Maitai Bay

Located on the eastern coast of the North Island in the Far North region of New Zealand, Maitai Bay - also known as Maitai Bay Beach - is a small, crescent-shaped, white sand beach with many rocky portions and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Northland.  This sheltered beach is positioned near the Karikari Peninsula and has a spectacular backdrop of headlands, farmland, native manuka scrubland, wild vegetation, forests, and a few oceanfront buildings, creating a picturesque setting along the Tasman Sea.  This beach is part of a protected area that is owned by the Maori community and is promoted as an ecotourism destination, encouraging sustainable tourism practices that preserve its natural environment and marine life.

Maitai Bay, New Zealand, does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, except a campground, so plan your trip accordingly.

Maitai Bay offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, snorkeling, driving, hiking, camping, picnicking, and photography.  If you plan to go into the water, this naturally sheltered bay has a safe area to swim.  The water near the beach is calm and shallow, which is ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small boats.   Snorkelers and divers may spot the diverse marine life that thrives in its clear waters.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby Maitai Bay Headland Track, which offers unique insights into the local biodiversity.  If you want to enjoy Maitai Bay Camping, you may book a tent site at the nearby Maitai Bay Campground. The unique shape, crystal-clear water, and panoramic views of Maitai Bay make it a perfect location for taking the best beach photos.  Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.

Maitai Bay, Northland, does not offer an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Maitai Bay is easy - the beach has a small parking lot located near Maitai Bay Road, Waikato Bay, Karikari Peninsula 0483, New Zealand, which offers easy access to the beach.

Maitai Bay is a popular destination where visitors can relax and unwind themselves while watching the sun setting over the coast.

There are many attractions near Maitai Bay.  Cape Reinga is located at the northernmost tip of New Zealand's North Island, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.  It is one of New Zealand's most iconic landmarks and considered a spiritually significant place for the Maori people.  In addition, there is a lighthouse at Cape Reinga, built in 1941, that stands as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters.  Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the vast ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches.  Te Paki Sand Dunes - also known as Giant Sand Dunes - are home to towering dunes that can reach heights of up to 100 meters, creating a desert-like landscape with stunning views of the surrounding area.  These massive sand dunes are ever-shifting sands perfect for sandboarding, photography, and exploration.  They provide an adrenaline-filled adventure close to the beach.

Gumdiggers Park showcases the history of gumdiggers, who excavated kauri gum (fossilized tree resin) during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Visitors can take guided tours to explore authentic gum digging sites and tools used by diggers and learn about the historical significance of the area.  The  Butler Point Whaling Museum has a gallery that displays an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and related memorabilia that provide intriguing insight into the history and heritage of the whaling industry of the region.  In addition, it hosts interesting educational programs and events for all age groups throughout the year.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, the Mokaikai Recreation Reserve is home to lush native forests, diverse wildlife, and tranquil walking trails, where visitors can enjoy many fun activities, including picnicking, hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography, in this tranquil setting.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Maitai Bay.   Baywatch Restaurant & Bar serves amazing salads, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  The Wild Belle Restaurant serves salads, pasta, pizzas, meat, seafood, and poultry dishes.  Pukenui Pacific serves delicious seafood.  Fish and chips serve delicious food.  If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant nearby, Remarkable Cafe & Seafood Restaurant serves incredible tacos, steaks, risottos, seafood, and meat dishes.

If you are looking for Maitai Bay accommodation, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Carrington Estate is seven minutes away by car and offers many amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, a shooting range, an outdoor infinity pool, tennis courts, and an upscale restaurant.  A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star, Golden Sand and Driftwood Beach Front Accommodation, which offers a few amenities, including a hot tub, a fitness center, a kitchen in all rooms, and an outdoor seating area.  Another moderately priced option is the 3-Star Tekao Lodge, which has several amenities, including a garden and free Wifi.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star Pukenui Lodge Motel, which has a few amenities, including an outdoor pool, a garden, and a barbecue grill area.  If you are looking for another affordable hotel, Ngapae Holiday Park - also known as 90 Mile Beach Camp - has a swimming pool, a playground, cabins, free Wi-Fi, and dining areas.