Matakana Island

Matakana Island is a long and thin strip of land about 20 km long, the largest of the coastal islands in the Bay of Plenty. The land is split between sheltered orchards, farmland, and thick pine forests on the Pacific side. Home to a small number of locals, the island has a mix of pine forests, orchards, and farmland. The northern region is popular with keen surfers who travel by boat or jetski to get the perfect wave.

The area is a site of national significance for biodiversity with many native species of birds, plants, and wildlife. More than 100 species of plants native to New Zealand are said to grow on the small space of land.

You can get there on your own by boat or board the Kewpie on one of their scheduled 1-hour scenic excursions, and they'll drop you off and pick you up later in the day. A ride on Kewpie is a must when you're in the Bay!

Location: Western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand's North Island