Whale Bay
Whale Bay boasts idyllic white sand, bush-fringed with big overhanging pōhutukawa trees, and safe swimming. Many say it is the best beach in Northland, if not in NZ. Unfortunately, it’s not that big, so try to avoid visiting during a holiday. There are no services, so we recommend taking a picnic.
Access is by foot only from the car park on Matapouri Road (30 minutes round trip) at the start of the Otito Track along the top of the ridge above the bay. It goes through mature bush and puriri trees before descending to the beach.
Whale Bay can also be accessed from Matapouri to the south. The most direct approach is a climb up the hill to the ridge above the bay from Morrison Rd and Ringer Ave, which takes 40 minutes one way.
Thanks to Jan Rozek for providing the photos.
