Located at the eastern end of the island it is likely that Man O’ War was one of the first places in New Zealand to be discovered by Polynesian explorers over 700 years ago. It was in 1769, some 500 years on, that Captain James Cook noticed the land when he anchored his vessel in an uncharted bay. Cook noted that the kauri trees he saw would make exceptional masts for the Royal Navy, who went on to designate the bay as a wood and water station, their ships calling in for timber to form masts, and water supplies. Hence the bay became known as Man O’ War Bay.

Now under Man O’ War Family’s stewardship for close to 30 years we are dedicated to ensuring ensuring that Man O’ War retains its innate beauty and sense of history for generations to come. With a passion to see Man O’ War land's native glory restored we have planted over 150,000 native trees and fenced off 1000 acres to allow the regeneration of native bush, wetlands and coastal corridors.