The
Kawerau hapū Ngāti Kahu traditionally inhabited the area, prior to the arrival of Europeans. Ngāti Kahu's major focuses of settlement were around Te Haruhi Bay and
Army Bay. Whangaparaoa Peninsula was purchased by the government in 1853, after which settlers began developing the land for grazing. and farmed the area for much of the 20th century. The northern area of the park was acquired by the
New Zealand Army during
World War II. The Army still occupies the site, and because of this,
pillboxes can be found around the park. In 1967 the Shakespear family sold their land to the
Auckland Regional Council, who established the Shakespear Regional Park. ==Recreation==