We're lucky enough to call the Matakana Coast home, and over the years we've discovered some truly special places to gather, wander, and simply be outdoors. From secluded bays lined with pohutukawa to elevated lookouts with sweeping views, this stretch of coast offers something for every kind of picnic adventure. Whether you're seeking solitude or space to gather with people you love, we've gathered our favourite spots to inspire your next outdoor escape. Grab your basket, pack something delicious, and let's explore together.
Photography by Dominey Flores
Goat Island
Goat Island is a nature lover’s dream, and Wednesday to Thursday mornings are your quietest window before the weekend crowds arrive. The island is a sanctuary for native birds and coastal walks, making it perfect for a picnic with a side of serious bird watching. Pack your basket and plan for a few hours exploring the walking trails before settling into a sheltered spot overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. The bay’s rugged beauty and sense of isolation make it feel like you’ve escaped somewhere truly wild.
Best for: adventurous spirits and anyone seeking solitude with a view.
Mathesons Bay
Weekday mornings here are serene, and the bay’s crescent shape creates a natural sense of enclosure that feels protective and cosy. The beach is backed by pohutukawa and native trees, offering dappled shade and shelter from wind. It’s the kind of place that feels like your own secret, even though it’s accessible to everyone. The water is usually calm, and there’s a lovely mix of sand and rock pools to explore if you need a break from sitting still.
Best for: families and anyone seeking natural beauty with a touch of adventure.
Omaha Beach
Friday mornings or Tuesday afternoons work beautifully here, when the light is soft and the beach is quieter. Omaha is one of the wider, sandier beaches on the coast, with a real sense of space and openness. The beach has a gentle, welcoming energy and is perfect if you’re picnicking with people who want to swim or splash about. The sand dunes behind the beach provide shelter, and there’s enough room to set up properly without feeling cramped. It’s accessible and beautiful without being overly dramatic.
Best for: groups and anyone who wants a classic beach picnic experience.
Martins Bay
Thursday or Friday afternoons are your sweet spot at Martins Bay, when the day trippers have moved on but the light is still golden. This sheltered beach has sandy shores and native pohutukawa trees providing natural shade. It feels tucked away despite being accessible, with a sense of discovery that makes any picnic feel like an adventure. The water is calm here, and there’s enough space to spread out without feeling crowded. Bring a blanket, good food, and plan to stay until sunset.
Best for: intimate gatherings and anyone who wants a beach picnic without the chaos.
Snells Beach
Early mornings on any weekday are lovely here, and if you’re local, you already know this beach’s quiet magic. The beach has a residential feel without being overdeveloped, with good access and natural shelter from the pohutukawa trees. It’s perfect for a simple picnic where the focus is on good company and good food rather than dramatic scenery. There’s something grounding about eating at a place you know well, where you can return with the seasons.
Best for: locals and anyone who appreciates understated beauty.
Mahurangi West
Early mornings on a weekday are magic here. Arrive before 10am and you’ll have the lookout practically to yourself, with sweeping views across farmland and down to the coast. This spot is ideal if you want elevation and perspective without a serious hike. Natural seating and shelter under massive pohutukawa trees, make this spot perfect for a quiet picnic with a stunning view of Mita Bay and the Hauraki Gulf.
Best for: peaceful mornings and sunrise seekers.