MAHIA PENISULA SIDE TRIP
A unique peninsular joined by a narrow strip to the mainland, many and varied beaches. Good surfing, fishing. A great holiday spot. Turn left at Nuhaka, follow the coastal road to the magnificent Mahia Peninsula. With its spectacular scenery, golden beaches and great fishing, diving and surfing, Mahia is known as a coastal mecca.
7km (from Nuhaka) - Blacks Beach
A famous right-hand surfing break, which is well worth a stop when the swell is up.
10km (from Nuhaka) - Opoutama Lookout
Great views of the peninsula as you look over Opoutama beach towards Mahia Beach village. The peninsula was once an island but sand accumulation has formed New Zealand's largest tombolo landform. There was extensive whaling at nearby Waikokopu in the 1830's with the distinct fish-hook shape of the isthmus being a natural trap for whales, the uncontrolled plunder meant the industry was short-lived. Just after the Opoutama Village, continue straight ahead towards Mahanga Beach.
17km (from Nuhaka) - Mahia Beach
Here you will find the main settlement on the peninsula. 7km south of the village on Kinikini Rd is the Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve, with a 3.5km loop walk through coastal forest, including a picnic area & lookout. The unique position of the peninsula means it gathers swells from many directions and it is becoming internationally famous as a surfing location.
Travelling east from Mahia Beach you will come to a junction. Straight through will take you to Mahanga Beach, a white sandy beach, great for fishing, walking or collecting shells. Continue further on to Lake Rotopounamu ideal for swimming and small boats.
Taking a right as you leave Mahia Beach will take your around the peninsula to Oraka and Mahia. Retrace your steps back to Nuhaka to continue south to Wairoa.
A famous right-hand surfing break, which is well worth a stop when the swell is up.
10km (from Nuhaka) - Opoutama Lookout
Great views of the peninsula as you look over Opoutama beach towards Mahia Beach village. The peninsula was once an island but sand accumulation has formed New Zealand's largest tombolo landform. There was extensive whaling at nearby Waikokopu in the 1830's with the distinct fish-hook shape of the isthmus being a natural trap for whales, the uncontrolled plunder meant the industry was short-lived. Just after the Opoutama Village, continue straight ahead towards Mahanga Beach.
17km (from Nuhaka) - Mahia Beach
Here you will find the main settlement on the peninsula. 7km south of the village on Kinikini Rd is the Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve, with a 3.5km loop walk through coastal forest, including a picnic area & lookout. The unique position of the peninsula means it gathers swells from many directions and it is becoming internationally famous as a surfing location.
Travelling east from Mahia Beach you will come to a junction. Straight through will take you to Mahanga Beach, a white sandy beach, great for fishing, walking or collecting shells. Continue further on to Lake Rotopounamu ideal for swimming and small boats.
Taking a right as you leave Mahia Beach will take your around the peninsula to Oraka and Mahia. Retrace your steps back to Nuhaka to continue south to Wairoa.
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85km
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Whakaki Lake
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14km
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This 1500 acre body of water is owned and managed by the Whakaki Lake Trust, who are dedicated to the protection & enhancement of the wetland environment. It is the largest of a network of wetlands that stretch along the 35km coast from Nuhaka to Wairoa. In pre-European times there were a number of Māori villages strategically placed along this coastline to take advantage of the bounty of food from the sea and wetland sources.
