Matarangi Rd.
Bluff Rd.
Scenic Reserve
Matarangi
Rings
Beach
Airstrip and
Boat Ramp
Dunes
Golf Resort
Matarangi Dr.
34
COROMANDEL LIFE LATE AUTUMN/WINTER
Matarangi
When I first approached Matarangi Beach, emerging from the trees after
a really lovely lunch at the Golf Club with a great friend, I couldn’t believe
how beautiful it was. The tide was out and the white sandy beach stretched in all
directions, a huge expanse of open space which immediately filled me with a sense of
calm and happiness. The sky was a perfect Summer’s blue with streaks and dashes of
wispy cloud, and the water sparkled and splashed in the distance.
My friend and I walked west along the sand, chatting and laughing, smiling at the handfuls of
other people dotted along the edge of the dune. We walked to the end of the main beach and rounded
the corner, as the beach turns in to face Whangapoua Harbour, and it seemed to transform into an
even more magical place.
T
ake a right turn off SH 25 along beach’s edge to enjoy the picturesque
Bluff Road. The narrow metal track offers a bit of a challenge, but the
impressive coastal vistas are worth it. And, it leads you to the spectacular
white sands and dunes of Rings Beach, a secluded paradise of its own,
sprinkled with traditional Kiwi baches.
Treat yourself with a stay at Rings Beach, perhaps at the Sea Escape B&B
where “all you wake up to is the sound of the bell bird and the waves”. Be
warned – you won’t want to leave! Lavish in your own spa overlooking
the magestic beach and beautiful ocean – a full 180 degree vista.
Continue driving on Bluff Road and you will end up in
Matarangi with even more beaches.
rings beach
There was no-one else around, just broken branches of fallen trees, and it felt like we had
discovered a hidden paradise. Silhouetted along this corner of beach was a Pohutukawa standing
proud and this image had a profound effect on me, drawing together so many aspects of a
‘typical’ Kiwi beach, while also illustrating what a perfect, quiet spot we’d found. My friend went
swimming and I sat on the beach, feet in the sand, gazing out to sea, lost in thought.
Photo by Keith Goodall
