Fairy Bay facts for kids

This photo, looking east, was taken from the ridge on the southern side of Fairy Bay, leading up to Mt Stanley around 1994.

Fairy Bay is a beautiful spot in New Zealand. Its Māori name is Te Oru Mamaku. This means "Bay of the Big Black Ferns." It's found in the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. This park is at the top of the South Island.

Fairy Bay is east of Mount Stanley. This mountain is about 971 meters (3,186 feet) high. People think Fairy Bay got its name from the fairy penguin. A bay next to it is even called Penguin Bay!

Exploring Fairy Bay

Fairy Bay is a great place for outdoor fun. On its northern side, there is a popular camp site. Many people who love kayaking enjoy staying here.

Walking Tracks and Harbors

From the camp site, you can start a walking track. This path goes through native New Zealand bush. It leads to a jetty at Jacobs Bay. Along the way, you pass Dillon Bell. This is a small, deep harbor. It's a safe place for yachts and motor cruisers to stop.

Marine Farms in the Bay

Fairy Bay also has two marine farms. These farms are on the northern side of the bay. They help the Marlborough region grow green-lipped mussels. These special mussels are called Perna canaliculus. The mussel industry is very important to the town of Havelock.

Life in Fairy Bay

Fairy Bay has about 13 building spots. Eight of these spots now have houses on them. It's a very quiet and remote area.

Getting to Fairy Bay

You cannot reach Fairy Bay by road. The only way to get there is by boat. You can take a boat from the town of Havelock. Havelock is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away. A water taxi ride takes about 35 minutes.

Power and Phone Service

Because Fairy Bay is so far away, it does not have electricity from the national power grid. However, there is a phone connection. It works using a radio link. Cell phone service in the bay can be very weak or not available at all.