Matauri Bay
A breathtaking coastal escape with pristine white sands, clear waters, and a poignant history, offering stunning island views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Good for snorkeling & diving
Matauri Bay
Best Time
Good for snorkeling & diving
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal escape with pristine white sands, clear waters, and a poignant history, offering stunning island views.
"By far the best beach we've ever swum at. White sand, stunning views, and crystal clear water."
Pack Sun Protection ☀️
No natural shade here! Bring hats, sunscreen, and consider a beach umbrella for comfort.
BYO Water & Snacks 💧
There are no shops or taps at the bay, so pack all your essentials.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crescent Beach
Matauri Bay
A stunning stretch of bright white sand with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and spotting small fish.
Rainbow Warrior Memorial
Top of the hill overlooking the bay
A poignant memorial offering panoramic views and a connection to Aotearoa's history.
Cavalli Islands Views
Overlooking the bay
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Cavalli Islands, adding to the coastal escape's allure.
Surfing and Bodyboarding
Matauri Bay
Catch the waves at this spot, known for its surf-ready swells when conditions are right.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Matauri Bay
Essential Packing for Matauri Bay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Sun Protection ☀️
No natural shade here! Bring hats, sunscreen, and consider a beach umbrella for comfort.
BYO Water & Snacks 💧
There are no shops or taps at the bay, so pack all your essentials.
Hitchhiking Caution ⚠️
If hitchhiking, start early and plan your return; getting stuck is a real possibility.
Explore the Hill Track 🚶♀️
A track leads up the hill from the campground for fantastic views and the Rainbow Warrior memorial.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Sun Protection ☀️
No natural shade here! Bring hats, sunscreen, and consider a beach umbrella for comfort.
BYO Water & Snacks 💧
There are no shops or taps at the bay, so pack all your essentials.
Hitchhiking Caution ⚠️
If hitchhiking, start early and plan your return; getting stuck is a real possibility.
Explore the Hill Track 🚶♀️
A track leads up the hill from the campground for fantastic views and the Rainbow Warrior memorial.
Wetsuit for Water Fun 🤿
Water can be cool, so a wetsuit is recommended for snorkeling or diving in November.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Matauri Bay is widely praised as a hidden gem with stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and water sports. Visitors love the breathtaking views of the Cavalli Islands and the poignant Rainbow Warrior memorial. Some note the lack of amenities and the need for self-sufficiency, advising visitors to pack essentials.
"Matauri Bay is a hidden gem. Only 20min from from Kerikeri. Beautiful sand with lots of shells. Excellent for surfing when the waves are up. Responsibly safe for swimming but no life guards. No shelter from the sun so bring sunshade is planning on a day out. Good parking with toilets available. Small well established camping ground situated at one end. If you would like a walk there is a track through the camp up the hill. Fantastic views and the Rainbow Warrior memorial is at the top of the hill."
Dianne Miller
"This place is AMAZING! By far the best beach we've ever swum at. White sand, stunning views, and crystal clear water. Nothing underfoot but sand when you're in the water (which is great for someone like me who hates things touching my feet in the water). Lots of small fish swimming around us at waist depth, and lovely gentle rolling waves. We parked next to the camping ground and it an easy 3 minute flat walk to the beach. Don't miss out on visiting this gem."
Glenda & Michael Chong
"Such an amazing place!! The bay is absolutely stunning and the view with the islands just off the coast is incredible! The sand is very bright, soft and clean and it's a good place to surf. The drive down the hill just before you reach the bay is very beautiful with the view down the bay and the coast from a birds point of view. Overall it's a place you don't wanna miss out on while being around Kerikeri and definitely worth spending the day :)
Don't forget to pack plenty of water and beers since there is no tap or shop out there.
And for those trying to hitchhike there, start early and don't leave too late, because if you don't manage to get a ride back u stuck there for good since it's a fair bit away from any town.
Enjoy ;)"
Dominik Stoltze
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Matauri Bay is approximately a 20-minute drive from Kerikeri. The drive down the hill just before reaching the bay offers beautiful coastal views.
Public transport options are limited. Hitchhiking is possible but requires careful planning for return trips.
There is good parking available near the beach, with access points to both public and private areas.
Yes, campervans are welcome, and there's a well-established camping ground at one end of the bay.
Absolutely! The drive down the hill offers stunning 'bird's eye view' perspectives of the bay and coastline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Matauri Bay itself is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Camping fees apply if you stay at the campground.
No, there are no lifeguards on duty at Matauri Bay, so swim responsibly.
The Matauri Bay Holiday Park is generally open year-round, but it's best to check their specific hours for booking and amenities.
It's advisable to book accommodation, especially during peak season, as the camping ground is well-established.
The Rainbow Warrior Memorial is freely accessible as part of the walk up the hill from the campground.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, snorkeling, and exploring the beach. The Rainbow Warrior memorial walk is also a must-do.
Yes, it's considered responsibly safe for swimming with lovely gentle rolling waves and sandy bottoms.
Yes, snorkeling and diving are possible, especially in November with a wetsuit, offering a chance to see marine life.
The sand is described as bright, soft, clean, and white, with nothing but sand underfoot in the water. +1
Yes, toilets are available at the bay, along with good parking facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no shops or eateries directly at the bay. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks.
The campground store may offer basic supplies, but it's best to be self-sufficient for meals.
Yes, Matauri Bay is a perfect spot for a picnic, just remember to bring all your food and drinks.
You'll find grocery stores in nearby towns like Kerikeri before heading to Matauri Bay.
BBQ facilities are not explicitly mentioned, so it's best to assume you'll need to bring your own portable grill if desired.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning crescent beach, the panoramic views of the Cavalli Islands, and the Rainbow Warrior memorial.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow over the bay.
The track up the hill to the Rainbow Warrior memorial provides excellent elevated viewpoints of the bay.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and respect privacy before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and island views. A telephoto lens can be useful for island details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider staying at the Matauri Bay Holiday Park for easy access to the beach and basic amenities. The walk up to the Rainbow Warrior memorial offers a chance for a short, scenic hike with a historical lesson. Just be sure to bring all your food and drinks, as there are no shops nearby.
🚗 Campervan Travelers
+1 You can wake up to stunning coastal views and spend your days exploring the bay. Remember that amenities are limited, so stock up on supplies in Kerikeri before you arrive. The drive down to the bay itself is beautiful, offering a preview of the stunning scenery.
🌊 Water Sports Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Matauri Bay
Beyond this historical connection, Matauri Bay is also a significant site for the local Ngāti Kura iwi. The community actively uses and cares for this area, with events like whare openings and blessings taking place, highlighting the strong connection between the people and their land.
+1Visitors can feel this deep connection to the land and sea, making a visit to Matauri Bay an experience that resonates on multiple levels – from its natural beauty to its historical and cultural depth.
Activities and Water Sports
For those seeking underwater exploration, snorkeling and diving are popular activities. While the water temperature can be cool, particularly in November, wearing a wetsuit opens up opportunities to see small fish and marine life.
Beyond the water, the track through the campground up the hill offers a rewarding walk. This path leads to the Rainbow Warrior memorial and provides fantastic panoramic views of the bay and the distant Cavalli Islands, making it a must-do for photographers and history buffs alike.
Camping and Amenities
+1While the bay itself is quite remote and lacks shops or cafes, the campground store can offer basic supplies. However, it's strongly advised for visitors to pack all their own food, water, and drinks to ensure they have everything they need for their visit, especially if planning a day trip or a longer stay.
Parking is readily available, and there are toilet facilities at the bay, contributing to a comfortable visitor experience. The proximity of the campground to the beach means easy access for campers to enjoy the sand and sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit