This is recommended by the Pilot as a big ship anchorage. The bay extends for three point five miles to the south-east and has a wharf on the western side about half a mile from the head of the bay. Past this wharf the bay is very shallow.
The main part of the is bay acts a wind tunnel but Te Puru Bay on the western side is sheltered from winds in all but strong N to SE conditions. The bay has a depth of about six meters giving good holding in mud, without the need for effort with large quantities of anchor cable. In strong NW to N conditions a roll that can be most uncomfortable is pushed in to the bay. In moderate W to N winds the best shelter is near the moorings on the north-western side of the bay. In SE to WSN conditions the best shelter is in the cove on the southern shore where it is possible to get a stern line ashore. Generally a stern line is unnecessary as there is plenty of room to swing an anchor.
