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Matauri Bay

Matauri Bay is one of those classic Kiwi shore dives we keep coming back to. Accessed through the campground, it’s an easy entry over the stony beach, dropping gradually to around 11 metres. We love the mix here: patches of golden kelp swaying gently, then open sand, then rocky reef walls covered in life. You’ll often spot massive black stingrays cruising over the sand, their shadows rippling below them. Look closely and you’ll find iridescent blue dot triplefins flitting in the shallows, or a cheeky crested blenny peeking from a crevice. We’ve had incredible luck finding blackfoot pāua clinging to the rocks, and the schools of snapper and blue maomao can be thick enough to make you feel like you're swimming through a living current. Keep an eye out for larger predators, too; we’ve seen kingfish darting through the baitfish. It’s a great spot for an unhurried exploration, perfect for photographers who like to take their time, or anyone who enjoys the simple pleasure of an accessible, diverse shore dive.