Matata – Lagoon, Dunes and Coast

Matata is shaped by a distinctive lagoon and coastal landscape. The short Matatā Lagoon Track winds through dunes beside the Matatā Wildlife Refuge; surfcasting and swimming are possible at the beach. At the same time, the lagoon, known as Te Awa o Te Atua, holds great cultural and ecological significance. This gives you different ways to plan your trip to Matata: enjoy a walk, birdwatching and time at the beach, as well as insights into the area's history.

Lagoon, Dunes and Beach

The Matatā Lagoon Track is a short walking track that forms a loop through the dunes beside the Matatā Wildlife Refuge. The entrance is on Arawa Street in Matata. From there, a 200-metre gravel road leads to the car park at the trailhead. Road and track conditions can change, so it is a good idea to check current conditions before setting out.

There is a birdwatching shelter along the track. If you plan to visit it, it is a good idea to check its condition beforehand. At Matatā Beach, you can consider surfcasting and swimming; check swimming conditions locally. From Matata, there are also views of Moutohorā, Whakaari/White Island and along the East Coast. The possible experiences vary: a short loop through the dunes, birdwatching from the shelter, or time on the coast.

Camping as an Accommodation Option

Matata Campsite is a family-friendly coastal campground beside the Matatā Wildlife Refuge. If you are considering camping as an accommodation option, you can include it when choosing where to stay. The campsite is accessible from Arawa Street via a 200-metre gravel road. As road conditions can change, check the current access before travelling. These details refer to this campground and can help you distinguish camping from other accommodation options when planning your trip.

Cultural Significance and History

Te Awa o Te Atua, a name for Matata Lagoon, is a place of great cultural and ecological significance. The lagoon shapes the connection of the community and Mana Whenua to their Rohe. The Matata area was originally known as Te Awa o Te Atua, meaning “River of the Gods”. The lagoon is therefore not only a feature of the landscape, but also part of the area's cultural history.

Kohika Pā is a swamp pā with preserved wooden artefacts and archaeological structures. The features described include house floors, pits, post-hole patterns and a burial. The settlement is estimated to date from probably 300 to 400 years ago. Important for planning your visit: the historic site is private and not open to the public. Preserved wooden artefacts are rare; no comparable site to Kohika Pā is known in the Rangitaiki Plains or Bay of Plenty.

The Wider Setting: Whakatane District

The wider Whakatane District offers a broader view of the coast. The district has more than 50 km of coastline. Ōhope Beach stretches for 11 km from the entrance to Ōhiwa Harbour to West End, with white sand that is easy to walk on. Ōhiwa Harbour offers opportunities for sightseeing, walking, fishing and kayaking. These regional options differ from Matata’s short dune loop and activities at Matatā Beach: you can plan your trip according to the kind of landscape and day’s activities you are looking for.

Discover more destinations: Nukuhou, Taneatua, Awakeri, Minginui, Edgecumbe, Murupara, Whakatane, Ohope.

View the wider travel guide: Whakatane District.