Matai Bay is a sheltered bay located 40 km northeast of Kaitaia at the top of the the Karikari Peninsula . Featuring 2 crescent-shaped coves, the picturesque white sandy beaches are safe for swimming and are popular with local families and visitors from the nearby Department of Conservation campsite.

Also a great fishing and diving spot, you can dive from the shore and view colourful marine life on the rocky reefs. Dive from the Matai Bay Pinnacle which is just 5 minutes away by boat and you will find yourself surrounded by fabulous schools of fish.

Products and specialities

Picturesque bay
Beaches
Swimming
Fishing
Diving
Camping

Reviews

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Matai Bay is an epic beach AND DOC campground. People can’t believe how beautiful and perfect the turquoise water and white, white sand is. The water clarity is so good it’s well worth taking a snorkel, sometimes you even see stingrays basking in the sunshine!

This is one of the most incredible beaches. You could literally be in the tropics by the looks of it. I love bringing people here because they can't believe how white the sand is and how blue the water is.

Matai Bay is gorgeous wee bay popular as a holiday destination and a day trip spot. The water is lovely and clear and the waves are small, making snorkeling around the rocky points a wonderful experience. Be sure to explore the caverns and the rock pools which team with cute little oceanic critters. Bring a picnic and some sunblock for an unforgettable northern beach trip.

This picturesque beach is, with its neighbour Waikato Bay, really two-in-one. With crystal clear water and lots of sea life, perfect for snorkeling, the pair of horseshoe-shaped bays together form a heart. If you’ve got some time, set up camp at the DoC grounds and swim your own heart out.

This picturesque beach is, with its neighbour Waikato Bay, really two-in-one. With crystal clear water and lots of sea life, perfect for snorkeling, the pair of horseshoe-shaped bays together form a heart. If you’ve got some time, set up camp at the DoC grounds and swim your own heart out.