Matauri Bay: Northland's Hidden Gem
Just a 30-minute drive from Kerigold Chalets, Matauri Bay offers one of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches and a powerful environmental legacy.
Quick Navigation
Essential Info
- Location: 30 mins from Kerikeri
- Beach: White sand, swimming safe
- Facilities: Toilets, camping
- Best time: Summer months
I'll never forget the first time I drove over the hill and saw Matauri Bay spread out below me - that view literally took my breath away. As a Kerikeri local who's spent countless summer days at this beach, I can honestly say it's one of Northland's most spectacular coastal spots, yet it remains relatively uncrowded compared to other beaches in the region.
Matauri Bay offers that perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and a powerful environmental story that makes it so much more than just a pretty beach. The crystal-clear waters, white sand, and the dramatic Cavalli Islands offshore create a postcard-perfect scene that's just a 30-minute drive from Kerigold Chalets.
Getting There
The journey to Matauri Bay is part of the experience, with stunning coastal views along the way:
Directions from Kerigold Chalets
Head north on Kerikeri Road, then turn left onto State Highway 10 toward Kaeo. After about 15 minutes, turn right onto Matauri Bay Road (look for the signs). Follow this winding road for about 10 minutes until you reach the lookout point at the top of the hill - trust me, you'll want to stop here for photos! Then continue down to the beach.
Total driving time: About 30 minutes (35km)
Road conditions: Sealed all the way, but winding in places
Local Tip
The lookout at the top of the hill before you descend to the beach offers one of the best photo opportunities in Northland. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Cavalli Islands and beyond. I always bring visitors here, and they're invariably blown away by the view.
Rainbow Warrior Memorial
What makes Matauri Bay truly special is its connection to one of New Zealand's most significant environmental moments - the Rainbow Warrior story:
The Rainbow Warrior Story
The Rainbow Warrior was Greenpeace's flagship vessel, bombed by French secret service agents in Auckland Harbor in 1985 while preparing to protest French nuclear testing in the Pacific. After the bombing, which killed photographer Fernando Pereira, the ship was given a final resting place off the Cavalli Islands near Matauri Bay.
Today, the wreck is a popular diving site, and a powerful memorial stands on the headland overlooking the bay. The memorial features the ship's propeller and a beautiful sculpture that captures the spirit of environmental activism that the Rainbow Warrior represented.
Walking up to the memorial is something I do every time I visit Matauri Bay. There's something deeply moving about standing there, looking out over the Cavalli Islands where the ship now rests, and reflecting on the environmental battles that continue today. The memorial is about a 15-minute walk from the beach car park, up a moderately steep path to the headland.
Visiting the Memorial
- The walk to the memorial takes about 15 minutes from the beach car park
- The path is well-formed but steep in places - wear decent footwear
- Bring a camera - the views from the memorial are spectacular
- Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography
Beach Activities
Matauri Bay is perfect for a range of beach activities:
Swimming
The beach is generally safe for swimming, with a gentle gradient and usually calm conditions in the main bay. As a regular visitor, I find the water here clearer and often warmer than many other Northland beaches. The northern end of the beach tends to be quieter if you're looking for a more secluded spot.
Surfing
When conditions are right (usually with a direct east swell), Matauri Bay offers some excellent surfing, particularly at the north end of the beach. It's not as consistent as some other Northland surf spots, but when it's working, it's fantastic. I've had some of my best surfing days here, especially in autumn when the crowds have thinned out.
Kayaking
Kayaking around the bay and out to the closer Cavalli Islands is a magical experience. The water is often crystal clear, allowing you to see fish swimming beneath you. If you don't have your own kayak, there's sometimes a rental operation at the beach during peak summer season.
Beach Essentials
There are limited facilities at Matauri Bay, so I always recommend bringing everything you need for the day. There's a small store at the camping ground that sells basics during summer, but it's best to come prepared with food, drinks, sunscreen, and shade.
Snorkeling & Diving
The waters around Matauri Bay and the Cavalli Islands offer some of Northland's best snorkeling and diving:
Snorkeling from the Beach
The rocky areas at either end of the beach offer good snorkeling, with plenty of fish life to observe. I particularly like the northern end where there are some interesting rock formations and usually good visibility. Even just a few meters offshore, you'll see a variety of fish species in the clear water.
Rainbow Warrior Dive Site
For certified divers, the Rainbow Warrior wreck is a must-do experience. Lying in about 26 meters of water off the Cavalli Islands, the wreck has become an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Several dive operators in the Bay of Islands run trips to the site.
I've dived the wreck several times, and it's always a powerful experience. The ship is now covered in colorful anemones and corals, and large schools of fish circle the structure. It's a beautiful transformation of a vessel that stood for environmental protection into a thriving marine ecosystem.
Diving Tips
- Book Rainbow Warrior dives well in advance - they're popular and weather-dependent
- The best visibility is usually during winter months (June-August)
- The dive is rated intermediate to advanced due to depth and occasional currents
- Bring an underwater camera if you have one - the photo opportunities are excellent
Cultural Significance
Matauri Bay has deep significance to local Māori:
Ngāti Kura
The area is the ancestral home of Ngāti Kura, a hapū (sub-tribe) of Ngāpuhi. The land around Matauri Bay has been occupied by Māori for centuries, and there are several significant cultural sites in the area.
The Cavalli Islands (Te Kauri) offshore were named by Captain Cook, but have long held importance to local Māori as fishing grounds and for their spiritual significance. When visiting, it's important to respect the cultural heritage of this special place.
Local Tips for Visiting Matauri Bay
As someone who visits Matauri Bay regularly, here are some insider tips to make your visit even better:
Best Times to Visit
- Early Morning: For the most peaceful experience and best photography light, arrive before 9am
- Weekdays: Much quieter than weekends, especially during summer
- Shoulder Season: March-April and November-December offer great weather with fewer crowds
What to Bring
- Beach Essentials: Sunscreen, hat, water, and beach umbrella (there's limited natural shade)
- Picnic Supplies: There are no food vendors at the beach, so bring your own refreshments
- Camera: The views from the lookout and memorial are some of the best photo opportunities in Northland
- Snorkeling Gear: If you have your own, the clear waters are perfect for exploring
Frequently Asked Questions about Matauri Bay
Experience Matauri Bay During Your Stay
Stay at Kerigold Chalets and explore Matauri Bay and other coastal treasures from our central Kerikeri location.