Whareakeake (Murdering Beach)

Dunedin, New Zealand

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Whareakeake, historically known as Murdering Beach, is a secluded beach located about 25 kilometers northeast of Dunedin on New Zealand's South Island.

It is known for a violent conflict in December 1817 between local Māori and a sealing crew from the ship Sophia, leading to the death of several settlers including William Tucker, who was reportedly killed and eaten during the skirmish. The incident sparked retaliation by the sealers, who destroyed canoes and set fire to a Māori village.

The beach’s original Māori name, Whareakeake, was officially restored in 1998 after having been commonly referred to as Murdering Beach for over a century. Today, the beach remains a peaceful, picturesque spot popular for walking and surfing, marked by its steep access road and natural volcanic headlands. It retains cultural and historical significance tied to its dramatic past and Maori heritage.​