Last updated October 2026
Saint Marys Bay is a compact inner suburb on the southern shore of the Waitematā Harbour, just west of Auckland’s city centre. Nestled between Ponsonby, Freemans Bay and Herne Bay, it combines Victorian and Edwardian villas with harbour outlooks, Catholic heritage sites and easy access to Westhaven Marina.
The suburb sits under the approaches to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, yet retains a quiet residential character of tree-lined streets and cliff-top homes.
Visitors and residents find a walkable neighbourhood rich in history, from Māori fishing pā to Bishop Pompallier’s Mount Saint Mary estate. It offers a distinctive mix of city convenience and waterfront living without the bustle of the central business district.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 1,490, down 7% since 2018
- Land area
- 0.56 km² (56 ha)
- Location
- 1.6 km west of central Auckland
- Council
- Auckland Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Herne Bay, Ponsonby, Auckland Central, Freemans Bay, Westhaven
- Ward or local board
- Waitematā and Gulf ward; Waitematā Local Board
- Getting there
- Main roads include St Marys Road, Shelly Beach Road, Jervois Road and New Street. Frequent buses serve Three Lamps and Ponsonby Road (routes including Inner Link, 20, 101 and others). Walkable to the city centre and Wynyard Quarter; Jacobs Ladder Bridge links pedestrians to Westhaven Marina over State Highway 1. Nearest train is Britomart / Waitematā.
- Main shopping
- Three Lamps and the northern end of Ponsonby Road (cafés, specialty stores and services a short walk south)
- Schools
- St Mary’s College (state-integrated Catholic girls’ secondary, years 7–13) is in the suburb. Nearby: Ponsonby Primary School, Freemans Bay School, Ponsonby Intermediate, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, Western Springs College and St Paul’s College
- Nearby landmarks
- Te Oka / Point Erin Park, Westhaven Marina, Auckland Harbour Bridge approaches, Bishop’s Palace (St Marys Road), St Mary’s Chapel and College
Who Lives in Saint Marys Bay
About 1,490 residents in 640 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
In Saint Marys Bay
Places and businesses inside the official Saint Marys Bay boundary.
Places
About Saint Marys Bay
Saint Marys Bay occupies a narrow strip of elevated land above the Waitematā Harbour, with streets dropping toward the former foreshore now largely occupied by motorway and marina.
The suburb takes its European name from Mount Saint Mary, the estate purchased by Catholic Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier. Its Māori names record earlier use of the shoreline: the bay itself was known as Ko Takere Haere (“the split canoe hull”), recalling an incident in which a waka cracked while being hauled ashore.
The eastern end was Te Papaku a Whai (Whai’s Shoal). On the western headland now under the Harbour Bridge approaches stood the pā Okā or Te Koraenga (“the headland”), used by Tāmaki Māori as a summer fishing base, especially for shark.
In the mid-nineteenth century Bishop Pompallier acquired land between Three Lamps and the shoreline, establishing schools, a convent, seminary and the Bishop’s residence. Catholic families settled nearby, giving streets names that still reflect Irish and religious connections. Later subdivision of John Campbell’s Campbellville estate opened more residential lots.
By the early twentieth century the area held a mix of villas, the Ponsonby Fire Station, and salt-water baths at Shelly Beach.
The construction of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and its motorway approaches in the 1950s reclaimed much of the tidal bay, cutting the suburb off from direct water access and closing many small boatyards. Local advocacy helped shape Westhaven Marina instead of full reclamation.
Today Saint Marys Bay is a sought-after residential enclave of character homes, many with harbour or bridge views. Narrow streets, heritage buildings and proximity to Ponsonby’s amenities define daily life. The Catholic presence remains strong through St Mary’s College, the chapel and the Bishop’s Palace.
Water-quality improvement works have targeted the remaining bay and nearby Masefield Beach, supporting safer recreation for sailing, dragon-boating and swimming when conditions allow. The suburb feels both central and secluded: a short walk or bus ride reaches the city, while parks and the marina provide outdoor breathing space.
History and Heritage
Māori occupation centred on the headland pā at what is now Te Oka / Point Erin Park and on the productive harbour edge. European development accelerated after Pompallier’s purchase, which created a Catholic educational and residential hub.
The wooden Bishop’s House was later relocated along St Marys Road; a grander brick Gothic palace designed by the Pugin family followed. St Mary’s Chapel (kauri construction) survives from the early convent period.
The foreshore once supported boat-building and the Ponsonby Cruising Club. Reclamation for the Harbour Bridge approaches permanently altered the shoreline, yet left pockets of reserve and the marina that define the waterfront today. Heritage walks and council shoreline documents record these layers, including the dual naming of parks that restores ancestral names such as Te Oka and Ko Takere Haere.
Getting Outdoors
Te Oka / Point Erin Park offers grassed areas, harbour and bridge views, and a sense of the old headland. St Mary’s Bay Park – Ko Takere Haere runs beside the motorway on former foreshore land and is popular for walking dogs.
The Jacobs Ladder Bridge restores a pedestrian connection across the motorway to Westhaven Marina, where boardwalks, boat activity and city skyline views reward a short stroll. The remaining bay edge and nearby beaches have benefited from stormwater and wastewater upgrades aimed at reducing overflows. These green and blue spaces give the compact suburb an outdoor dimension despite its inner-city location.
Getting Around
Saint Marys Bay is highly walkable. St Marys Road, New Street, London Street and Shelly Beach Road form the main internal grid. Three Lamps (the junction of Ponsonby Road, Jervois Road and College Hill) is the nearest transport and shopping node, served by frequent buses including the Inner Link.
From there the city centre, Wynyard Quarter and Britomart are a short ride or longer walk. The Jacobs Ladder Bridge provides a direct foot link to Westhaven. Parking on the narrow residential streets can be limited; visitors often use nearby commercial areas or public transport.
Near Saint Marys Bay
Just outside Saint Marys Bay, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia: Saint Marys Bay, New Zealand: Overview of location, historical timeline, education and transport links with cited sources.
Auckland Council: Auckland’s Original Shoreline heritage walk: Authoritative notes on Māori names (Ko Takere Haere, Te Papaku a Whai), Bishop Pompallier’s estate and foreshore change.
OurAuckland: Ancestral name restored to Point Erin Park: Details on the dual name Te Oka / Point Erin Park and the pā history recognised by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Waitematā Local Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Saint Marys Bay in Auckland?
Saint Marys Bay is an inner suburb on the Waitematā Harbour shoreline, immediately west of the city centre and Freemans Bay, south of the harbour, and adjoining Ponsonby and Herne Bay. It lies under the southern approaches to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
What is the Māori name for Saint Marys Bay?
The bay was known as Ko Takere Haere (“the split canoe hull”). The eastern end was Te Papaku a Whai. The western headland pā was Okā or Te Koraenga; the park there now carries the dual name Te Oka / Point Erin Park.
Is Saint Marys Bay a good place to live?
It is a compact, character-filled residential suburb with heritage homes, harbour views, strong schools nearby and walkable access to Ponsonby amenities and the city. Quiet streets and parks balance the central location.
How do you get to Saint Marys Bay by public transport?
Buses stop at Three Lamps and along Ponsonby Road / Jervois Road (Inner Link and other routes). From there it is a short walk into the suburb. The city centre and Britomart are close by bus or on foot; the Jacobs Ladder Bridge links to Westhaven Marina.
What schools serve Saint Marys Bay?
St Mary’s College (Catholic girls’ secondary) is located in the suburb. Primary and intermediate options nearby include Ponsonby Primary, Freemans Bay School and Ponsonby Intermediate. Secondary options also include Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, Western Springs College and St Paul’s College.
What is there to do outdoors in Saint Marys Bay?
Visit Te Oka / Point Erin Park for views, walk St Mary’s Bay Park – Ko Takere Haere, cross the Jacobs Ladder Bridge to Westhaven Marina, or enjoy the harbour edge. The area suits walking, dog walking and watching marina activity.
Why was the bay reclaimed?
Much of the original tidal foreshore was taken for the motorway approaches to the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Local residents successfully advocated for Westhaven Marina rather than complete fill of the remaining area.
Is there shopping in Saint Marys Bay itself?
The suburb is primarily residential. Daily needs, cafés and specialty shopping are concentrated at Three Lamps and along Ponsonby Road, a short walk to the south.
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Explore Auckland only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Saint Marys Bay is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.