When touring with my passengers who are on their holiday in NewZealand, we are often looking or listening for that ‘WOW’ factor, I tell you, that is Matauri Bay. Situated some 17kms from State H’Way 10.
The turn off is just north of Kerikeri and winds its way towards the coast. At the top of the descent to the coast there are a couple of lay-bys where you can stop to take pictures or just immerse yourself in the splendour of the view.
Most of the land around here is Maori Land, as you drive toward the end of the beach you pass by a number of houses and batches where the locals live. Right at the end of the bay is a campground and local store. The day was just glorious and I wanted to make the most of it as the next day, Monday, is forecast to be overcast and not too good. At the camp end of Matauri Bay is a small headland and around the corner another beautiful bay, Putataua Bay.
Ideal end to a campervan holiday in New Zealand
Looking to the southern end of the beachThe East coast of the North Island typically has great swimming beaches and popular boat ramps for the boaties. They launch from these boat ramps to go fishing. In fact 4 young men had their cars and trailers parked next to me. When they returned they were sporting some nice fish they had caught, one was the biggest snapper I have ever seen in real life, I would say about 8kgs.
Memorial to Rainbow Warrior Crewman
Matauri Bay is best known these days for the final resting place of the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace’s flag ship of the 1980’s. The Rainbow Warrior was bombed in Auckland Harbour in 1985 by two French secret service agents. This is about the only act of terrorism that we have had here in New Zealand. It was then towed up to Matauri Bay area and scuttled. Now a marine reserve and popular dive spot for both locals and those having a holiday in New Zealand.At the top of the small hill on the point of the bay is a monument to Rainbow warrior and the crew member who was killed in the bombing. Quite a walk up to the top for an unfit bus driver like me, but well worth the view.
So take a peaceful break, go on a campervan holiday in New Zealand to Matauri Bayand go fishing, swimming, scuba diving or just relax in this wonderland.
Have you visited or stayed at Matauri Bay?
Sound like a great place to stay?
Then please leave a comment, love to hear from you.
How to get there:-
Take State H’Way 1 from Auckland and head north through Whangarei, at Kawakawa turn left and continue on State H’Way 1 to the Pakaraka junction.
Here you turn right onto State H’Way 10 and travel for about 33 km’s through Kerikeri untill you reach Matauri Bay Rd on the right.
It is then a further 15 km’s to the beach.
Total distance from Auckland approx 280 km’s, traveling time approx 4hrs including a 30min refreshment stop.
GPS Co-Ordinates:- -35.027743,173.913579
Whats the weather likely to be?
Whats there:-
A motorcamp camping ground that has fuel and a small shop. Very friendly awesome people.
Matauri Bay Holiday Park
Nicely written. Matauri bay looks like a peaceful place to spend some time. Watched the video and really appreciate the fact that you have integrated videos in your post. Can snorkeling be done as well?
Veena,
Thank you for your comment, yes a very relaxing place. Snorkeling is most certainly on the agenda, as there is a near by marine reserve.
New Zealand looks so beautiful, and your words make it seem peaceful as well. All I know of New Zealand comes from the news, my geography education (Quite rudimentary, I assure you.) and the amazing New Zealand apples that shop up in grocery stores around the world.
I would love to see more about sight-seeing by camper van. Where do you camp? What are meals like? I have camped a great deal in my life, mostly primitive camping. Sitting around a campfire at night might be my favorite thing – but no that can’t be. My favorite thing is looking up at the night sky with no lights to detract from the beauty of the stars.
Elizabeth,
Thank you for your comments. New Zealand is down in the south Pacific. There are a number of places you can camp from caravan parks to areas that allow freedom campers.
Meals – like anywhere really, we have all the usual fast food outlets, McD’s etc. Otherwise in a camper you cook your own.
Check back later, you have given me some great ideas for future posts.
Mark
Matauri bay looks and sounds amazing. I love the ocean and everything that goes with it.
Will definitely add this to my list of places to visit.
Thanks for the information.
Jean
Jean,
Thank you for your comment. Look forward to seeing you here.
This was beautiful done. I always wanted to go to New Zealand. It looks so green, calm, and peaceful. I can only imagine what the seafood taste like, Are you on the video? Thank for the post.
Reggie,
Thank you fr your comment, Yes NZ is a great place to live and visit.
No I’m not on the video, but one of those things to do on the site.
Mark