Whale Bay
Whale Bay
5
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5.0
56 reviews
Excellent
48
Very good
8
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Peekaboo
453 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We had a lovely walk out to Whale Bay reserve. We walked down to the beach it was so beautiful with hardly anybody on it. I would recommend this trek to anybody passing through the area. Would happily spend a few hours chilling here with a book.
Written 25 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dandeluxnz
Auckland Central, New Zealand210 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Amazing white sand beach short walk down a trail. Amazing backdrop to relax and go for a dip. Bring your lunch down and some snorkelling gear to explore the water. Highly recommend to check this out if you are around the region!
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iryna
Tauranga, New Zealand330 contributions
July 2021
Just have to allow yourself plenty of extra time to make the whole track tour and walk down to every beach. Plenty of sign posts, and good formed pathways, but make sure you have good shoes, and plenty of water.
Parking looked safe and secure.
Remember - no dogs allowed !
Parking looked safe and secure.
Remember - no dogs allowed !
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
c m
10 contributions
July 2023 • Friends
The walk around the headlands here are amazing and well worth the effort. Definitely somewhere worth visiting if you're in the area. Very natural and pristine. Few shops or amenities (which was great in my opinion) but the walking track is well maintained and quite easy.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob H
Mississauga, Canada17,948 contributions
Feb 2020
We spent the day at the beach and had a great time. If it is sunny make sure you settle in the sand under shade trees. It can get really hot in the sun. The water was crystal clear and refreshing. One thing is that it is quite a trek to get to the beach...
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJR08
Auckland, New Zealand93 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
Whale Bay to Matapouri Bay Walk
Park your car at the top of Whale Bay and take the iconic walk around a Northland headland, which takes in atmospheric Nikau groves and ancient Puriri trees on the way down to the white sandy beach of Whale Bay, (a favourite spot for the locals: west facing beach perfect for afternoon and evening picnics and swimming).
Then a short climb to the headland, (newly installed steps make for an easy walk), to a lookout seat, (one can look out the Poor Knights Islands), and on most days you can look down into the bays and spot stingrays and other fish, as the water is SO clear; then the coastal walk looks back on pasture and wends its way down through bush and outcrops to Matapouri Bay, which is a large crescent shaped bay with golden sands – again “goodish” swimming.
Walk through the back of Matapouri township to the one and only shop to buy some ice-creams which can be enjoyed on the 10 minute walk up the hill road to pick up your car. (Round trip is an hour, but you will take longer as there is SO much to take in and enjoy).
NB. As the sign says at the car park, (refer photo), – take care to take your valuables with you on the walk and/or hide your bags in the boot – but don’t be put off too much by the sign: the locals are REALLY friendly just one or two spoiling it for everyone! Northland is a GREAT place.
A fantastic walk, and if you have time, bring a picnic, and spend the afternoon on the beach at Whale Bay!
Park your car at the top of Whale Bay and take the iconic walk around a Northland headland, which takes in atmospheric Nikau groves and ancient Puriri trees on the way down to the white sandy beach of Whale Bay, (a favourite spot for the locals: west facing beach perfect for afternoon and evening picnics and swimming).
Then a short climb to the headland, (newly installed steps make for an easy walk), to a lookout seat, (one can look out the Poor Knights Islands), and on most days you can look down into the bays and spot stingrays and other fish, as the water is SO clear; then the coastal walk looks back on pasture and wends its way down through bush and outcrops to Matapouri Bay, which is a large crescent shaped bay with golden sands – again “goodish” swimming.
Walk through the back of Matapouri township to the one and only shop to buy some ice-creams which can be enjoyed on the 10 minute walk up the hill road to pick up your car. (Round trip is an hour, but you will take longer as there is SO much to take in and enjoy).
NB. As the sign says at the car park, (refer photo), – take care to take your valuables with you on the walk and/or hide your bags in the boot – but don’t be put off too much by the sign: the locals are REALLY friendly just one or two spoiling it for everyone! Northland is a GREAT place.
A fantastic walk, and if you have time, bring a picnic, and spend the afternoon on the beach at Whale Bay!
Written 17 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R_Zanetello
Vicenza, Italy220 contributions
Jan 2017 • Solo
I discovered Whale Bay while exploring the Tutukaka coast. My main destination was Matapouri, but after enjoyng some time there I kept moving around and found another piece of Heaven!
You can only reach it by feet, a plus for me. The parking place is small so go early if you can, or be patient and spend some time in the nearby Sandy beach while waiting. The track is beautiful, going through bush and wood, with many glimpses on Sandy bay. And once you're arrived you'll enjoy a quiet, dreamy, relaxing beach with low water and refreshing shadow from the majestic Pohutukawa trees.
If you visit near Christmas you'll have an extra: the sight of Pohutukawa blossoming.
Bring some food and drinks because there's nothing but nature here.
If you like to walk you will enjoy the loop that will bring you to Matapouri through the scenic coastline, and then back to the parking.
I hope you relish it as much as I did.
You can only reach it by feet, a plus for me. The parking place is small so go early if you can, or be patient and spend some time in the nearby Sandy beach while waiting. The track is beautiful, going through bush and wood, with many glimpses on Sandy bay. And once you're arrived you'll enjoy a quiet, dreamy, relaxing beach with low water and refreshing shadow from the majestic Pohutukawa trees.
If you visit near Christmas you'll have an extra: the sight of Pohutukawa blossoming.
Bring some food and drinks because there's nothing but nature here.
If you like to walk you will enjoy the loop that will bring you to Matapouri through the scenic coastline, and then back to the parking.
I hope you relish it as much as I did.
Written 30 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine P
Red Deer, Canada3,337 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
Taking the scenic drive from Paihai to Whangerai, we stopped at Whale Bay. There is a car park but it is a walk to get to the beach. Don't let that stop you. Very scenic walk, steps and shale path well maintained. Moderate fitness required. Beach is stunning and empty!
Written 29 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DenzieK
Wellington, New Zealand161 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This really is a gorgeous spot. The water is so warm on this coast for two born and bred South Islanders. The walk down from the road beyond Matapouri, is beautiful with stunning native trees. Suggest good footwear.
There is a large area for car parking with plenty of shady car parks. It's a short safe track requiring average fitness. Sling your back pack on your back with water and something to eat. No shops etc. There are toilets there.
Be prepared for warm water, stunning pohutakawa trees to shelter under from the sun and a beautiful pristine beach. We loved it.
There is a large area for car parking with plenty of shady car parks. It's a short safe track requiring average fitness. Sling your back pack on your back with water and something to eat. No shops etc. There are toilets there.
Be prepared for warm water, stunning pohutakawa trees to shelter under from the sun and a beautiful pristine beach. We loved it.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger T
Leeds, UK5 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
A truly fantastic experience visiting this beautiful Bay on more than one occasion on my all to brief stay in NZ, (recommended by some hardened locals). Sitting on the beach watching the sea roll in on the white sand, a calming and life affirming realisation of the true beauty of unspoilt nature. If you are near (or not) a visit is absolutely essential and if you get lucky you might just have Whale Bay all to yourself. Absolute bliss
Written 27 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
edandgem2018
Auckland, New Zealand
hi everyone. could i take a mountain buggy on the walk to whale bay or is there a lot of steps etc?
Thanks
Written 24 January 2018
No steps if you go straight at the fork when there are steps to the beach. The straight track takes you down a gentle slope.
Written 24 February 2018
Hi
No there aren't restaurants within walking distance
Written 27 April 2016
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