The Mahia Peninsula is a hilly promontory projecting south into the sea, between Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay. According to Māori legend, Mahia Peninsula is Te matau a Maui - the fish-hook of Maui.

The peninsula has a number of beautiful beaches and peaceful holiday villages and is a natural playground for people who like to surf, fish, dive, kayak and swim and play golf. It has an interesting mix of sandy and rocky beaches – some exposed to the ocean swells, others beautifully sheltered.