Discover Whangapoua
Travel along State Highway 25 on the northeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, west of Matarangi, and you will discover Whangapoua. These two destinations are separated by the scenic Whangapoua Harbour. Matarangi is a larger resort town, but both towns are known for expansive white-sand beaches, making them popular spots for relaxation and beach activities.
What to do in Whangapoua
Whangapoua is a modest beach community with a couple of stores and eateries. As the most northeasterly of the white-sand beaches on the peninsula, it would be relatively quiet, except that it is the gateway to New Chums Beach/Wainuiototo. This is accessible via the New Chums Walkway at the north end of the beach and is considered one of the region’s best beaches.
But Whangapoua itself boasts a stunning surf beach, 2 km long, that is both beautiful and relatively safe for swimming. At the northwest end of the beach, you'll discover a larger coastal estuary, ideal for capturing reflective beach photographs. At the southeast end, you can take the short Opera Point loop walk.
How to get there
To reach Whangapoua, continue on State Highway 25 from Kuaotunu. At the small hamlet of Rarenga, turn right onto Whangapoua Road, which will take you into the town, with several options for accessing the beach.
You can also continue on SH25 to Coromandel Town, where you can visit the Waiau Falls, Waiau Kauri Grove, The Waterworks and Driving Creek Railway.
