Location

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Taylor’s Mistake is a beautiful bay, the most northern bay on Banks Peninsula. You will find us between Lyttelton Harbour and Christchurch City, approximately 20km from the city center.

The Maori name is “Te Onepoto” meaning Short Beach. Captain Cook visited in 1769 when he circumnavigated and mapped the coastline. His lack of modern technology lead to some confusion where he mistook Banks Peninsula for an Island. Legend has it that a Captain Taylor sailed into the bay in by mistake in 1858.His intended destination was Lyttelton Harbour next door. Hence the name Taylor’s Mistake. Another story relates the wreck of a small logging vessel captained by a John Vincent in 1857. Vincent’s Bay didn’t last long.

Public transport [Sumner bus] will deliver you to the bottom of Scarborough Hill where you can access various walking tracks to the bay 30-45 minute walk. In your vehicle you can enjoy a 3 km cruise over a winding road to the carpark and beach. Coastcare [CCC] maintain the carpark, picnic areas, playground, toilets, changing rooms, walking tracks and foreshore.

There are no shops in the bay, so bring what you need. Please note that cellphone reception is limited in and around the bay.