HISTORY OF RESOLUTION BAY

The bay known in Te Reo (Māori language) as O-Tapu (a sacred place), or Ata-po (early dawn), was given the English name of ‘Resolution’ to celebrate Captains Cook’s second vessel.

Midden sites found in the bay show abundances of bones, Pakohe (Argillite) flakes, and remains of shellfish, indicating that there may have been Māori settlement in the area  prior to the first purchase of land in the 1850’s.

The land was cleared over the next 10 years for farming, revealing a vein of Antinomy in the early 1870’s, this drew interest from the prospecting community, eventually seeing a large mining operation being conducted in the neighboring bay - Endeavour inlet.

A local school was set up in the 1904, signifying the developing community around the bay.
Farmers from the area were noted to be sending upwards of 100 pounds of butter to town at this time, often leaving it in credit for groceries.

 The Farm was converted in the 1940’s by George Shallcrass and his new bride Grace. They built the still remaining cabins, and the first wharf, as well as purchasing and installing a Pelton wheel which brought electricity to the bay for the first time.

The holiday camp was established in the 1960’s by Libby and Douglas Brown, this started the early tourism to the area, offering farm tours and fishing charters, they were also the first to open the site to school groups to come and explore the sounds.

 After initial work by local landowners was done to create a walk-able track in the early 1980’s, the Queen Charlotte Track was established and opened to the public in 1983.

The Bay was purchased by the Sowman family in 1978 and has since seen two generations come and go. The bay has kept authentic to its roots, utilising a generator and solar panels -  guests are encouraged to appreciate candlelight, and be prepared to “switch off”.

Resolution Bay provides a rustic “back to basics” authentic kiwi holiday in a serene setting.

We look forward to hosting you.