[1] The bay has long held its dual name, though the meaning of Tahuahua is a bit of a puzzle.

[2] The bay was dubbed Dilmers Cove on Peter Fannin's map from James Cook's second expedition.

[2] J. K. Matangi, a teacher at a local school, interpreted the name as huahua a term for the "process of preserving and storing tītī and other birds or fish foods for the winter", and ta also being associated with "preparing or cooking food".

[2] Blackwood is almost certainly a reference to Nothofagus solandri, known in Māori as tawairauriki or tawhairauriki[9] a forest of which grew across large parts of Tōtaranui.

An alternative name for the point is Red Bluff due to its coloured rock.