Matapouri Bay
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Matapouri Bay
Matapouri Bay is an attractive beach location and it has a solid residential base that provides a good number of beach users during the summer. The bay is safe for the most part however care needs to be taken during large easterly swells that come directly into the bay. Matapouri Bay has no Lifeguarding Service.
Ratings
Activities and facilities
Activities
- Canoeing/kayaking
- Dog walking
- Horse riding
- Snorkelling
- Wind/kite surfing
Facilities
- Car parking
- Food and beverage kiosk
- Public toilets
Forecast provided by SwellMap.com
Tides
Safety at Matapouri Bay
We want you to have a great time whilst visiting Matapouri Bay. But take a moment to learn more about being safe on New Zealand Beaches. More ►
Unpatrolled Beach

Never swim or surf alone.
Hazards
Click a safety symbol for more information on the risk
4 simple rules to keep you safe
We want you to have a great time whilst visiting Matapouri Bay. But take a moment to learn more about being safe on New Zealand beaches and looking out for each other. More ►
The Water Safety Code:
- Be prepared
- Watch out for yourself and others
- Be aware of the dangers
- Know your limits
Location
Matapouri Bay is located 36 kilometres from Whangarei, 2 kilometres south of Woolleys Bay. The bay is striking in appearance. Its 700 metre golden sand beach is bound at each end by large rocky headlands that form a keyhole to the South Pacific Ocean. There are rocks and reefs scattered around both headlands although there is a much greater concentration around the southern. At the base of the southern headland there is an inlet that separates it from the sand, while there are two small sandy areas on the northern headland that are isolated by rocky outcrops. The entire beach area is backed by a vegetation covered sand dune and reserve, while behind this there are numerous residential houses. There is a toilet at the beach while other facilities are only a short walk of 200 metres.
Public Transport
Sorry, we have no public transport information available for this beach.
Beach Water Quality
Many councils provide the results of their weekly monitoring. This lets people know what the most recent bacteria levels were. Remember, even sites with low risk can be unsuitable to swim at from time to time and we recommend that you avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rainfall.
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