Discover Tarakena Bay and Its Historical Significance
Tarakena Bay, located on the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington, is a place of historical and scenic interest. It is home to the Atatürk Memorial, which commemorates the compassion shown by Atatürk, the leader of Turkish forces during the Gallipoli campaign, towards the ANZACs who perished in 1916. This site not only provides a poignant historical reflection but also offers stunning views over the harbour mouth, Tarakena Bay, and Cook Strait.
Exploring the Atatürk Memorial and Surroundings
The Atatürk Memorial is situated atop a hill overlooking Tarakena Bay. From the car park, a short yet steep walk, primarily consisting of steps, leads you to the memorial. The location serves as a great vantage point, with expansive views of the surrounding waters. For those interested in further historical insights, the Te Papa Museum in Wellington features a Gallipoli display that complements the memorial’s narrative.
The memorial was established as part of an agreement among the Turkish, Australian, and New Zealand governments in response to Turkey’s construction of a commemorative site at Anzac Cove (renamed from Ari Burnu) in Türkiye. Designed by Ian Bowman, the memorial was unveiled in April 1990. The striking structure comprises a marble crescent, a bust of Atatürk, inscriptions, and soil from Anzac Cove itself. In 1999, a paved forecourt and path, also designed by Bowman, along with gravel car-parking areas, were added. The site was chosen for its remarkable likeness to the landscape of the Gallipoli peninsula.
Walkways and Memorials
From the Atatürk Memorial, a walkway extends north along the cliffs and hills on the east side of the peninsula, reaching as far as Breaker Bay and Point Dorset. This path offers an opportunity to explore the rugged coastline and the area’s natural beauty.
Additionally, on the east side of Tarakena Bay at Gibraltar Rock, you will find the first of several memorials dedicated to the Wahine shipwreck, New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster in 1968.
How to Get to Tarakena Bay
To reach Tarakena Bay from Central Wellington, take State Highway 1 towards the airport. Head south on Evans Bay Parade, then south on Onepu Road to Lyall Parade. Therem, head east along Lyall Bay to Moa Point Road, which skirts the southern end of Wellington Airport and Tarakena Bay. Look for the sign indicating the Atatürk Memorial, which is located above the bay. The drive takes 21 minutes and is 9.6 km.
As you continue around the peninsula, you can also visit beautiful beaches at Breaker Bay, Worser Bay and Scorching Bay.
