This is a local headland where I spend a lot of time surfing when the swell comes in from the north or easterly direction. It's arguably the most famous surfing point in New Zealand. Whareakeake translates to 'House of the land of hop bush'. For the local iwi it was a greenstone manufacturing centre. When the 'Sofia' - a sealing and whaling boat was anchored in the bay, a man named Tucker went ashore to barter for potatoes. He got a little more than he bargained for. A year earlier he had bartered for a 'baked head' or a preserved maori head which he later sold in Sydney. On this new visit he was recognised by Te Matahaere (ancestor of Taiaroa) and attacked by the local tribe. He was bludgeoned to death. A battle ensued between the sofia crew and the local iwi which resulted in many deaths. This is why the Dunedin locals call the bay Murdering Bay. JS 2011