Discover Whareakeake / Murderers Bay
Whareakeake / Murderers Bay is a secluded 630 m-long beach northeast of Dunedin on the Pacific Coast. To the west is Long Beach, and to the east is even more remote Kaikai Beach and Aramoana. Facing north into the Pacific, Whareakeake is framed by volcanic headlands, and it feels remote and untamed. When northeasterly swells roll in, the waves can form powerful barrels suited to experienced surfers. The beach also has a weighty cultural history that contrasts with its natural beauty.
Origin of the names
Whareakeake is the original Māori name, which was officially restored in 1998, but it was long known as Murderers Bay or Murdering Beach. This resulted from a violent clash in 1817 between local Māori and the sealing crew of the Sophia. The death of sealer William Tucker and the subsequent burning of the Māori village in revenge by the sealers gave rise to the European name. Today, Whareakeake also refers to its famous (in surfing circles) right-hand point break.
How to get there
From Port Chalmers, take Blueskin Road to Heyward Point Road. Continue on the gravel section of the road to the turnoff onto Whareakeake Road. This road is steep and gravelled, so take care. Allow 45 minutes from central Dunedin.
Other nearby options include Long Beach, Pūrākaunui, Orokonui Ecosanctuary and the Heward Point Track to Kaikai Beach.
