HISTORY

OCEAN BEACH HISTORY

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OCEAN BEACH HISTORY

Ocean Beach has a long and rich history from a Māori settlement, whaling station, freezing works and aquaculture site.

Pre European Settlement

Māori Tribes

Prior to European settlement the area served a variety of functions for the Māori. The main Māori settlement was Ruapuke Island with smaller Māori settlements scattered along coast, including at Ocean Beach.

1700s

Whaling

Extensive whaling and sealing took part in the 1700s around Ocean Beach.

1892-1991

Freezing Works

The Ocean Beach site in Bluff was first established as a freezing works in 1892 and by 1901 was capable of freezing 3000 sheep each day. This operation closed in 1991.

2000 - present

Aquaculture

Today Ocean Beach is an aquaculture park primarily growing Abalone, with future growth plans to include hospitality, tourism and multiple aquaculture research and projects.