It lies close to the northernmost mainland point of the Marlborough Sounds, immediately to the south of D'Urville Island.
Having completed a circumnavigation of New Zealand aboard HMS Endeavour, Cook had the ship anchored in the bay for resupply with wood and water, and remained there from 27 to 31 March 1770.
Cook described the land surrounding the bay as "of a very hilly uneven surface and appears to be mostly covered with wood, shrubs, firns & c. which renders traveling both difficult and fatigueing.
[2] It was while Endeavour was anchored in Admiralty Bay that Cook decided to continue exploring westward rather than returning east to England; a consequence of this decision would be his discovery of Australia.
Pelorus Jack was noted for meeting and escorting ships through French Pass, and is possibly the first individual sea creature protected by law in any country.