Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park sits on the headland at Bastion Point / Ōrākei, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour about four kilometres east of the Auckland CBD. The memorial honours New Zealand’s first Labour Prime Minister, who served from 1935 until his death in office in 1940. The site combines a formal memorial garden with sweeping harbour and gulf views, and carries deep significance in New Zealand history — both as a tribute to Savage’s legacy and as the site of a 506-day occupation by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei that became a defining moment in the modern Māori land rights movement.
Practical Information
| Address | Bastion Point Road, Ōrākei, Auckland |
| Hours | Open daily, dawn to dusk |
| Entry | Free |
| Parking | Free car park at the end of Bastion Point Road |
| Facilities | Toilets at the car park; no café on-site |
| Getting there | By car via Tamaki Drive and Bastion Point Road; by bus — AT Metro routes along Tamaki Drive |
| Nearby | Ōrākei Domain, Ōkahu Bay beach, Tamaki Drive cycleway |
About the Memorial and the Site
Michael Joseph Savage led New Zealand’s first Labour government, elected in 1935 during the depths of the Great Depression. His government introduced the foundations of New Zealand’s welfare state — state housing, free secondary education, and the Social Security Act 1938, which established universal health care. Savage died in office on 27 March 1940, and the outpouring of public grief was described as unprecedented in New Zealand at the time. His tomb was placed at Bastion Point, then a scenic reserve above the Waitematā, where the memorial garden was subsequently developed.
The headland itself — Takaparawhau — has a separate and equally significant history. It was Crown land from the late 19th century, but its occupation remained contested by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, whose ancestral association with the area predated European settlement. In January 1977, following a decision by the Muldoon government to sell the land for residential development, a group of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and supporters occupied the site. The occupation lasted 506 days until a forced eviction by police and army on 25 May 1978 — one of the most watched confrontations in New Zealand’s recent history. The land was eventually returned to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei through the Ōrākei Act 1991, and the headland is now managed by the hapū.
The Memorial Garden and Views
The memorial itself is a modest structure — a stone tomb set in formal gardens with a central avenue of lawn, hedging, and plantings. Steps lead from the car park up to the tomb and viewing areas. The harbour panorama from the headland is one of the finest in central Auckland: you look directly across the Waitematā to the North Shore, west toward the Harbour Bridge, and east across the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto Island frames the view to the northeast. The combination of a well-maintained garden, historical weight, and harbour outlook makes this one of Auckland’s most rewarding short visits.
The 1977–1978 Occupation
The Bastion Point occupation is a significant chapter in New Zealand history. The 506-day protest was led by Joe Hawke of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and drew national and international attention to Māori land rights. The forced eviction on 25 May 1978 involved over 600 police and army personnel removing around 220 protesters. Seventeen people were arrested. The event accelerated wider Treaty of Waitangi reform discussions and is frequently cited as a turning point in the recognition of Māori land claims. An interpretive panel at the site provides context for visitors.
What Visitors Say
“The views from Bastion Point are extraordinary — you can see the whole harbour in both directions. The memorial garden is beautifully kept and the history of the site adds real depth to the visit.” — TripAdvisor review
“I didn’t know much about the 1978 occupation before visiting. The information panels on site are genuinely informative — it puts the whole place in a completely different light.” — Google Maps review
Where to Learn More
NZ History — Bastion Point Occupation — detailed account of the 1977–78 occupation, the eviction, and the subsequent land return, with archival photographs.
NZ History — Michael Joseph Savage — biography of New Zealand’s first Labour Prime Minister, covering his political career and the social reforms of his government.
Auckland Council — current visitor information for the Ōrākei Domain and Bastion Point area including access and facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Michael Joseph Savage?
Michael Joseph Savage was New Zealand’s 23rd Prime Minister and the leader of the first Labour government, elected in 1935. He is credited with establishing New Zealand’s welfare state, including state housing and universal healthcare. He died in office in 1940 and is buried at the Bastion Point memorial.
What happened at the Bastion Point occupation?
From January 1977 to May 1978, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and supporters occupied Takaparawhau (Bastion Point) to protest the government’s plan to sell the land for private housing. The 506-day occupation ended when over 600 police and army personnel removed protesters on 25 May 1978. The land was eventually returned to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in 1991.
Is there a cost to enter the memorial park?
No. The memorial park is free and open to the public daily during daylight hours.
How do I get to Bastion Point from central Auckland?
By car, take Tamaki Drive east from the CBD and turn up Bastion Point Road — about 15 minutes’ drive. AT Metro buses run along Tamaki Drive. The site is also accessible by bicycle via the Tamaki Drive cycleway.
Are there facilities at Bastion Point?
There are toilets at the car park. There is no café or food service at the memorial. Ōkahu Bay, a short walk or drive away, has more amenities.
What are the views like from Bastion Point?
The headland gives a wide panorama across the Waitematā Harbour — west toward the Harbour Bridge, north across to the North Shore, and east over the Hauraki Gulf toward Rangitoto Island.
More to Explore in Auckland
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park is one of several historically significant sites along the eastern waterfront. Combine it with a walk along the Tamaki Drive foreshore or explore more of Auckland’s history and landscape through the Auckland walking tracks. The nearby Maungawhau / Mount Eden offers a different kind of Auckland panorama from the city’s highest volcanic cone.
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