Karaka Bay (Auckland)

Karaka Bay
View from the south end of the bay towards Rangitoto Island
Karaka Bay Location within the Auckland Region
Location	Auckland Region, New Zealand
Coordinates	36°50′57″S 174°52′41″E / 36.8493°S 174.878°E / -36.8493; 174.878
Ocean/sea sources	Tāmaki River, Hauraki Gulf, Pacific Ocean
Settlements	Glendowie

Karaka Bay or Waiarohe ('the bay of shimmering waters') is on the western shore of the Tāmaki River mouth in the suburb of Glendowie, Auckland. The bay is bordered to the north by Te Papa a Tamatera (West Tamaki Head) and looks out to the islands of the eastern Waitematā Harbour: Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motukorea (Browns Island), Motuihe and Waiheke as well as to Musick Point (East Tamaki Head) across the estuary. It is accessed by boat or by a steep path that winds down the hill from the end of Peacock Street; there is no road access to the bay itself. This lack of road access has given Karaka Bay a unique sense of identity; it is unlike anywhere else in Auckland.