For anyone who has spent time cruising, fishing, or exploring the Marlborough Sounds, Davey Jones of Wakatahuri offers a fascinating glimpse into a place that many boaties may have passed by without ever realising its remarkable history.

Nestled in the outer Pelorus Sound, Wakatahuri has long been a working waterfront rather than simply a scenic anchorage. Through the memories and experiences of lifelong local Davey Jones, this book uncovers the rich maritime heritage of a bay that has served as a fish factory, boatyard, ship-breaking base, farm, and thriving community hub over the years.

What makes this book particularly appealing to boaties is its strong connection to the sea. The stories are filled with fishermen, boatbuilders, shipwrights, navigators, and seafarers whose lives were shaped by the waterways we still navigate today. The author brings to life a time when the Sounds were home to bustling industries and isolated communities connected almost entirely by water.

One of the most engaging aspects is the colourful history of vessel building, repair, and demolition at Wakatahuri. For those with an interest in classic boats, local maritime history, or the ingenuity of coastal communities, there is plenty to enjoy.

Beyond the ships themselves, the book paints a vivid picture of the families who made Wakatahuri home. The stories of the McManaway, Wells, and Jones families reveal the resilience, resourcefulness, and strong community spirit that characterised life in this remote corner of the Sounds. From its early school and post office to its heyday as a working settlement, the book captures a way of life that has largely disappeared.

Whether you’re anchored nearby, planning your next cruise through Pelorus Sound, or simply enjoy learning more about the places you visit, this book is sure to add a new layer of appreciation to the landscape around you. It is a wonderfully local story that celebrates the people, vessels, and maritime heritage that helped shape the Marlborough Sounds.