Matapouri Beach is a curved sweep of golden sand on the Tūtūkākā Coast, about 28 kilometres east of Whangārei. The estuary end of the beach is shallow and calm — popular with families — while the rocky headlands at both ends offer good snorkelling in clear water. A headland track from the northern end connects to Whale Bay, making Matapouri a natural starting point for an afternoon walk along this stretch of coast.
Practical Information
| Location | Matapouri Road, Tūtūkākā Coast (off Ngunguru Road) |
|---|---|
| Distance from city | Approx. 28 km / 28 minutes from Whangārei city centre |
| Parking | Free public car park at the beach |
| Facilities | Toilets; small shop selling fish and chips and ice cream |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkelling, bodyboarding, headland walk to Whale Bay |
| Cost | Free |
| Lifeguard | Not patrolled — swim with care |
About Matapouri Beach
The beach curves around a sheltered bay, with the estuary end providing particularly calm, shallow water. Families regularly use this section of the beach for safe swimming — the gradual depth and lack of strong current make it suitable for younger children. The northern and southern rocky headlands are worth exploring at low tide, with rock pools and interesting marine life close to the surface.
A small shop near the car park sells fish and chips, ice cream and cold drinks — useful if you’ve made a day of it. Toilets are available in the car park area.
Snorkelling and the Headland Walk
The rocky areas at both ends of Matapouri Beach are the best spots for snorkelling. The northern end — where the headland track begins — has decent water clarity and a variety of marine life close to the rocks. From this end, a short headland track through coastal native vegetation leads to Whale Bay, one of the Tūtūkākā Coast’s most secluded beaches. The walk takes around 15 to 20 minutes each way.
Mermaid Pools — Closed Under Rāhui
The Mermaid Pools, a series of tidal rock pools near Matapouri, were once a popular attraction on the Tūtūkākā Coast. They have been closed under a rāhui (a temporary ritual prohibition) placed by the local hapū, Te Whānau ā Rangiwhakaahu, since 2019. The closure followed significant environmental damage caused by over-tourism — the pools’ ecosystem was severely affected by visitor numbers that the site couldn’t sustain. The rāhui remains in place indefinitely. Visitors should respect this closure and stay away from the pools.
What Visitors Say
“The estuary end is perfect for kids — shallow and calm even when there’s a bit of swell elsewhere on the coast. We spent hours there.”
“Did the headland walk to Whale Bay from the north end of the beach. Beautiful native bush track, took about 20 minutes. Well worth doing.”
Where to Learn More
WhangareiOnline — Matapōuri Bay has practical visitor information on the beach, facilities and nearby attractions on the Tūtūkākā Coast.
WhangareiNZ.com — Tūtūkākā Coast covers the full stretch of coast including Matapouri, Whale Bay and Whangaumu Bay with local knowledge and visitor tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matapouri Beach safe for swimming?
The estuary end of the beach is calm and shallow, making it well suited for families and children. The beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, so visitors should swim with care and be aware of easterly swells, which can bring stronger surf to the open sections of beach.
Are the Mermaid Pools open?
No. The Mermaid Pools have been closed under a rāhui placed by the local hapū, Te Whānau ā Rangiwhakaahu, since 2019. The closure is indefinite and should be respected by all visitors.
Can I walk to Whale Bay from Matapouri Beach?
Yes. A headland track from the northern end of Matapouri Beach leads to Whale Bay in approximately 15–20 minutes each way, passing through coastal native bush.
Is there a café or food at Matapouri?
There is a small shop near the car park selling fish and chips, ice cream and cold drinks.
How do I get to Matapouri from Whangārei?
Head toward Ngunguru on State Highway 1, then turn onto Ngunguru Road and follow signs for Matapouri. The drive takes around 28 minutes from Whangārei city centre.
Is snorkelling good at Matapouri?
Yes. The rocky headlands at both ends of the beach offer good snorkelling with clear water and marine life. The northern end near the headland track is particularly well regarded.
Matapouri Beach is part of the swimming beaches around Whangārei guide. Nearby, Whale Bay is a short walk or drive away along the Tūtūkākā Coast, and Whangaumu Bay (Wellington’s Bay) offers sheltered family swimming further along the coast.