The majority of Pukerua Bay is situated in a saddle between hills, about 60-90m above sea level, offering sea views and views of Kapiti Island in the north from most houses. The coast around Pukerua Bay is fairly steep, with only a few houses nestled in a row behind the two sandy beach areas. In Maori, the words "puke rua" literally mean "two hills" but it is not clear which hills the name refers to.