The Beauty of the Bay by Glenys Hopkinson is an occasional
series on heritage in Auckland’s western suburbs, published by
Media Bureau, publisher of The Bay News. 
The Beauty of the Bay, Volume I, published in 2001, highlights
heritage in St Mary’s Bay and Westhaven. It celebrates early
prominent pioneers and magnificent historic buildings, The Leys Institute,
Ponsonby Post Office, Bishop’s Palace, St Mary’s Chapel
and many more as well as delightful, restored villas on meandering
streets winding down to St Mary’s Bay’s landmark cliffs
and Waitemata Harbour. Westhaven Marina, the largest marina in the
Southern Hemisphere, is home to a magnificent array of yachts and 100-year-old
yacht clubs filled with colourful characters and salty stories. The Beauty of the Bay, Volume II, published in 2004, focuses on the colourful heritage of Freeman’s Bay and the famous Ponsonby Road café strip.
These western suburbs are steeped in Auckland’s history, famous early pioneers and the scene of significant social and economic developments during the city’s early years.
Workers cottages in Renall Street are still preserved as a conservation area and Ponsonby Road continues to showcase a delightful mix of Edwardian-Victorian houses and shops, many converted to restaurants to create the famous café strip.
The Beauty of the Bay ISSN 1175-818X. PO Box 147037, Ponsonby, Auckland.
Phone: 376 0140. Email: media.bureau@xtra.co.nz