Taylors Mistake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Te Onepoto / Taylors Mistake
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Suburb
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The beach at Te Onepoto / Taylors Mistake
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 Te Onepoto / Taylors Mistake
Location in New Zealand
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Local authority | Christchurch |
| Electoral ward |
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| Area | |
| • Land | 19 ha (47 acre) |
| Population
(2018 Census)
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| • Total | 81 |
| Scarborough | (Pegasus Bay) | |
| Sumner |
  Te Onepoto / Taylors Mistake  |
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| (Port Hills) | (Awaroa / Godley Head) |
Te Onepoto / Taylors Mistake is a cool place in New Zealand's South Island. It's right at the edge of the city of Christchurch. Taylors Mistake is also the name of a bay next to this area. It sits on the northern side of Awaroa / Godley Head, which is part of the Banks Peninsula. This spot is famous for its beautiful beach and unique little houses.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Te Onepoto / Taylors Mistake is one of New Zealand's special dual names. This means it has both a Māori and an English name.
The Māori Name: Te Onepoto
The Māori part, Te Onepoto, means "short beach" or "little beach." It perfectly describes the small, cozy bay.
The English Name: Taylors Mistake
The English name, Taylors Mistake, comes from a story about a man named Edward Taylor. He was one of the first European settlers to own land here. In the mid-1800s, Edward Taylor was looking for land to buy along the coast. He thought the bay was Pigeon Bay, which was where he wanted to go. But he was wrong! He soon realized his mistake. Even so, he kept calling the area "Taylor's Mistake." Over time, the name stuck. It became the official name for the bay and the area around it.
Tiny Beach Houses: Baches!
Along the coast between Hobsons Bay and Boulder Bay, you can find almost 50 small, old seaside houses. These are called baches (pronounced "batch-ez"). Some of them are even built into caves! Whare Moki is thought to be the oldest cave bach still standing in New Zealand.
Many of these baches are very important. They are recognized as special heritage sites. This means they are protected because of their history and unique style. You can even see these baches in paintings and poems by New Zealand artists. For example, there's a 1956 painting by Bill Sutton (artist) that shows them. It is kept at the Christchurch Art Gallery.
Fun at the Beach!
The beach at Taylors Mistake is a popular spot for people who love to swim and surf. There's even a live camera set up by some of the bach owners. This lets people check the waves and weather before they head to the beach!
Surf Life Saving Club
The Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving Club was started here in 1916. It was created by people who owned baches and others who loved the beach. This club helps keep everyone safe in the water.
History at the Beach
During World War II, the hills above the beach had special posts. These posts helped guard the Godley Head coastal defence battery. They were there to protect the area.
