Matapouri Bay is just 40 minutes from Whangarei and you couldn't feel more away from the crowds if you tried. I would rate this as one of the prettiest beaches I have ever been to in New Zealand both for its stunning white sandy beach and for its absolute peace and tranquility.

There are no crowds, it is secluded and sheltered, there is a stunning beach, rock pools and coastal walks. Matapouri Bay really has it all! The Matapouri Headland Track starts from Matapouri Bay and follows the coast all the way to Whale Bay, where both beaches are absolutely magical

There is freedom camping available at Matapouri Bay for self contained vehicles.

Photography info: Sunrise is the best time to shoot Matapouri Bay. There is a perfect wooden boardwalk leading down to the bay which I took advantage of as a leading line for my photograph. There are lots of tussocks and dunes that make interesting foreground also.