Sera in New Zealand: Matauri Bay’s Beach and Paihia

Matauri Bay

Matauri Bay is a bay in New Zealand, situated 30 km north of Kerikeri, in Whangaroa county, just north of the Bay of Islands. It has over a kilometre of beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. It is particularly popular in the summer when thousands flock there to stay in the local camping ground.

Some of the first Polynesian navigators to New Zealand landed at Matauri Bay. It was a site of early Maori contact with Europeans, such as with the missionary Samuel Marsden in 1814. Today Matauri Bay is popular with surfers, divers, fishers and those on holiday. The water is incredibly clear and fishing can be an extraordinary experience.

As for all the NZ coasts, the water is very beautiful but its temperature is very cold despite the warm  weather, and the beaches are never crowded.

 

 

 

A transparent, pure water like I have never seen before

 

 

 

 

Paihia

Paihia is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island of New Zealand. It is located close to the historic towns of Russell and Kerikeri, 60 kilometres north of Whangarei. Missionary Henry Williams named the mission station Marsden’s Vale and eventually « Paihia » became the accepted name of the settlement.

 

 

 

 

 

Paihia offers its own unique attractions. After having visited the Waitangi Treaty House, enjoy the beautiful waterfront, shop in the small town, or book an excursion trip and swim with the dolphins. Visit Urupukapuka Island ans many other islands, see the Hole in the Rock or take a ferry ride to the « Romantic Russell ».

Go back to the starting of my trip in New Zealand here