Matakana Water Sports – Surf, Snorkel & Wing Foil near Tepee
- BlueAdventures
- Jan 17
- 3 min read
Water Adventures on the Matakana Coast – Surf, Snorkel & Paddle
Crystal-clear water, golden beaches, and endless coastal adventure — the Matakana Coast is a playground for ocean lovers.
Just an hour north of Auckland, the Matakana Coast feels worlds away. Here, surf beaches meet sheltered estuaries and thriving marine reserves — creating the perfect destination for water adventures of every kind. Whether you’re keen to catch a wave, glide across calm water, explore underwater reefs, or simply float and relax, Tepee Matakana is the perfect base for it all.
Surfing at Tāwharanui & Omaha Beach
Surfing is part of life on the Matakana Coast. The region offers reliable beginner-to-intermediate waves, wide sandy beaches, and uncrowded breaks — all surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Tāwharanui Beach sits within the open sanctuary park and delivers consistent surf with a wonderfully raw, natural backdrop. On good swell days, it’s a favourite with locals and visiting surfers alike.
Omaha Beach is a beginner-friendly surf beach — with long rolling waves and plenty of space to spread out. It’s also ideal for bodyboarding and beach play when conditions are gentler.
Need gear? Stop in at Omaha Surf & Supply, where you can hire boards or get advice on the best surf spots for the day’s conditions.
Surf Tip: Small swells and light offshore winds offer the best beginner sessions at Omaha.
Water sports near Matakana: Paddleboarding & Wing Foiling at the Omaha Estuary
For calmer waters and something a little different, head to the Omaha Estuary with Blue Adventures. This protected waterway is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and beginner wing-foil experiences.
The estuary’s flat water creates an ideal learning environment — especially for first-timers. Glide along the glassy channel with views back toward the coastal hills.
Blue Adventures offers lessons and guided sessions, making it easy to dive into a new sport safely and confidently.
Tip: Check the tides — the Omaha Estuary is best suited for water sports from 2 hours before to 2 hours after high tide.
Snorkelling & Diving at Goat Island Marine Reserve
Just north of Tepee near Leigh lies Goat Island Marine Reserve, one of New Zealand’s most famous snorkelling and diving destinations.
These calm, sheltered waters are home to snapper, stingrays, crayfish, and colourful reef fish — all visible right from the shoreline. It’s one of the best places in the country to experience marine life without needing to venture far offshore.
Visit the onsite Marine Discovery Centre to learn about the ecosystem or join a snorkeling or diving excursion with Goat Island Dive & Snorkel for a guided underwater experience.
Best Time to Visit: Morning often offers the clearest visibility and calmest conditions.
Swimming & Relaxing on the Coast
If adventure sounds good — but rest sounds better — the Matakana Coast offers no shortage of pristine swimming spots:
Matheson’s Bay — calm, sheltered waters perfect for relaxing dips
Omaha Beach — long, open stretches ideal for swimming and drying off in the sun
Tāwharanui — beautiful swimming in tuckedaway coves near the estuary
Pack a towel, a book, and your sunscreen — sometimes a float and a slow afternoon by the water is the best kind of adventure.
Stay Close to the Water at Tepee Matakana
After a day of salt air and sun, return to your cozy tepee tucked beneath native trees. Rinse off, relax with a cool drink, and enjoy the peace of your off-grid glamping retreat.
Light the fire in the shared lounge area or sink back onto your private deck, listening to birdsong replace the sound of waves as evening settles in.
Tepee Matakana is perfectly positioned — close enough to chase waves by day and far enough into the hills for quiet, restorative nights.
Plan Your Water Adventure Getaway
Whether you’re looking to learn something new or simply enjoy the ocean’s energy, the Matakana Coast has something for everyone — and Tepee Matakana places you right at the heart of it all.
👉 Book Your Stay at Tepee Matakana: STAY
👉 Discover Blue Adventures Water sports: http://www.blueadventures.co.nz
