But the coast is long and indented, and presents many other scenic and interesting features such as beaches, harbours, bays, and islands, that make it an especially interesting destination. Read more about New Zealand's volcanoes Cathedral Cove. The most spectacular feature there is the large blowhole at Whiritoa. During easterly storms it produces seaspray that rises as mist above the surrounding forest. The coastal stretch to Papakura Bay has interesting features, like seacliffs made of strongly columnar lava, and paving-like structures on shore platforms eroded from columnar lava.
Some features are only accessible at low tide.
As sea level rose after the end of the glaciation period, the valley was progressively filled with sand and the sandspit where Pauanui is located was formed. The hills south of Pauanui are the remnants of a massive rhyolite dome that formed 7-8 million years ago. On the coast there are interesting features such as columnar lava outcrops at various stages of erosion, in places forming pillars and smooth pavement-like platforms. Also good views from Pauanui Trig, a steep 50 mn walk from the southern end of the beach. Two separate springs release hot water through the sand, at temperatures of 60 and 64 degrees C respectively.