See & Do
Nga Hua o Mōrere hot springs
Currently closed for maintenance. The second phase of maintenance will progress as soon as the weather allows. Located at 3968 State Highway 2. Tel 06 8378 856. Ngā Hua o Mōrere marks a new chapter in joint leadership between Rongomaiwahine, Rakaipaaka, and DOC. These rare natural saltwater springs produce 250,000 litres of mineral-rich water daily, piped from a fault line through lush rainforest to public and private pools.
Mahia Seaside Markets
Open 9am – 12pm on Sundays. At Pohutukawa Reserve, right beside the Māhia Boating and Fishing Club at Māhia Beach. A perfect lazy Sunday start at the beach, Māhia Seaside Market is a social gathering featuring craft, art, produce, coffee, and food. Whether you're shopping or just relaxing, it’s a great way to enjoy the laid-back vibe of the coast. The market will run even in rainy weather, with stallholders deciding whether to set up. Come for the community feel and enjoy a beautiful day by the sea!
Surf
On any given day there will be waves at Māhanga, Ōpoutama, Blacks and any of the many beaches on the Peninsula. Be safe in the water – it can get crowded on the waves in the peak of Summer so watch for others and don’t surf solo. Please respect the environment and locals when parking by beaches and on narrow road verges, use Council toilets and take your rubbish with you.
Golf
293 Ormond Drive. Tel 027 4572980. Māhia Golf Club, one of New Zealand’s first 9-hole courses, offers a scenic yet challenging experience set among coastal sand dunes. With stunning views from both the course and clubhouse, it’s easy to lose focus—but the course provides fun and tests for all skill levels. Green fees apply for non-members, and bookings can be made online via their website.
Māhia Scenic Reserve Loop Track
374-hectare native forest located 7km south of Māhia Beach along Kinikini Road. It is the largest and most diverse coastal forest in Hawke’s Bay, home to native species, including the critically threatened Raukumara. The reserve also includes the headwaters of the Whangawehi Stream. A 3.5 km loop track offers stunning views, birdwatching, and a picnic spot, with moderate difficulty. The Whangawehi walkway, managed by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, saw over 10,000 visitors in 2024 and continues to develop for a safe, enjoyable experience.
Nikau Loop Track
Located in the Mōrere Springs Scenic Reserve near the Mōrere Hot Pools. Family-friendly walk through one of the East Coast’s last native coastal forests. This short loop features lush nikau palms, gentle inclines, and educational signs about local flora, fauna, and history. Starting from the Mōrere Hot Pools entrance, it follows the Mangakawa Stream and takes around 20 minutes to complete. A walking fee applies if you're not swimming at the pools.
Mokotahi Walk
A Māhia must. 25–35 mins return on a well-maintained track with moderate incline. Stunning views over Māhia Beach and Ōpoutama. Access from the car park between Māhia Beach and Taylor’s Bay.
Te Aratia Walkway
Relatively accessible, the 13 km track can be completed end to end from Kinikini to Whangawehi on foot or mountain bike, or walk in/walk out from Whangawehi; short walk to Mamangu/The Rapids (40mins return) or to the Whare (2.5hrs return). Toilets and shelter at the Whare (5km), and Whangawehi Boat Ramp. There are picnic tables and benches along the walkway to rest and admire the mahi, and signage offering insight into the history and ecology of the whenua and awa. Te Aratia represents more than a decade of environmental work by the Whangawehi Catchment Management Group. If you love it as much as we do look for the QR code signs to support the ongoing mahi of the WCMG Trust. Kia ora.
Shops & Services
Did you know the population in Mahia jumps from 1,200 permanent residents to over 20,000 in Summer? We’re all about manaaki, but this influx puts pressure on regular services. Please be patient if there are queues and be kind to those who are working while you’re on holiday.
Māhia Beach Store
Open daily from 8am to 6pm. 142 Newcastle Street in Māhia Beach. Tel 06 8375 890. All the essentials in one spot — bait, ice, gas bottles, beer, wine, and a great range of groceries. You’ll also find fresh bread, newspapers, and a local Lotto outlet. Chowder Tuesday is a favourite, along with fresh donuts, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. The store proudly stocks Māhia Boardriders apparel, gift cards, and provides NZ Post services. And if you need something, just ask — chances are they have it. Recently awarded the 2023 Charleez Chicken & Chips Store of the Year, it’s more than just a convenience store — it’s a community hub.
Māhia 1st Stop
Open daily from 7am to 6pm. 1484 Nūhaka-Ōpoutama Road in Ōpoutama. Tel 06 8375 864. Known for its delicious pies, fresh rolls, sandwiches donuts, bread, and excellent coffee, it's also a great place to cool off with a smoothie, bubble tea, or cold drink on a hot day. You'll find a good range of grocery essentials including milk, bread, drinks, lollies, ice creams, fishing gear, and all types of hardware. There’s even a laundromat on site — handy for campers or when your bach runs out of water — plus gas bottles for the BBQ and 24/7 Allied Services fuel. Māhia 1st Stop has everything you need, all in one spot.
Sunset Point Bar & Restaurant
Open Monday to Sunday 12pm to late. Located on the corner of Newcastle Street & Ratau Street in Māhia Beach. Tel 06 8375 071. This lively sports bar and function venue offers fresh fish meals, takeaway options, T.A.B, gaming, and wholesale services. Enjoy classic Kiwi pub food, including their famously good fish and chips, from the deck or garden bar at sunset. It’s a great spot to unwind after a round of golf. Their legendary New Year’s Eve party is a must—tickets essential! Friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere make it a local favourite.
Te Hapī Hāngī Company
Often part of the Kai Karts and Māhia Seaside Markets at Māhia Beach. Tel 027 577 1561. For all your steamed pudding needs, enjoy traditional ground hāngī cooked in a real earth oven—no LPG used. Ask about catering for your next event. This local favourite also serves up crowd-pleasers like burgers and pies—so popular they often sell out at events like rugby days. Local delivery available.
Tides Café
Open during normal resort hours. Inside Māhia Beach Resort at 43 Moana Drive. Tel 06 8375 830. Perfect for a quick coffee or ice cream before crossing the road to the sandy shores of Māhia Beach, Tides Café is a great place to chill with friends and family. Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, a cold drink, or Māhia’s famous real fruit ice cream. Relax in the comfort of the newly refurbished café, or grab your coffee to go before heading out for a beach walk.
Rocket café
Open daily from 10am to 2pm. 476 Māhia East Coast Road in Te Māhia.Tel 06 8375 094. This licensed café offers locally roasted coffee, gourmet burgers, fish & chips. They also serve Rogers relish and jams, with both dine-in and takeaway options. The café serves as a function venue and provides on/off-site catering, making it an ideal spot for a meal or event. Located just past the school, it's a perfect place to enjoy delicious food in a beautiful setting. If you’re lucky you’ll strike a day where paua puffs or venison pie is on offer!
Kai Karts
Mahisian Japanese, traditional Thai, seafood chowder, fry bread, fish & chips, burgers, coffee and more—all served fresh from the Kai Karts at Māhia Beach. Featuring a variety of local favourites including The Hāngī Company and many others, it’s the perfect spot to grab delicious, diverse kai by the sea. Enjoy!