[3] The park's wetlands are home to bird species including the banded rail (moho-pererū), spotless crake (pūweto), Australasian bittern (matuku hūrepo) and New Zealand fernbird (kōtātā).

[1] Ngāti Te Ata historically settled in temporary settlements on the Āwhitu Peninsula, based seasonally in different locations depending on what resources were available.

[1] English immigrants John and Sarah Brook settled on the Āwhitu Peninsula in 1875, building a homestead for their family in 1878.

The Brook family ran a sheep and cattle farm on the property, until it was sold in 1971 to become a regional park.

[1] In addition, the park is used for nature walks, horse riding, kayaking, and launching boats.