough not a church in sight.

Orepuki had its beginnings adjacent to the beach at Monkey Island in 1886. In 30 years, the original settlement was moved twice to suit the phases of gold mining, coal mining, sawmilling and shale works. The rail link from Riverton was completed in 1885 to the present township.

Not all the motorhome days were fast-paced.
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Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

25 thoughts on “A-Z of NZ Locations – Monkey Island”

    1. Jo, we’ve always much preferred slow travelling than zipping around places just to say we’ve been there. Now, it’s all about remembering what we’ve done than plan another one. Though who knows I may get into solo travelling?

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  7. … not a church in sight?

    That is unusual for those times. I wonder how it came to be that not one missionary found his way there? Rhetorical question, of course. Love that last photo.

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    1. Good question, though a church is most probably not far from Monkey Island. I haven’t enough knowledge regarding where the missionaries were sent. There are a few churches scattered around the countryside away from the smaller settlements. Many have been privately brought and made into homes.

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  9. Fine prose, e.g. “a blue, cloud-brushed sky and the sun’s warmth draped over our shoulders like friendly arms and a less crowded campsite in which to enjoy that not-so-frequent burst of sunshine in the depths of Southland.” and splendid photography

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