Sun, Sand & Surf: Discover the Best Beaches Near Tepee Matakana
- BlueAdventures
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Welcome to the Matakana Coast
There’s something about waking up under canvas, hearing the first tui call, and knowing the ocean is just a short drive away. Staying at Tepee Matakana puts you right in the middle of the best beaches near Matakana- some of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastline — a stretch of sand and sea made for surfers, snorkellers, and barefoot wanderers alike.
Whether you’re chasing perfect waves, peaceful swims, or a picnic with your favourite people, these are the beaches that make the Matakana Coast so unforgettable.
Omaha Beach — One of the Best Beaches Near Matakana
Just 10 minutes from Tepee, Omaha Beach is the region’s superstar — a long crescent of soft white sand and clear blue water. Locals hit it for morning swims, beach runs, or a chilled surf session before coffee.
Why we love it:
Consistent surf breaks, perfect for beginners and improvers.
Lifeguards on duty in summer (great for families).
Beautiful dunes and boardwalks for walks at sunrise or sunset.
Close to Omaha Surf & Supply if you need to rent a board or grab beach gear.
Tāwharanui Regional Park — Wild, Beautiful and Untamed
Drive a little further east and you’ll find Tāwharanui Regional Park, a protected peninsula where rolling farmland meets untouched coastline. It’s one of those rare places where you can surf, swim, and spot native wildlife in the same afternoon.
What to do:
Hit Anchor Bay for clear water and clean surf breaks.
Walk the Ecology Trail to spot native birds and views back toward Omaha.
Snorkel the rockpools or just stretch out on the sand.
It’s a bit of a drive down a gravel road, but that’s part of the charm — fewer crowds, more connection. Pack a picnic and stay until sunset; the light out here is something else.
Goat Island Marine Reserve — Dive Into Another World
If you love the ocean, you can’t miss Goat Island Marine Reserve in Leigh — New Zealand’s very first marine reserve and still one of the best. The shallow, crystal-clear water is teeming with snapper, blue maomao, and stingrays gliding by.
Experience the magic:
Snorkel straight off the beach — perfect for beginners.
Hire gear or book a dive with Goat Island Dive & Snorkel.
Visit the Goat Island Discovery Centre to learn about marine conservation.
Bring an underwater camera if you have one — the visibility can be stunning on calm days. Afterward, stop in Leigh for fish and chips at Leigh Eats before heading back to your tepee.
Mathesons Bay — Calm, Scenic and Laid-Back
Just up the road from Leigh, Mathesons Bay is a smaller, sheltered spot surrounded by pōhutukawa trees and native bush. It’s ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply laying out a blanket with a book.
Highlights:
Gentle waves and easy beach access.
Great picnic area.
Short bush walk from the car park with shade — ideal on hot days.
On calm mornings, bring your snorkel; you’ll often spot fish right off the rocks. It’s also the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring — just float, breathe, and enjoy the sound of the sea.
Insider Tips for Your Beach Days
Timing: Early mornings or late afternoons are magic — softer light, fewer people.
Tides: Check tides before coastal walks.
Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle, towel & snacks.
Local coffee stops: Farmer's Daughter, Leigh Eats, Matakana Village, Ravish or Charlies Gelato for a cool drink and local flavour.
Stay local: Keep to marked tracks and respect the wildlife — these beaches are home to little blue penguins, dotterels, and nesting birds.
A Coast Made for Memories
From the surf at Omaha to the silence of Tāwharanui and the underwater wonderland of Goat Island, this coast is pure magic — and it’s all right on Tepee Matakana’s doorstep.
Spend your days chasing waves, wandering trails, or floating in turquoise water; then come home to your glamping tepee, where fairy lights, a fire-pit, and the sound of crickets set the perfect evening scene.
Stay a While
Make Tepee Matakana your base for exploring the beaches of the Matakana Coast. Book your stay, pack your togs, and rediscover the simple joy of salt, sand, and sunsets.
