10 October 2026
Cloudy periods with the odd shower, mainly about the ranges. Northerlies.
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1 / 3Matatā area
Matatā Lagoon Track
This track is a short walk around Matatā Wildlife refuge. There’s a lot of birdlife here and great views to the islands of Moutohorā Island and Whakaari/White Island and down the East Coast.
Distance
1 km
Walking time
30 min
Difficulty
Easiest
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Matatā Campsite open for certified self-contained vehicles only
Weather outlook
Bay of Plenty forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, clearing in the afternoon with increasing fine spells. Periods of rain developing west of Tauranga late evening. Northerlies, turning westerly in the afternoon.
12 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the evening. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with a few showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Matatā Lagoon Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
Essential preparation for Matatā Lagoon Track
Track Description Enjoy seeing and hearing lots of birdlife on this short walk next to the sea. You can get up close to them from a bird shelter on the walk. There are also great views over Moutohorā Island, and Whakaari/White Island. The hike is flat and suitable for all fitness types. You can walk along the beach, or in the scrub by the wetland. Take sun protection and a warm layer with you as there is no shelter along the way. Toilets and water facilities are located at the adjacent DOC campground. No dogs allowed. Getting There It’s a 20-minute drive from Whakatāne and a 1-hour drive from Tauranga to the track. Access is from a small road off Arawa Road in the Matatā township. The last part is a gravel road. The campground is on the left and the walk is on the right. There is plenty of parking. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Helpful resources Find tips, guides and how-to videos to help you prepare for your walk at mountainsafety.org.nz
Dog access for Matatā Lagoon Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Matatā Lagoon Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.