Maukatia Bay, often called Maori Bay, is the smaller, rockier cove south of Ĺtakamiro Point. It is a favourite with surfers and photographers, with the gannet cliffs above and black volcanic rock underfoot.
The bay's odd pillow-lava formations are the real surprise. They were formed when lava cooled rapidly under water millions of years ago, and Auckland Council notes that the Muriwai examples have been recognised as a geological heritage site of international importance.