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.

Whale Bay Walkway

Whale Bay Carpark (top of the hill on Matapouri Rd after Matapouri Bay) to Whale Bay beach.

Walking Time: 30 minutes round trip (also allow time to enjoy the beach, have a picnic or a swim)

Access: Well maintained gravel track, steep at times. Stairs at the bottom or a pathway to the beach. Suitable for all levels of fitness and well worth the effort!

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

Directions: Follow the track through the gateway adjacent to the carpark off Matapouri Rd, through native bush. There are spectacular views along the track of Whale Bay and northwards along the coast towards Whananaki and Cape Brett. The track ends at the beach.

If you have extra time on your return trip up the hill you can add on the walkway to Matapouri by taking the marked path 1/2 way up the hill. See Matapouri to Whale Bay Walkway post for more info.

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.