Mahia Peninsula

Geographical location

The Mahia Peninsula ( German " Mahia Peninsula " ) is located on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand between Napier and Gisborne.

Geography

The peninsula is 21.7 km long and 11.3 km wide. The highest point is at Rahuimokairoa 403 m above sea level. Mahia was initially an island which was gradually joined by a sandbar to the main island.

In the shallow waters often stranded whales. Previously consisted in protecting Long Point at the farm Kini Kini on the west coast of the peninsula a whaling station.

At the southern tip of the peninsula lies the small island of Portland Iceland. The island was named by Kahungunu Māori Waikawa, as he sought here drinking water and only found salt water. Waikawa means " sour water ". On the island there is an automatic lighthouse.

Culture

The area is a popular holiday destination for the lakeside vacation. The economy is therefore determined by tourism. Sheep and cattle farming are still important for some of the local population. The most popular pastimes in Mahia are surfing, scuba diving, hiking, fishing, rugby. Many of the tourists stay in Napier, Hastings or Wairoa and go on day trips to the peninsula.

In the legends of the Māori Whatonga, who came in search of his grandfather Toi moved to New Zealand, in Mahia. The inhabitants are now a mixture of Māori and Europeans. The local iwi ( tribe ) of the Maori is known as Ngāti Rongomaiwahine.