Image: David Finn | ©
Aerial photo showing a small town on the seaside. Two islands can be seen far off in the distance.
Matatā area

Located in the Bay of Plenty region

The Matatā area sits alongside the sea. It includes a campsite and a short walk around the Matatā wildlife refuge. Great for families, with excellent fishing and swimming.

Matatā is on the coast of the Bay of Plenty, 24 km west of Whakatane, or 70 km from Tauranga.

Matatā means "dividing waters". Before the Rangitaiki Plains were drained the Rangitaiki River ran into the Tarawera River, and originally the area was known as Te Awa o Te Atua, or the River of the Gods.