Matarangi: Beach, Walking Tracks and Golf

Matarangi combines a distinctive coastal setting with walking tracks and a golf course. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Matarangi, the beach, a walking route or golf may influence your trip planning. The following features distinguish these options and help you understand the area based on the activities that matter to you.

Coast and beach

Matarangi was built on a spit. Whangapoua Harbour lies on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Matarangi Beach is 4.5 kilometres long and faces north. This clearly distinguishes both the town’s location between the harbour and the Pacific and the beach’s length and orientation. Swimming, windsurfing and fishing are possible at Matarangi Beach. Matarangi is also a significant breeding area for the endangered New Zealand dotterel. Coastal activities and its importance as a breeding area are equally part of the destination’s character.

Walking tracks with different time estimates

The Matarangi Bluff Track connects Matarangi with Rings Beach. Walking from Matarangi to Rings Beach takes 15 to 20 minutes; along the way, the track offers views of Matarangi, Kūaotunu and the Coromandel Peninsula. Another option is the Matarangi Beach and Spit Walk: this easy walk is 4 kilometres long and takes 45 minutes. The time estimates refer to different routes: the Bluff Track is the shorter connection to Rings Beach, while the four-kilometre Beach and Spit Walk takes longer. For planning, the destination matters as well as the duration: Rings Beach on one route, and the separate Beach and Spit Walk on the other. This lets you distinguish a shorter window of time from a longer walk.

Golf and boat ramp

The Dunes golf course is located in the Matarangi beach settlement. It is an 18-hole course originally designed by Bob Charles. The Dunes is open year-round and welcomes members, guest players and groups. This is a specific option if you want golf to be part of your stay alongside the beach and walking tracks. Year-round operation answers the question of seasonality, while the visitor groups indicate who the course welcomes.

Another water-related facility is the Matarangi Boat Ramp on Harbour Drive. It is a large concrete ramp with three lanes and a central floating pontoon, and can be used at any tide. The location on Harbour Drive provides a geographical reference; the lanes, pontoon and use at any tide describe the facility itself.

Whangapoua nearby

Whangapoua is a 15-minute drive from Matarangi and is regarded as the gateway to New Chums Beach. This provides a distinct point of reference for choosing a location: Matarangi Beach and the golf course describe features in Matarangi, while Whangapoua is regarded as the gateway to New Chums Beach. When comparing hotels in Matarangi, this distinction helps you separate the location of your search from a destination in the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Pauanui, Opito Bay, Hot Water Beach, Colville, Whenuakite, Opoutere, Cooks Beach, Hikutaia

Go to the wider travel overview: Thames-Coromandel District.