Image: David Finn | ©
Aerial photo looking down at a campsite alongside the beach
Matatā Campsite

Located in Matatā area in the Bay of Plenty region

This is a family campsite in a coastal setting with excellent fishing and swimming next to the Matatā wildlife refuge. No dogs are allowed.

Fees

9 February to 25 December

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

26 December to 8 February

  • Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $9 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Additional fees

There is a $3 charge per booking to cover waste disposal.

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

The Campsite Pass may be used for a maximum of 7 nights in 30 at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

Bookings

All bookings must be completed online before arrival. The camp and surrounds have mobile coverage so bookings can be completed on site if necessary. 

Book Matatā Campsite online. 

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
  1. Starting in Matatā make your way onto Arawa Street.
  2. On Arawa Street there’s a sign saying Matatā Wildlife refuge and Campground. This sign shows the turn off onto a gravel road that leads towards the shore. Travel down this gravel road for 200 m until the campsite.

Location

Latitude: -37.88639276, Longitude: 176.76059781

Wastewater rules

We have strict wastewater rules to prevent human waste entering the water table and causing a health risk. These rules are in place so that we can keep the camp open over summer.

All guests who have booked self-contained sites must use their own facilities, toilets and showers. If you fail to follow this guidance you will be asked to leave the camp as it may lead to closure of the campsite.

Check-in, check-out and length of stay

  • The camp is accessed through a locked barrier arm gate. The access code is provided with online booking confirmation. 
  • Register on arrival.
  • No public access 8 pm to 7 am.
  • Vacate sites by 10 am.
  • Check-in between 11 am and 8 pm. 
  • Refunds are only issued in exceptional circumstances, for example, the closure of the camp due to a storm event. No refunds will be issued at the campsite – apply by writing to the local DOC office. 

Campsite office

The camp office is open 10 am – 3 pm, 7 days a week.

Tel: +64 27 276 2072

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Bird and wildlife watching

The campsite is next to the Matatā wildlife refuge.