Access

From Matapouri Bay continue north 1km to the summit of the hill where Whale Bay Scenic Reserve is signposted from the parking area.

Track

This walk is administered by Whangarei District Council and is unmarked. It is well-formed and signposted.

The track is metalled to Whale Bay, where there are toilets.

After climbing out of Whale Bay, follow the signpost along the headland track. The worn grass track runs between the fenceline and cliff top for 15 minutes, passing the trig before bearing right. The track deteriorates and can be muddy for the 15-minute descent to the gravel beach on the opposite side of the headland from Matapouri Bay.

Walk along Matapouri Bay to the first wooden accessway and follow Morrison Road. Turn right into Ringer Road, where Morrison Recreation Reserve is signposted (15 minutes).

The 15 minute climb to the carpark above Whale Bay is signposted and follows the fence line.

Polynesian History

Matapori Bay means ‘Invisible Place’ or ‘Hidden Place’, testimony to how the encroaching headlands shelter it’s half circle of sand. Because the western headland hides Matapouri Bay from the open sea, it was once known as Otito, meaning ‘a lie’.

European History

Whale Bay received it’s European name during the period of early settlement. A group of Maori saw a large floating object and asked Mr. Wooley of nearby Wooleys Bay to borrow his telescope. On sighting the remains of a dead whale, all men of the region in their canoes rowed out and towed it to Whale Bay.

Crowds camped on the beach for three weeks, tolerating the powerful stench. Whenever the Wooleys received a visitor for milk, the smell accompanied them. The tail bone was eventually given to the Wooleys as a gift, which they used as a fire screen.