Whites Bay, Blenheim's closest swimming and surfing beach, has attracted visitors since the earliest Maori enjoyed its plentiful food sources. The bay became nationally important in 1866 when it was chosen as the southern terminus of the Cook Strait telegraph cable, which united New Zealand at a critical time in its growth as a nation. Visitors to the bay today will be intrigued to learn how much has happened in this idyllic spot, and how significant it has been in New Zealand's history.