Located in the North Shore district of Auckland, the Matakana Coast is a beautiful beach area with charming seaside towns and villages, romantic vineyards, diverse landscapes and stunning beaches. You’ll find a range of outdoor activities on the Matakana Coast, including diving and snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, picnicking and hiking. The Matakana Coast also has excitement for the whole family with kid-friendly beaches and gentle surf for young children. However you’re looking to spend your time in the region, find out more about the best beaches for family and adventure, and explore Matakana holiday homes to plan your trip.
Tawharanui Beach for nature and adventure
Located in Tawharanui Regional Park, Tawharanui Beach offers a long, sandy stretch that’s regarded as one of the best sunbathing, swimming and surfing beaches in the Auckland region. Near the beach, you’ll find grassy areas with shade for picnics and grilling. After spending time by the water, you can take ecology trails in the park to see the coast and endangered dotterel birds. If you continue, you’ll head into native forest with all kinds of unique wildlife.
Mahurangi Beach for family fun
Mahurangi Beach is a beautiful beach in Mahurangi Regional Park. The beach is on the quiet Mita Bay, but you’ll find a nearby beach on Otarawao Bay as well. Both offer soft sand and gentle waters for children to swim and wade in. If you want to get some adventure in, Mahurangi Beach offers kayaking, fishing and excellent dive spots where you can see unique marine life. The park is also home to many Maori cultural sites, including fortified pa sites at Cudlip, Te Muri Point and Opahi.
Te Kohuroa for watersports
Te Kohuroa, also known as Mathesons Bay, is a scenic beach area that’s popular for holidays. The beautiful beach is sheltered from the ocean by a reef and island, so it’s perfect for small children and water sports like kayaking. You can take the kids to explore the rock pools at low tide or dive below the surface to see marine life on the reef. There’s a lot more to see near the beach, such as coastal paths and the Kohuroa Stream and footbridge. If you want to have a picnic, the beach has several grassy areas near the sand. For more adventurous excursions, Matheson has a dive school and tours.
Accommodation on the Matakana Coast
From sprawling holiday homes for the family to luxurious resorts by the sea, the Matakana Coast has it all. Take a look at the options for accommodation on the Matakana Coast to see what it has to offer.
Family holiday homes
Holiday homes are the most versatile option for your stay on the Matakana Coast, especially for family trips. You’ll find holiday homes in just about every size and style you can think of, including budget-friendly and luxurious, so you can have just what you want for the trip. Many holiday homes are available on the beachfront, but you’ll also find holiday homes in town or tucked away in the wilderness for total peace and privacy. If you’re bringing the kids, you can book a holiday home with kid-focused amenities like extra bedrooms with bunk beds, toys and games, entertainment systems and backyards. Holidays homes like the Classic Kiwi Bach offer a lot of family-focused amenities, such as a large yard for the kids to play, a quiet bay for safe swimming and modern media features.
Beach baches
Beach baches offer privacy and comfort for your beach trip. You’ll find plenty of beach baches along the shores for long days of sun and surf. Beach baches are available within steps of the sand or tucked away in the forest, so you can have as much scenic beauty as you wish. Baches come in a range of options, whether you need one suited for families with kids or prefer a cosy space to yourself. On the Beach at Snells Beach provides you with beach access, a paved oceanfront walkway, nearby ferries to Kawau Island and more.
Hotels and resorts
If you want a conventional holiday experience, the Matakana Coast offers an array of hotels and resorts near the beaches with all kinds of exciting amenities. You’ll find everything from affordable resorts for families to luxury hotels with decadent furnishings and on-site amenities such as pools, spas, fitness centres and organised tours and activities. If you’re planning a romantic trip, having a hotel or resort stay keeps you close to the beach and provides you with intimate nightlife and dining for a memorable experience.