Pukehina
Pukehina | |
|---|---|
Pukehina Beach | |
| Coordinates: 37°48′S 176°31′E / 37.800°S 176.517°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Bay of Plenty |
| Territorial authority | Western Bay of Plenty |
| Ward | Maketu-Te Puke |
| Community | Maketu Community |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Western Bay of Plenty District Council |
| • Regional council | Bay of Plenty Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Western Bay of Plenty | James Denyer |
| • East Coast MP | Dana Kirkpatrick |
| • Waiariki MP | Rawiri Waititi |
| Area | |
• Total | 1.57 km2 (0.61 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2024) | |
• Total | 940 |
| • Density | 600/km2 (1,600/sq mi) |
| Postcode(s) | 3189 |
Pukehina is a beach and township located in the Western Bay of Plenty District and Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand's North Island. It consists of a white sandy beach, an estuary, farms and several homes. The area is popular with surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing. There is a campground located at the south-eastern end of the beach, and a boat ramp at the estuary.
The beach is dangerous for inexperienced surfers and swimmers due to the strong currents that are often present and steep banks at many places along the six kilometre beach. Offshore winds blow from the south-west, which are quite common since the prevailing wind in New Zealand is westerly. The area also enjoys more sunshine hours than other places in the country.
Both sharks and seals have been sighted at the beach. Several dead seals washed up on the beach in August 2019.