Located at the southern end of Muriwai Beach is Maori Bay. A small bay with a nice surf break. It is also a popular launch site for Paragliders. To the north end of the bay is a Gannet colony, one of only 2 on Mainland New Zealand. There are viewing platforms that allow you very close to these amazing (and very fishy smelling) birds. On the ground you have to wonder about them and their ungainly movements, but in the air they are matchless flyers.
The bay is black sand, very high in iron. Take care in the summer as the temperature will blister your (and your pets) feet. The water can be very rough and the beach is unpatrolled. Swimming is not recommended unless you are very confident (and experienced) in rough water swimming.