In the 14th century, Umupuia beach was the first place in the Waitemata Harbour to be visited by the Tainui canoe, an ocean-going canoe that brought M?ori ancestors to New Zealand. The Ngäti Tai inhabited the entire area for hundreds of years until they were confined to a "Native Reserve" by the Crown in 1854. In 1866 Thomas Duder purchased the Whakakaiwhara Block, which included some of the "Native Reserve" to use as farmland. During WWII, several thousand soldiers showed up on Duders beach without notice to begin training, including artillery practice. In 1942 the Air Force selected the area as a seaplane base and in 1944 they built a rocket range to be used for training exercises. The Air Force left the area after the war and its farming practices thrived once again. In 1994 Mary Duder sold the one of the farms to the Auckland Regional Council and retained ownership of the Rozel and a small area of land surrounding it.

The park is now used for swimming, fishing, nature watching, walking, paragliding, picnics and biking. Facilities include campgrounds, picnic area, pram access, limited mobility parking and toilets. Across from the beach is a M?ori marae (sacred place) and burial land.

This beach is no longer monitored due to its history of excellent water quality. Aukland Council considers this beach "low risk" for public health.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Umupuia Duders and 8,000 other beaches.