Matapouri – Coastal Walks and Whale Bay

Linked coastal walks between Matapōuri and Whale Bay wind through native forest and offer impressive views of the coast. Mature pūriri, pōhutukawa and kōwhai trees shape the landscape along the way. There are also several walks of different lengths, from a short stretch on the Ridge Track to the longer Matapōuri Headland Track. When choosing your holiday rental in Matapouri, you can consider whether your trip will focus mainly on time at the beach, a walk through bushland or a longer coastal hike.

Coastal walks of different lengths

The Matapōuri Headland Track is 1.1 km long; about 40 minutes is given for one way. You can start at the Whale Bay car park or at the northern end of Matapōuri Beach. These two stated starting points give you a practical guide for planning your day. The Whale Bay Track is shorter at 530 m and takes about 20 minutes one way. It is paved with stone and leads through bushland down to the bay.

The Morrison Reserve Track and Ridge Track also have their own clearly specified distances: the Morrison Reserve Track is listed as 525 m and about 20 minutes each way, and the Ridge Track as 270 m and about 15 minutes each way. If you want to compare the routes, these two walks are similar in length; the stated walking time for the Ridge Track is shorter. These details can help you choose a suitable route without combining the different walks into a single loop.

Beach and water at Matapōuri

Matapōuri Beach is a family-friendly beach with safe swimming. For families and relaxed paddling, the area inside Matapouri Bay or Whale Bay is suitable when the swell is low and the wind is offshore. These conditions are part of the description of the paddling area and are important when choosing the right time. The beach and water offer a different kind of holiday from the bushland walks: you can focus your stay more on the coast and swimming, or include walks in your day.

Starting points and directions

The Matapōuri/Whale Bay walking area has a car park on Matapōuri Road. Public parking for Matapōuri is also available on Wehiwehi Road and at Morrison Avenue. The Whale Bay car park and the northern end of Matapōuri Beach are listed as starting points for the Matapōuri Headland Track. The path to Whale Bay leads from a car park through bushland to the bay; toilets are located at another beach access point.

The stated route distances and approximate one-way walking times make it easier to compare the walks. The car parks provide additional guidance for planning your day, while your choice of a specific accommodation should be made independently.

A name with a history

The name Whale Bay also points to the history of the place: the name in use today is associated with Māori launching early whaling ventures from there. This historical connection adds a cultural dimension to today’s landscape of coastal paths, bushland and bay. Alongside the beach and nature, anyone interested in the history of place names will find another reason to appreciate Matapōuri and Whale Bay.

More destination pages: Awanui, Rawhiti, Waipu, Otaika, Kaikohe, Ruakaka, Cable Bay, Whangaruru.

For the broader travel overview: Northland.