Mahia Peninsula

Wairoa River walkway

The Wairoa Township Riverside Walk & Cycleway winds 5kms along the banks of the Wairoa River. Starting from Wairoa's historic Portland Island Lighthouse, the Wairoa River Walkway follows the river into the CBD, then on to Pilot Hill, where the river meets the sea.

A recent extension of the walkway makes this now 7.9km trail a coastal walkway too, ending at Whakamahia Beach Scenic Reserve. The walkway has become a mainstay in the recreational activities of both residents and visitors alike. On any day of the week, people can be seen enjoying the pathway, whether it be taking a leisurely stroll, running or cycling with the family.

Top tip: Walking can make you hungry. Grab a pie from Oslers Bakery to quell those hunger pangs - regarded by many as the best pies in the country.

Mahanga Beach

Mahanga Beach is a beach break located north of Mahia on a long stretch of Pacific Ocean coast. Mahanga is a white sandy beach, great for walking, collecting shells and beach fishing. Mahanga is also a great surfing beach with both right and left handers. The waves are punchy and fun, suitable for all levels of surfer. Mahanga Beach has public toilets and plenty off-road parking.

If the surf isn’t to your liking, try your luck at Mahia Beach – just a short drive away, where you’ll find a second stunning beach adjacent to the small but perfectly formed Mahia Beach community.

The Beach Cafe

Located within the Mahia Motor Camp on the Mahia beachfront, The Beach Café is the go-to location for holidaymakers and locals alike to get their fix of amazing burgers, pizzas, fish and chips, and a blackboard menu. It’s a no-brainer to stop in here at the end of a hard day of beaching.

Mokotahi Hill

For the best view in town, make the short 20-minute walk to the summit of Mokotahi Hill for panoramic views of the surrounding area. Recent works have widened the track to make it safer and more accessible.

Mokotahi Hill is a significant site to Ngati Kahungungu with a long history of occupation on the site. Various pits and terraces can still be seen on hill.

Morere Hot Springs

A treat not to be missed – gorgeous hot and cold springs set amid 364 hectares of rain forest.

Rare in the world of hot springs, the Morere Springs produce 250,000 litres a day of hot ancient sea water. Known for its therapeutic values, the water is piped to a series of public and private hot pools.

It is definitely worth taking a walk on any of the various walks in the Morere Scenic Reserve, from 10-minute walks up to three hours. Especially famous for its nikau palms, the dense virgin rain forest is home to a wide range of native birds.