Pukerua Bay sits atop a hill above Plimmerton on the Kāpiti Coast. Its claim to fame? It was the location for Peter Jackson’s Bad Taste. Apart from houses and a nearly secret cafe caravan just off Rawhiti Road, there's not much there. But it has a gorgeous beach, which is strictly local.
You can access the beach from Pukerua Beach Road. Alternatively, there is a small parking area on State Highway 59 just north of the town on the way to Paekākāriki. From the car park, there is a steep walkway down to the beach.
The beach setting is dramatic. The north end is sandy, and the south end is strewn with stones and driftwood. It also includes a giant boulder with a walk-through arch. It's an interesting contrast, but it really excels as a beachcomber’s delight! These photos were taken over different days and captured the drama of the coast’s weather.
