Matapōuri / Whale Bay

Grade:         3
Time:           40 minutes (one-way)
Distance:     1.1 km

This all-weather track can be started from the Whale Bay carpark or from the northern end of Matapōuri Beach. 

A circular walk can be completed via the Morrison Reserve Track or Ridge Track.

Grade:          3
Time:            20 minutes (one-way)
Distance:      530 metres

Whale Bay was an ideal location for Māori to launch their early whaling missions and gives it the name popularly used today.

Starting at the Whale Bay carpark, a stone surfaced track of about 530 metres leads through the bush and down to the bay.

There are a number of fairly steep steps going down to the beach.

The walkway extends a further 50 metres to join the beach at another point, where there are also toilet facilities.

Starting at the Whale Bay carpark, the track heads towards Whale Bay. The Morrison Reserve Track starts 75 metres on the right.

There is a flight of steps before the track levels out and follows the edge of the bush reserve and new residential development.

The Ridge Track joins from the left near the bottom. The track continues around the edge of the residential area to the end of Ringer Avenue.

Grade:           2
Time:             15 minutes (one-way)
Distance:       270 metres

Starting at the Whale Bay car park, the Ridge Track branches off the Matapōuri Headland Track, roughly 160 metres along on the right.

It follows a paddock fence down the hill and some steps to eventually join the Morrison Reserve Track.