Maukatia Bay Tunnel

At the north end of Maukatia Bay, a natural tunnel runs under Otakamiro Point and below the south end of the Muriwai gannet colony. It’s easy to miss as there is no particular reason to wander towards the point from the main beach access.

You can safely walk through the tunnel at low tide. Look up to see the gannets hovering in the breeze off the edge of the cliff. You can also scramble around the rocks below the point to the seaward entrance of the tunnel if the tunnel is unsafe. As always, exercise caution on New Zealand's west coast surf beaches!

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