Matarangi guidebook

Emma
Matarangi guidebook

Sightseeing

Leaving the regular routes, the intrepid traveller will find this place to be pristine curved perfection. New Chum embodies 'The Coromandel good for your soul' vibe. This protected stretch of untouched land has no buildings, no roads, no infrastructure or camping - it is a jewel in New Zealand's coastal crown. From the north end of Whangapoua beach, cross the stream to begin your walk along the rocky shoreline and over the headland. The 1km long Wainuiototo Bay, or New Chum Beach, is approximately 30-40 mins walk via the Mangakahia Drive track over the saddle through spectacular nikau forest and giant pōhutukawa. There is a public toilet and parking at William Mangakahia Lagoon Reserve. Please remember to leave only footprints, bring out all your waste and take some water along for the walk. The area is much treasured and staunchly protected by locals and visitors who are determined to see the beach remain as it is forever. Find out more at www.preservenewchum.org.nz
84 locals recommend
New Chums Beach
84 locals recommend
Leaving the regular routes, the intrepid traveller will find this place to be pristine curved perfection. New Chum embodies 'The Coromandel good for your soul' vibe. This protected stretch of untouched land has no buildings, no roads, no infrastructure or camping - it is a jewel in New Zealand's coastal crown. From the north end of Whangapoua beach, cross the stream to begin your walk along the rocky shoreline and over the headland. The 1km long Wainuiototo Bay, or New Chum Beach, is approximately 30-40 mins walk via the Mangakahia Drive track over the saddle through spectacular nikau forest and giant pōhutukawa. There is a public toilet and parking at William Mangakahia Lagoon Reserve. Please remember to leave only footprints, bring out all your waste and take some water along for the walk. The area is much treasured and staunchly protected by locals and visitors who are determined to see the beach remain as it is forever. Find out more at www.preservenewchum.org.nz

Activity

The golf course is open for members and green fee players. The golf shop hours vary throughout the seasons, please see current hours updated as they change. Current Shop Hours & Tee Times: 7 days | 8am – dusk Originally designed by New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles, The Dunes has been a must-play course on the serious golfers’ itinerary for almost three decades. Originally a 9-hole course it was expanded to full 18-hole championship status 16 years ago and has played host to a NZPGA pro-am event. The Dunes is a true golfing experience – bordering the tranquil Whangapoua Harbour and a beautiful 4km sandy Matarangi beach, the course is set in glorious surroundings, with sea and harbour views from most holes and the Coromandel Range and Castle Rock forming a spectacular backdrop. It’s sand base provides the ideal all-weather facility and when combined with the challenging layout, the course is one every golfer should put on their bucket list. The Dunes is one of the most picturesque courses in New Zealand today. It will test even the very best and, if the golf is only average, the walk is still fantastic.
22 locals recommend
The Dunes Golf Resort Matarangi
741 Matarangi Dr
22 locals recommend
The golf course is open for members and green fee players. The golf shop hours vary throughout the seasons, please see current hours updated as they change. Current Shop Hours & Tee Times: 7 days | 8am – dusk Originally designed by New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles, The Dunes has been a must-play course on the serious golfers’ itinerary for almost three decades. Originally a 9-hole course it was expanded to full 18-hole championship status 16 years ago and has played host to a NZPGA pro-am event. The Dunes is a true golfing experience – bordering the tranquil Whangapoua Harbour and a beautiful 4km sandy Matarangi beach, the course is set in glorious surroundings, with sea and harbour views from most holes and the Coromandel Range and Castle Rock forming a spectacular backdrop. It’s sand base provides the ideal all-weather facility and when combined with the challenging layout, the course is one every golfer should put on their bucket list. The Dunes is one of the most picturesque courses in New Zealand today. It will test even the very best and, if the golf is only average, the walk is still fantastic.
One of the most unique things to do in the Coromandel. As you emerge through the native bush, the interplay of dancing light and rising steam invites you to explore and find a place to unwind. With water temperatures ranging from 32°C to 41°C and pools no deeper than chest height, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Poolside bar service, delicious cafe and a range of massage, facials and body scrubs to treat yourself. Make sure to book first.
122 locals recommend
The Lost Spring
121A Cook Dr
122 locals recommend
One of the most unique things to do in the Coromandel. As you emerge through the native bush, the interplay of dancing light and rising steam invites you to explore and find a place to unwind. With water temperatures ranging from 32°C to 41°C and pools no deeper than chest height, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Poolside bar service, delicious cafe and a range of massage, facials and body scrubs to treat yourself. Make sure to book first.

Food scene

LOCAL TO THE CORE Live Music, Beer/wine/cocktails & Woodfired Pizza Situated in the laid back village of Kuaotunu; Luke’s Kitchen is a rustic seaside restaurant with our café & art gallery adjacent creating a hub for locals, tourists and families. What started with just Luke, a couple of tables and a conventional oven has transformed into a space that has a traditional woodfired pizza oven at its heart, combining good honest food. If pizza doesn’t take your fancy, we have plenty of seafood choices, salads & revolving specials. Our café uses local organic coffee, daily homemade cabinet food & baked goods, with our latest venture offering fresh fruit & vege amongst other gems for sale. We regularly host live music for all to enjoy & offer a view that we feel sums up the beauty of the Coromandel. Sit back, relax and relish a true kiwi experience.
118 locals recommend
Lukes Kitchen
20 Black Jack Rd
118 locals recommend
LOCAL TO THE CORE Live Music, Beer/wine/cocktails & Woodfired Pizza Situated in the laid back village of Kuaotunu; Luke’s Kitchen is a rustic seaside restaurant with our café & art gallery adjacent creating a hub for locals, tourists and families. What started with just Luke, a couple of tables and a conventional oven has transformed into a space that has a traditional woodfired pizza oven at its heart, combining good honest food. If pizza doesn’t take your fancy, we have plenty of seafood choices, salads & revolving specials. Our café uses local organic coffee, daily homemade cabinet food & baked goods, with our latest venture offering fresh fruit & vege amongst other gems for sale. We regularly host live music for all to enjoy & offer a view that we feel sums up the beauty of the Coromandel. Sit back, relax and relish a true kiwi experience.
Located 100 meters up the road, The Dunes offers a dine-in restaurant, bar, woodfire pizzas, coffee cart during the day and lawn bowls. The perfect spot if you feel like a few drinks and don't want to drive anywhere.
22 locals recommend
The Dunes Golf Resort Matarangi
741 Matarangi Dr
22 locals recommend
Located 100 meters up the road, The Dunes offers a dine-in restaurant, bar, woodfire pizzas, coffee cart during the day and lawn bowls. The perfect spot if you feel like a few drinks and don't want to drive anywhere.
Pipers Cafe is the best & only cafe in Matarangi. Great coffee, smoothies, food and takeaways without the expensive price tag if you don't feel like cooking. They are open for dinner and often have live music in their courtyard.
20 locals recommend
Pipers Cafe & Catering
197 Matarangi Dr
20 locals recommend
Pipers Cafe is the best & only cafe in Matarangi. Great coffee, smoothies, food and takeaways without the expensive price tag if you don't feel like cooking. They are open for dinner and often have live music in their courtyard.
The closest supermarket to Matarangi is Countdown/New World in Whitiangi, however The Matarangi Foursquare has everything you need. Pop your head in and get familiar with what they offer, they are the best convenience store.
Four Square Matarangi
195 Matarangi Dr
The closest supermarket to Matarangi is Countdown/New World in Whitiangi, however The Matarangi Foursquare has everything you need. Pop your head in and get familiar with what they offer, they are the best convenience store.

Walks & Hikes

This popular short walk connects Matarangi and Rings Beach. It provides spectacular views over Matarangi, Kūaotunu and the Coromandel Peninsula. From Matarangi, the track takes you up a set of stairs to the saddle between Matarangi and Rings Beach. It passes a cellphone tower and then drops down to Rings Beach. There are views of the Coromandel Peninsula from the top. It takes 15–20 minutes to walk from Matarangi to Rings Beach. You can walk back to Matarangi following the old Bluff Road that is now closed to vehicle traffic due to erosion (add an extra 15–20 minutes for the walk back to Matarangi). The track is suited to walkers of all levels with easy gradients and only a small steep section with steps. Access to the track is from the end of Goldfields Drive in Matarangi or from the western end of Rings Beach. There is parking on both sides. Kauri trees are present in the area. Please use the cleaning stations at track entrances to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. The scenic Bluff Road skirting the coast between Matarangi and Kūaotunu is permanently closed to vehicle traffic due to a dangerous, collapsed cliff. Rings Beach is accessible by car from Kūaotunu at the eastern end of Bluff Road. There are no public toilets at Rings Beach or along the track. Dogs are not allowed off the lead on any of the tracks. Walking and tramping 20 min – 45 min Dogs on leash only
7 locals recommend
Matarangi Beach
7 locals recommend
This popular short walk connects Matarangi and Rings Beach. It provides spectacular views over Matarangi, Kūaotunu and the Coromandel Peninsula. From Matarangi, the track takes you up a set of stairs to the saddle between Matarangi and Rings Beach. It passes a cellphone tower and then drops down to Rings Beach. There are views of the Coromandel Peninsula from the top. It takes 15–20 minutes to walk from Matarangi to Rings Beach. You can walk back to Matarangi following the old Bluff Road that is now closed to vehicle traffic due to erosion (add an extra 15–20 minutes for the walk back to Matarangi). The track is suited to walkers of all levels with easy gradients and only a small steep section with steps. Access to the track is from the end of Goldfields Drive in Matarangi or from the western end of Rings Beach. There is parking on both sides. Kauri trees are present in the area. Please use the cleaning stations at track entrances to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. The scenic Bluff Road skirting the coast between Matarangi and Kūaotunu is permanently closed to vehicle traffic due to a dangerous, collapsed cliff. Rings Beach is accessible by car from Kūaotunu at the eastern end of Bluff Road. There are no public toilets at Rings Beach or along the track. Dogs are not allowed off the lead on any of the tracks. Walking and tramping 20 min – 45 min Dogs on leash only
Opera Point on the Coromandel Peninsula offers a walk on an old tramway line to a pleasant beach. The track follows an old tramway from the car park to a pleasant beach and the site of Craig’s saw mill, built in 1862. See Historic Opera Point. The Raukawa pā site on the reserve offers excellent coastal views. Walking and tramping 15 min Dog access Dogs on a leash only
Opera Point Walk
Opera Point Walk
Opera Point on the Coromandel Peninsula offers a walk on an old tramway line to a pleasant beach. The track follows an old tramway from the car park to a pleasant beach and the site of Craig’s saw mill, built in 1862. See Historic Opera Point. The Raukawa pā site on the reserve offers excellent coastal views. Walking and tramping 15 min Dog access Dogs on a leash only
Opito Point Pā Walk Enjoy the stunning views of the Mercury Islands from the pā site at the top of the Opito Point Historic Reserve. 1 km return via same track From the end of Opito Bay Road walk east along the beach. Ascend the 196 steps up Opito Point to the pā where you get sensational views of the Mercury Islands. Stairs have no handrails. There is a non-flushing public toilet at the carpark. Freedom camping is not allowed in this area. Check the tides. High tide makes the beach access difficult. Dog access changes seasonally – follow the council signs that are on the beach and accessways to the beach. Walking and tramping 1 hr return
Opito Pa walk
22 Moore Crescent
Opito Point Pā Walk Enjoy the stunning views of the Mercury Islands from the pā site at the top of the Opito Point Historic Reserve. 1 km return via same track From the end of Opito Bay Road walk east along the beach. Ascend the 196 steps up Opito Point to the pā where you get sensational views of the Mercury Islands. Stairs have no handrails. There is a non-flushing public toilet at the carpark. Freedom camping is not allowed in this area. Check the tides. High tide makes the beach access difficult. Dog access changes seasonally – follow the council signs that are on the beach and accessways to the beach. Walking and tramping 1 hr return