Matapouri: Coastal Walks, Beach and Whale Bay

At Matapouri, coastal walks and the beach meet a regional history that lives on in the name Whale Bay. When choosing between the walking routes, distance and walking time are concrete points of comparison; for paddling, however, suitable conditions depend on swell and wind.

Coastal Walks and Vegetation

The connected coastal walks between Whale Bay and Matapōuri offer impressive coastal views, as well as mature stands of pūriri, pōhutukawa and kōwhai. The walk from Matapōuri to Whale Bay passes through native forest along the coast and offers beautiful views. These walks let you experience both coastal panoramas and sections of forest.

Compare Walk Lengths and Times

The Matapōuri Headland Track can be started from the Whale Bay car park or the northern end of Matapōuri Beach. It is 1.1 km long; walking time is about 40 minutes each way. The Whale Bay Track is a stone-surfaced path that descends through bush to the bay. It is 530 m long, and walking time is about 20 minutes one way.

The Morrison Reserve Track is 525 m long and takes about 20 minutes each way. The 270 m Ridge Track is listed as taking about 15 minutes each way. The two routes that take around 20 minutes are similar in length; the Ridge Track is the shortest of the routes listed. The Matapōuri Headland Track has the longest walking time. All times are one way and should be taken into account when planning your walk.

Parking and Beach Access

The Matapōuri/Whale Bay walking area has a car park on Matapōuri Road. Public parking for Matapōuri is available on Wehiwehi Road and Morrison Avenue. From one car park, the path to Whale Bay descends through bush to the bay; another beach access point has toilets. Parking and facility information may change, so check these details before setting out.

Beach and Paddling

Matapōuri Beach is a family-friendly beach where you can swim safely. Take the current beach conditions into account when swimming. For a relaxed paddle, the area inside Matapouri Bay or Whale Bay is suitable when the swell is low and the wind is offshore; this activity is also suitable for families in these conditions. For walks, distance and walking time provide guidance; for paddling, swell and wind are the key factors.

History and Other Activities

The name Whale Bay, now in common use, is connected to Māori having launched early whaling ventures from there. In the wider region, the Tūtūkākā Coast offers outdoor activities such as diving, snorkelling, surfing and fishing. These opportunities along the broader coastline complement the local walking and beach options in Matapouri.

Discover more destinations: Kaikohe, Awanui, Matakohe, Lake Ohia, Ruakaka, Waipu, Kaeo, Rawhiti

For the main travel overview: Northland.