Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Matarakau Beach spreads wide and flat, the kind of sand that invites bare feet and long shadows. The northeast exposure means morning sun arrives early, illuminating the surf in shades of green and grey. Behind you, farmland rises in gentle slopes—grass and fence posts and the occasional windbreak of macrocarpa trees twisted by prevailing winds. Ahead, nothing but ocean rolling toward Chile. The sand here holds heat in summer, radiating warmth through your towel as you stretch out and let the sun work into your shoulders. Waves break in consistent lines, their sound creating white noise that makes thinking optional. Shells collect in drift lines—small, worn smooth, unremarkable except in aggregate. You might spot the tracks where someone walked yesterday, already half-erased by wind and tide, proof that even in isolation you're not the first to discover this place. Bring everything you need because there's nothing here except geography: beach, sky, water, grass. The walk from where you park to where the sand begins takes minutes, but the transition feels complete—from human infrastructure to natural system, from schedule to timelessness. Sunscreen matters; shade doesn't exist, and the wind that feels cooling at first can deceive you into burning.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Matarakau Beach.
Photos
Swimming conditions at Matarakau Beach vary depending on weather and tide. As a north-eastern facing beach, it can experience ocean swells and currents, though it may be somewhat more sheltered than fully exposed eastern beaches. No lifeguards or safety services are present. Always assess conditions carefully before entering the water and be aware that help is far away in emergencies. The beach is better suited to paddling, wading, and sunbathing for most visitors. Never swim alone and inform someone of your plans.
Matarakau Beach is best visited during the warmer months from December through March when conditions are most pleasant for sunbathing and beach activities. The Chatham Islands experience a cool oceanic climate year-round, so even summer temperatures are moderate. Weather can be unpredictable in any season, with strong winds common. Visiting during less crowded periods is easy since the Chatham Islands see very few tourists overall. Early summer or late autumn can offer surprisingly good conditions with virtually guaranteed solitude and beautiful coastal light for photography.
Getting to Matarakau Beach begins with a flight to the Chatham Islands via Air Chathams from Wellington or Christchurch. Once on Chatham Island, you'll need your own vehicle, as the beach is located away from the main settlement and no public transportation exists. Rental cars are available but limited, so book ahead. Roads may be gravel or unsealed in places. Check locally for specific directions and current road conditions. The remote location means you should plan for a half-day or full-day excursion with adequate supplies.
Accommodation and dining facilities near Matarakau Beach are virtually non-existent. Visitors typically base themselves in Waitangi, the main settlement, where a handful of lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, and simple restaurants operate. Book accommodation well ahead as options are scarce. Bring your own food and beverages when visiting remote beaches, as no shops or cafes exist nearby. Most travelers adopt a self-sufficient approach, packing picnics and essentials. The nearest services for supplies or meals will be back in Waitangi or other main settlements.
Matarakau Beach offers a quintessential quiet local-coast experience that feels authentically remote and unspoiled. Its north-eastern position provides open sand expanses with less intense surf than fully eastern-facing beaches, making it more suitable for leisurely beach activities. The sense of having a beautiful beach entirely to yourself is common here. The tranquil atmosphere and lack of development create an authentic connection with nature. It's ideal for travelers seeking genuine seclusion and a break from commercialized tourism, embodying the Chatham Islands' unhurried, remote character perfectly.
