Exploring Matapouri Bay
Matapouri Bay, on the Tutukākā Coast in Northland, is a charming holiday village best known for its stunning white-and-gold sand beach. Situated behind the rocky Rangitapu Point to the north, the bay is bordered by a picturesque sandy estuary to the south. This beach is particularly safe for swimming, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day by the sea.
Scenic Walks and Coastal Views
Access to the beach is available at the ends of Te Wairoa Street, Wehiwehi Road, and Morrison Road. There is more room for a few vehicles at the end of Wehiwehi Road, and public toilets. Freedom camping is allowed. If there is no space, check out a reserve about 1 km away. From the end of the roads, you can walk directly onto the beach.
Houses sit above the southern half of the beach, replaced by dunes and a high hill with regrowth forest as you walk north. Some notable, big pōhutukawa trees stand out. Towards the end of the beach, there is a rocky island, mostly golden coloured, that you can scramble to the top of. The views are superb. Almost opposite, a track through a flat section takes you to a stony beach on the Pacific Coast, and also forms part of the Otito Track.
For those who enjoy walking, this track is a loop that takes you to the equally breathtaking Whale Bay, around the top of the Pacific Coast cliffs with fabulous views of the coast and ocean. It is approximately a 40-minute walk to Whale Bay and an hour for the loop.
While Matapouri itself has limited services, with just a local store available, the nearby village of Tutukākā is only a few minutes away by car.
Mermaid Pools Rahui
Matapouri was also known for its mermaid pools on the Pacific Coast. However, these became overused and were being damaged. Accordingly, local iwi, supported by the district council, placed a rahui (access ban) over the pools. The rahui is clearly signposted and must be honoured.
Getting to Matapouri Bay
To reach Matapouri Bay from Tutukākā, drive along the Tutukaka Coast Road for about 10 km. The bay is easily accessible and well-signposted. From Whangārei, the drive is 42 minutes (37 km) and from Auckland, it is 160 minutes (193 km).
Other nearby options include Ngunguru, Woolleys Bay and Sandy Bay, all with freedom camping, and a short walk along the Tutukākā Track.
