Beaches

White sandy beaches, pebble beaches, safe-swimming beaches and surf beaches - we have them all. Most have parking adjacent to the beach however others are accessible by walkways. Fishing off the rocks, exploring the rock pools and kayaking around the coast are more ways to enjoy the coast, but make sure you always check the tide times and weather forecast before setting off.

Matapouri to Whale Bay Walkway

Ringer Ave Carpark at Matapouri Bay (left off Morrison Ave) to Whale Bay beach.

Walking Time: 45 minutes round trip (also allow time to enjoy the beaches, have a picnic or a swim)

Access: A combination of walking on the beach, dirt track and gravel track, steep climbing at times. Quite steep if you access the path from Pebbly Bay.  Due to the steepness of the track a reasonable level of fitness and good shoes are recommended.

Carparking: Free carpark at Ringer Ave.  Note; Please do not leave your valuables in the car or lugguage on display when leaving the vehicle.

Directions: Option 1: Matapouri Beach route. Walk North along Matapouri Beach towards Pebbly Bay and at the end of beach you will find a steep track. The path leads up over the hill, (eventually turn right) along the ridge and down to Whale Bay. Views from the top include Woolley’s Bay and northwards up the coast towards Whananaki. The track ends at Whale Bay beach. This area is a public reserve. Whale Bay provides safe swimming, good snorkelling and shade from the Pohutukawa Trees that line the bay. Matapouri is also good for swimming and due to the different position of the bay may offer different swimming conditions depending on the swell and wind direction. You can return via the alternative inland loop route below or back along the pathway you came in on.

Option 2: Inland route. Take the clearly defined track from the carpark up the hill through native bush. At the top of the hill take the path to the right heading downhill towards Whale Bay. You can either return via Pebbly Bay and along Matapouri Beach or return along the same pathway you arrived on.

If you have less time or fitness you can follow the direct Whale Bay Walkway from the carpark on Matapouri Rd.

Kayaking Tutukaka to Matapouri Bay

Kayaking from Tutukaka to Matapouri Bay requires a reasonable fitness level and previous kayaking experience. Many parts of this coastline have no means of public access. Good snorkelling and fishing, channels, ledges and secluded rocky bays with gables and sandy bays to the north are some of the highlights. Launch from either Kowharewarewa Bay or Matapouri Bay.

Trips outside the Tutukaka Harbour or Matapouri Bay are best done with a guide who will be able to advise you of conditions and show you the best areas to explore. Due to the number of reefs in this area there may be surges and unbroken swells. Additional safety equipment should be carried in case of emergency (VHF radio and EPIRB). Paddlers will need to have the ability to perform rescues in case of capsize and should have reasonable fitness level and water confidence.

As in all trips safety in numbers. Minimum group size should be 2-4 paddlers. 

The Tutukaka Coast is a delight when weather is favourable ie light winds and low swell and good visibility but conditions change rapidly and can make paddling difficult or unsafe. Unless paddlers are experienced paddlers should not set out in strong wind conditions and should as a general rule paddle into the wind and against any current at the start of their journey to avoid fatigue on their return if doing a round trip. When doing a one way trip try to paddle with the wind and current.

Don’t forget to read our comprehensive Tutukaka Coast Kayaking Safety Guide before you set off.

More Tutukaka Coast kayaking trip suggestions.

Guided tours are available from Pacific Coast Kayaks. Bookings are essential. Pacific Coast Kayaks p: 09-436 1947   m: 021 129 5921   email   website.