Maori Bay, called Maukatia in te reo Maori, sits just beyond the gannet colony headland. A few minutes’ walk from the colony takes you across Otakamiro Point to the bay, and the full visit takes about 30 minutes.
Why the cliffs matter
The cliffs and the old quarry face contain pillow lavas: rounded lumps of rock formed when lava erupted underwater, roughly 20 million years ago according to a visitor guide. Auckland Council says the Muriwai megapillow flows are now listed among the world’s most significant geological sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences, and a council geologist calls Muriwai one of the best places to see them.
The sea caves and blowhole
Waves have eroded vertical cracks in the rock to make sea caves and a blowhole at Otakamiro. Watch from the paths. We do not recommend going down onto the rocks: Surf Life Saving NZ’s rescue crews searched the shoreline and caves here after the June 2026 rock-fishing death, and the rocks are slippery and swept by big waves.
Getting there
Take the track from the Waitea Road car park to the colony viewing platforms, then continue across the point. See the gannet colony page for the season, track length and the council’s closure warnings. If the track is shut for repairs, Maori Bay may also be shut: check Auckland Council first.
Safety here
Do not swim or fish here. The surf at Maori Bay is rated dangerous (Auckland Tourism, citing the council). If you want the sea, use the lifeguarded flagged area at the main beach when patrols are on. See beach safety and fishing safety.
Best light
The cliffs catch low evening sun. Combine Maori Bay with the sunset: sunset photography at Muriwai.
More walking: the Te Henga Walkway heads south along the same coast.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a blowhole at Muriwai?
Yes. Auckland Council says the sea caves and blowhole at Otakamiro were formed by waves eroding along vertical fractures in the rock. A geology summary notes the blowhole plays often in the area; it is best seen from the paths, not the rocks.
What is pillow lava?
Lava that erupted on the sea floor and cooled in rounded pillow shapes. The Muriwai megapillow flows have been listed among the world's most significant geological sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences, according to Auckland Council.
Can you swim at Maori Bay?
No. Auckland Tourism's guide says the council rates the surf there as dangerous, and the coast has rips and rocks.
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