Mermaid Pools Matapouri
A stunning beach paradise with pristine white sand and clear blue waters, offering a serene escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best access and views
Mermaid Pools Matapouri
Best Time
Best access and views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning beach paradise with pristine white sand and clear blue waters, offering a serene escape.
"This place make you fall in love with New Zealand as it preserves the true beauty of natural NZ beaches!"
Respect the Rāhui
The Mermaid Pools are closed. Please respect the rāhui and do not attempt to access them.
Check Tide Times
Visit during low tide for the best access to the Mermaid Pools and to explore rock pools. :clock10:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Matapouri Beach
Matapouri Bay
Pristine white sand, clear blue waters, and gentle waves make this beach a slice of paradise.
The Mermaid Pools
15-minute hike from Matapouri Beach
Natural rock pools that fill with seawater, creating a magical, secluded swimming experience.
Rocky Coves and Exploration
Along Matapouri Beach
Discover hidden coves with their own white sand and explore fascinating rocky areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Rāhui: Understand the Closure
Tides and Trails: Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect the Rāhui
The Mermaid Pools are closed. Please respect the rāhui and do not attempt to access them. 
Check Tide Times
Visit during low tide for the best access to the Mermaid Pools and to explore rock pools. :clock10:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The hike to the pools is uneven and can be slippery. Good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Snacks & Water
There's a small shop, but bringing your own supplies is wise for a day of exploring. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect the Rāhui
The Mermaid Pools are closed. Please respect the rāhui and do not attempt to access them.
Check Tide Times
Visit during low tide for the best access to the Mermaid Pools and to explore rock pools. :clock10:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The hike to the pools is uneven and can be slippery. Good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Snacks & Water
There's a small shop, but bringing your own supplies is wise for a day of exploring. :water_wave:
Leave No Trace
Help preserve this beautiful spot by taking all your rubbish with you. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Matapouri Beach for its breathtaking beauty, describing it as paradise with white sand and clear blue waters. The beach is noted for its gentle waves, making it great for swimming and relaxing. While the Mermaid Pools are closed, the beach itself remains a highly recommended destination for its natural charm and scenic views.
"Beauuuuutiful!! Nice parking just next to the beach. Can have a lunch with a view. Also 2/3 self contained van camping spots, would recommend to stay there if you have enough time and there is place available. Very clean and nice beach. There is small shop nearby too - for ice cream or same food. To get there road is up and downhills, but it’s worth it!"
Kristiāna Korsaka - Mille
"This place make you fall in love with New Zealand as it preserves the true beauty of natural NZ beaches! Highly recommended! You will be blown away! Mermaid pools is also a must see which is a 15min hike away from Matapouri beach."
Leon Yang
"This is an amazing beach. White sand, clear blue water and gentle waves. It really is paradise. There are some rocky areas to explore and hidden coves with their very own white sand. You can hike to the Mermaid Pool if you have the desire."
Mike Gere
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mermaid Pools are located a 15-minute hike from Matapouri Beach. The drive to Matapouri Beach itself involves hilly roads, but travelers find it's worth the journey for the stunning views.
Yes, there is parking available next to Matapouri Beach, making it convenient for visitors.
There are a few self-contained van camping spots available at Matapouri Beach, which are highly recommended if you have the time and space is available.
The road to Matapouri is described as hilly, with ups and downs, but the scenic beauty makes the drive rewarding.
The hike to the Mermaid Pools is about 15 minutes from the beach and involves uneven terrain, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Unfortunately, the Mermaid Pools at Matapouri have been closed since 2019 under a rāhui to allow the area to recover. Visitors are urged to respect this closure.
The closure is due to past issues with visitor behavior, including disrespect for the natural environment. A rāhui was placed to restore the area's mauri (life force).
Matapouri Beach itself is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. The closure specifically pertains to the Mermaid Pools area.
The rāhui and closure of the Mermaid Pools were implemented in 2019.
While the pools themselves are closed, the hike from Matapouri Beach to the general area is still possible, but visitors must respect the closure signs and refrain from entering the pools.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Matapouri Beach offers swimming, surfing, and exploring rocky areas and hidden coves. It's a beautiful spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural scenery.
The Mermaid Pools were natural rock pools that filled with seawater, creating a magical and secluded swimming spot. They were known for their beauty before their closure.
Matapouri Beach can get busy, especially during peak season, but its wide expanse means there's usually space for everyone.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, snacks, and sturdy footwear for exploring.
There is a small shop nearby for ice cream and some food, and parking is available. Specific restroom facilities may vary, so it's good to be prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning white sand and clear blue waters of Matapouri Beach. The rocky outcrops and hidden coves also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Historically, photographers aimed for low tide to capture the pools at their fullest and most accessible. The surrounding coastline offers beautiful light throughout the day.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Department of Conservation for current rules regarding drone usage in the area to avoid any issues.
You can get wide-angle shots of the expansive beach, close-ups of the rock pools, and scenic views from the surrounding hills.
Focus on the interplay of water and rock formations, especially during golden hour for dramatic lighting. Remember to respect the closure and photograph responsibly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting, focus on the joys of the beach: building sandcastles, paddling in the clear water, and exploring the accessible rocky areas at low tide. The drive to Matapouri is scenic, and the parking is convenient, making it a manageable outing for families. Ensure children understand the importance of respecting the environment and staying within designated safe areas.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
The beach itself is a prime example of New Zealand's stunning natural coastline, with opportunities to explore rocky outcrops and discover hidden coves. Remember to check tide times for the best exploration conditions and wear appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain. While the Mermaid Pools are off-limits, the surrounding environment is rich with natural wonders. Respecting the rāhui is paramount to preserving this special place for the future.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Rāhui and Closure
+1The closure serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting natural environments and adhering to local customs. Many visitors express sadness and frustration over the closure, highlighting the need for greater awareness and responsibility when exploring sensitive natural sites. The hope is that by respecting the rāhui, the mauri (life force) of the Mermaid Pools can be restored, potentially allowing for future access under managed conditions.
Travelers are strongly advised to heed all signage and local guidance regarding the closure. While the hike to the general vicinity may still be possible, entering the closed pools is prohibited and disrespectful. Prioritizing the preservation of these natural treasures ensures they can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Navigating the Hike and Tide
The timing of your visit is crucial, as the Mermaid Pools are best experienced during low tide. At low tide, the pools are more visible, accessible, and safer to explore. High tide can submerge the pools and make the surrounding rocks treacherous. Always check local tide charts before heading out to ensure you can safely enjoy the coastal environment.
Even with the closure, understanding the historical access and natural conditions provides context for the area's beauty. The hike itself offers scenic coastal views, and Matapouri Beach provides ample opportunities for exploration, including rocky outcrops and hidden coves, even if the pools themselves are off-limits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit