Unique coastal accommodation B&B • Pukenui Beach at Mahanga on Mahia Peninsula

MAHIA PENINSULA is a vast promontory which juts out from the east coast of New Zealand's North Island into the Pacific Ocean 78km south of Gisborne.

Almost an island, Mahia is a land of endless sandy beaches and countless sheltered coves.

It is a New Zealand mecca for fishing—boat fishing, surf casting, rock fishing and renowned for crayfish (lobster) and a variety of seafoods.

It has internationally-famous surfing beaches. Plus miles of safe, sandy beaches ideal for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing

At nearby Morere Hot Springs there is a thermal hot pool spa set in a rainforest reserve.

MAHIA PENINSULA is surrounded by the deep blue and crystal clear Pacific Ocean.

Beaches to visit include the wild, driftwood strewn stretch of Black’s Beach, which on a clear day provides views across to Napier, and is a favourite surfing spot.

The crescent curve of golden sand from Opoutama to Mahia Beach village on the southern side of the peninsula isthmus is a safe swimming and picnicking location.

On the northern side of the peninsula is Pukenui Beach which makes up the Gisborne side of the isthmus.

On the peninsula itself there are numerous rocky coves offering excellent surfing, snorkelling, fishing and rock pools to explore at low tide.

Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve is one of the last large tracts of lowland coastal forest remaining on the East Coast and the 3.5km loop track takes you through a range of native vegetation.

Mahia has a few dining options with the local pub, Sunset Point Sports Bar and Bistro, offering great seafood.

Boat ramps offer access to offshore fishing locations and at the centre of the isthmus is a Scottish-style links golf course.

Inland via the Wairoa-Gisborne highway is the Morere Hot Springs. Thermal pools are set in a nikau-predominant native bush reserve with a network of superb walking tracks.