After we left Waipu Cove, we headed north on the eastern coast through the town of Whangarei towards Matapouri Beach. Whangarei didn’t offer much in the way of scenery, however we did find some things that we were lacking to complete our holiday van—two wine glasses from the dollar store, a frisbee, sun hats, a coffee mug, and some fun decals to cover up the rental company logo on our van. We have yet to apply the decals, but I assure you, photos will follow when we do!
We read about Matapouri Beach in our guide book—it mentioned the ‘Mermaid Pool’ which was to be found there. It read ‘at the beach’s north end through a hole in the rock, a sign points through the long grass to Mermaid Pool, a deep natural rock pool with crystal clear water flushed out by the tide’. Sounded amazing... needless to say we looked and looked but did not find. We ended up on an amazing hike, single track carved into the ridge overlooking the beach. Then we went off of the trail when Terry decided to do a bit of bushwhacking...barefoot! He’s really getting into the Kiwi way! What we found on our off-the-trail adventure was completely worth it—a perfect secluded cove with grey sand and volcanic rock, crystal blue water, and total privacy! Once we made it back to the trail, we followed the path to Whale Bay. Another private little swimming cove—but even better—with a clean public toilet!!! NZ has clean public toilets everywhere! That’s how to take care of your public... Had to take a photo of the toilet at this secluded beach, I was so impressed.
The photos are from our travels towards Matapouri Beach, many at the beach and on our hike towards Whale Bay, including Terry’s barefoot bushwhacking... The photo of sail boat anchored in the cove at Matapouri Beach is for Chas and Larry again, just dreaming for you!
There's Lar's dream skiff!
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