Matarangi: Spit, Beach and Walking Tracks

Matarangi is on a spit, with Whangapoua Harbour on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Matarangi Beach stretches 4.5 kilometres and faces north. The coast is therefore a defining feature of the town, while walking tracks and The Dunes Golf Course offer other specific points of interest.

Beach and Nature

Swimming, windsurfing and fishing are all possible at Matarangi Beach. Matarangi is also an important breeding area for the endangered New Zealand dotterel. As well as its beach activities, the coastal town has a distinct connection to nature. If you like to plan your days around a variety of activities, the sea and an important wildlife habitat are both part of the same destination.

On Foot: Two Different Walks

The Matarangi Bluff Track connects Matarangi with Rings Beach and offers views of Matarangi, Kūaotunu and the Coromandel Peninsula. The walk from Matarangi to Rings Beach takes 15 to 20 minutes. The journey time is clearly defined, and the views add another appeal beyond the destination itself.

The Matarangi Beach and Spit Walk is different: it is 4 kilometres long, rated easy and takes 45 minutes to walk. The stated walking time is longer than for the Bluff Track, and the routes also differ in what they offer: one connects Matarangi with Rings Beach, while the other is described as a beach and spit walk. You can choose between a shorter route to a named destination and a longer route that is explicitly rated easy.

Golf and Boat Ramp

The Dunes Golf Course offers another holiday option. The course is in the Matarangi beach settlement, has 18 holes and was originally designed by Bob Charles. It is open year-round and welcomes members, visiting golfers and groups. For travellers who want to include golf as well as the coast in their plans, the course is a clear point of reference.

Another maritime landmark is the Matarangi Boat Ramp on Harbour Drive. The large concrete ramp has three lanes and a central floating jetty; it can be used at any tide.

Nearby: Whangapoua

Whangapoua offers a different kind of visit: it is a 15-minute drive from Matarangi and is known as the gateway to New Chums Beach. While the Matarangi Bluff Track leads on foot to Rings Beach, this drive takes you to a neighbouring town and the access point for New Chums Beach.

The Wider Setting: Thames-Coromandel District

Across the wider Thames-Coromandel District, the landscape is shaped by dramatic topography and coastline, native forests and a variety of coastal settlements. The district also has around 2,000 hectares of parks and protected areas.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tapu, Tairua, Coromandel, Kuaotunu, Whenuakite, Pauanui, Opito Bay, Colville

For the broader travel overview: Thames-Coromandel District.