Matapouri: Coastal Walks, Beach and History

Matapouri draws your attention to the coast: The connected tracks between Whale Bay and Matapōuri offer coastal views and pass through a landscape of mature pūriri, pōhutukawa and kōwhai. There is also Matapōuri Beach, walks of very different lengths and opportunities for paddling. If you are looking for a coastal destination for your stay, you can combine beach time, views and exercise; the tracks differ considerably in length and stated walking time.

Coastal walks for different time budgets

At 1.1 km and about 40 minutes one way, the Matapōuri Headland Track is the longest of the walking routes listed here. You can start it at the Whale Bay car park or at the northern end of Matapōuri Beach. This gives you two specified starting points for the same track.

Other time frames are available for a shorter walk: the Whale Bay Track is 530 m long and takes about 20 minutes one way. The Morrison Reserve Track is 525 m long and also takes about 20 minutes. The two routes are almost the same length. At 270 m and around 15 minutes each way, the Ridge Track is the shortest of the four routes listed. As the times are for one way only, allow extra time for the return journey.

The track surfaces and scenery also give each walk its own character. The Whale Bay Track is stone-paved and leads through bush down to the bay. The track from Matapōuri to Whale Bay runs through native forest along the coast and offers beautiful views. So, alongside comparing walking times, you can also consider which coastal scenery you would like to experience along the way.

Beach, paddling and outdoor experiences

Matapōuri Beach is a family-friendly beach with safe swimming; as with any trip to swim in the sea, current conditions are part of the planning. For a relaxed paddle, the area inside Matapouri Bay or Whale Bay is suitable when the swell is low and the wind is offshore. These conditions are important when deciding whether a paddling trip suits your planned day.

If you would like to look beyond Matapouri, the Tūtūkākā Coast offers a broader regional setting for outdoor activities: diving, snorkelling, surfing and fishing are available there. These activities are associated with the wider coast and complement the local options around the tracks, beach and paddling.

Whale Bay: Scenery and history

Whale Bay combines a natural experience with a historical story behind its name. The name in common use today is connected to Māori launching early whaling expeditions from there. Together with the coastal tracks and vegetation, this gives the bay an added cultural dimension: it is not just a place to go for a walk, but a place with a story in its name.

Practical information for your stay

The Matapōuri and Whale Bay walking area has a car park on Matapōuri Road. There are also public car parks for Matapōuri on Wehiwehi Road and Morrison Avenue. There are toilets at another beach access point. As information about parking and facilities may change, check before you travel.

If Matapōuri Beach, the coastal tracks and paddling in the stated conditions are your main priorities, search for hotels in Matapouri. If you would also like to include diving, snorkelling, surfing or fishing, consider the Tūtūkākā Coast as part of the wider region.

Discover more destinations: Otaika, Kaikohe, Waipu, Ruakaka, Awanui, Kaeo, Cable Bay, Rawhiti.

For the wider travel overview: Northland.