Coastal Loop from Matauri Bay to Whangaroa Harbour

If you’re exploring beyond Kerikeri, this coastal loop is a great way to see a quieter part of Northland without overthinking it.

There are a couple of ways to drive it, depending on how you want to break up your stay.

The full loop starts by turning off at Matauri Bay Road before you reach Kaeo, then following the coast right around through Matauri Bay, Tauranga Bay and on to Whangaroa Harbour.

It’s a bit winding in parts, but the views make it worth it.

We did it slightly differently.
Because we were staying at Tauranga Bay for a few nights, we continued through Kaeo first (an easier, less windy drive), then explored Matauri Bay as a day trip during our stay.

Both options work, it just depends how you want to travel it.

Kaeo

Kaeo sits just past the turnoff to Matauri Bay Road, making it a handy stop depending on how you approach the loop.

If you’re doing the full coastal loop, you’ll turn off before reaching Kaeo.

If you’re travelling like we did and heading straight through to Tauranga Bay, Kaeo becomes your last easy place to refuel and restock before settling in.

It’s a small town, but it has what you need: fuel, basic supplies and a straightforward place to reset before heading back out to the coast.

Matauri Bay

Matauri Bay is a great place to base yourself for a couple of nights or visit as a day trip.

You’ve got a long sandy beach for swimming and surfing, and it’s a popular spot for fishing. The campground sits right by the water, making it easy to settle in.

While you’re here, take the short but steep walk up to the Rainbow Warrior Memorial.

Access is through the campground, pop into the camp store, sign in and out and you’re good to go.

At the top, you’re looking out over the Cavalli Islands and the resting place of the Rainbow Warrior just offshore. It’s a simple walk with a lot of meaning behind it.

Tauranga Bay

We’d heard a lot about Tauranga Bay, and it lived up to it.

The campground sits right on the beachfront with everything you need: power, water, kitchen and facilities but the real draw is the location.

You’ve got:

• Easy beach walks
• Coastal caves to explore
• Great fishing right off the shore
• Sunsets that stop you in your tracks

The bay itself is small, with only a handful of homes, which gives it a quiet, untouched feel.

Whangaroa Harbour

A short drive around brings you to Whangaroa Harbour, one of the more scenic harbours in the region.

It’s a great spot for a day trip whether that’s heading out for a fish, exploring by boat, or just taking in the views around the harbour.

There are smaller bays tucked around the edges, many only accessible by water or through private land, which adds to the untouched feel of the area.

Tohu Tip

Take your time on this loop. It’s not about getting through it, it’s about stopping when something catches your eye.

This isn’t a heavily promoted route, which is why it still feels quiet. Roads can be narrow and winding in parts, so take it steady and enjoy the drive.