Mahia Peninsula

The Mahia Peninsula, also written as Māhia Peninsula, is located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, between the cities of Napier and Gisborne.GeographyThe peninsula is 21.7km long and 11.3km wide. Its highest point is Rahuimokairoa (397m) above sea level. Mahia was initially an island but over time, a sand bar joined it to the North Island.HistoryThe name Mahia means "indistinct sound".Portland Island ('Waikawa') is a small island off the southern tip of Mahia Peninsula with an unmanned lighthouse. It was named by Kahungunu when he visited there to look for fresh drinking water and only found salt water. Waikawa means "sour water".Whales often strand on the shallow sand build up.Shore whaling was briefly important on the Mahia Peninsula and early whalers had a whaling station on the farm "Kini Kini", sheltered by "Long Point" on the west coast of the peninsula.CultureThe area is a popular seaside resort and contains a holiday park dating back to the 1960s. The remaining settlement consists mostly of holiday houses and baches. Sheep and cattle farms are still an important part for the local community, however the most important activity of the area is tourism. Mahia's population swells greatly during the warmer months and in particular during school holidays. Mahia is famous for its surf, scuba diving, hiking, and fishing. Many tourists stay in Napier, Hastings or Wairoa and travel to Mahia Peninsula for the day. Morere Hot Springs is located at the northern end of Mahia Peninsula.