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Matarangi
Matarangi
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Matarangi is a beach settlement on the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand, with around 650 permanent residents in 2023[6] which increases to over 7000 holidaymakers during the summer period of late December to February. It was developed in the 1980s as a purpose-built resort town and occupies a white sand peninsula between the Whangapoua Harbour and historic Mercury Bay. It is half an hour from the towns of Coromandel to the west and Whitianga to the south east.

Key Information

Matarangi has a mix of older, smaller holiday houses (known in New Zealand as baches), while waterfront sections have luxury holiday homes and prestige lifestyles. The main attraction for families is the 4 km long white sand ocean beach which provides safe swimming all year round and surfing when the conditions are right. Beach access is from Kenwood Drive which leads to the Village Green with picnic facilities and a playground or from Ocean Close. The harbour also offers swimming, boating, kite surfing, fishing and bird watching, with an upgraded boat ramp, boat parking and picnic area. Occupying the scenic end of the sand spit ″the pines″ is "The Dunes", a Bob Charles-designed championship eighteen-hole golf course with a licensed club house, restaurant and pro shop. There is also a bowling green and there are several public tennis courts in the town.

The small shopping centre has a Four Square store, liquor outlet, cafe, gift store and two real estate agencies. Accommodation consists of Matarangi Villas close to the golf course and holiday homes that can be rented privately or through holiday rental agents.

Demographics

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Matarangi is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 3.92 km2 (1.51 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 710 as of June 2025,[2] with a population density of 181 people per km2. Matarangi is part of the larger Mercury Bay North statistical area.[7]

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
2006252—    
2013303+2.67%
2018420+6.75%
2023651+9.16%
Source: [8][6]

Matarangi had a population of 651 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 231 people (55.0%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 348 people (114.9%) since the 2013 census. There were 318 males, 333 females and 3 people of other genders in 327 dwellings.[9] 1.4% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 55.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 102 people (15.7%) aged under 15 years, 51 (7.8%) aged 15 to 29, 276 (42.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 222 (34.1%) aged 65 or older.[6]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 93.5% European (Pākehā), 15.7% Māori, 2.3% Pasifika, 2.3% Asian, and 3.7% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.2%, Māori language by 2.8%, and other languages by 5.1%. No language could be spoken by 2.3% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 17.5, compared with 28.8% nationally.[6]

Religious affiliations were 27.6% Christian, 0.5% Māori religious beliefs, 0.9% Buddhist, 0.9% New Age, and 0.9% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 62.2%, and 7.4% of people did not answer the census question.[6]

Of those at least 15 years old, 120 (21.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 324 (59.0%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 105 (19.1%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $30,300, compared with $41,500 nationally. 48 people (8.7%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 192 (35.0%) people were employed full-time, 96 (17.5%) were part-time, and 12 (2.2%) were unemployed.[6]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Matarangi is a coastal settlement on the in New Zealand's , within the Region, known primarily for its expansive 4.5 km north-facing white-sand beach along the that attracts families for , , and due to its gentle slopes and minimal currents. The area serves as a popular holiday destination, with a permanent population of 651 residents as of the 2023 census, though this swells to over 7,000 during peak summer months. Established as a in the 1980s, Matarangi has grown steadily, with its population increasing by 8.9% annually from 2018 to 2022, reflecting its appeal as a serene seaside backed by native and offering amenities like a , walkways, and harbor views. The settlement's clear waters and fresh sea air contribute to its reputation as an idyllic spot for relaxation and , while initiatives support both residents and visitors year-round.

Geography

Location

Matarangi is situated on the eastern in the Waikato Region of New Zealand's . It lies within the Thames-Coromandel District, approximately at coordinates 36°44′S 175°40′E. The settlement is positioned about 26 km north of and approximately 25 km east of Coromandel town. It is roughly 192 km southeast of Auckland by road. Matarangi is accessible primarily via , which runs along the peninsula's eastern coast, with connections to local roads such as Matarangi Road branching off from the Te Rerenga-Kuaotunu Road. The drive from typically takes around 2 hours 25 minutes under normal conditions, as of 2025.

Physical Features

Matarangi occupies a 4.5 km-long white peninsula, known as a sandspit, that extends between Whangapoua Harbour to the west and Mercury Bay on the to the east. This narrow creates a distinctive coastal barrier, with the harbor providing sheltered waters on one side and open ocean exposure on the other, shaping the area's dynamic shoreline. The beach faces north, featuring a gently sloping profile of fine white sand that extends gradually into the water. This configuration results in a wide, accessible composed primarily of plagioclase-rich feldsarenites, with the sand's uniform texture derived from eroded volcanic materials. The peninsula is bordered by coastal farms and pockets of native forests, with the prominent Coromandel Range rising in the background to the west. These elements contribute to a varied coastal , where agricultural lands meet remnant and the rugged volcanic highlands. Geologically, Matarangi forms part of the Coromandel Volcanic Zone, an extinct intraplate arc characterized by to that produced andesitic and rhyolitic rocks underlying the peninsula. The area's dune systems, including parallel ridges up to 18 in number on the adjacent Omaro Spit, developed through over the past 4,000–5,000 years, with sediments reflecting the region's historical coastal evolution driven by sea-level changes and volcanic sediment supply.

History

Early Settlement and Land Use

The Matarangi area on the was first settled by as part of the broader Polynesian migration to around 1250–1300 CE. Traditionally, the coastal location between Whangapoua Harbour and Mercury Bay supported such as Ngāti Hei in fishing, shellfish gathering, and resource collection from adjacent forests and waters, underscoring the peninsula's longstanding indigenous significance for sustenance and cultural practices. European contact began in the early , with small-scale settlement emerging along the from the onward, often under agreements with local that provided protection to traders and missionaries in exchange for goods. By mid-century, timber extraction drove land acquisitions in the region, as European interests targeted the abundant kauri forests covering areas like the Matarangi sandspit; nearby, a major operated at Whangapoua starting in 1861. The facilitated this expansion by purchasing over 20,000 acres in Ngāti Hei's between 1859 and 1865, often without adequate reserves for needs, leading to significant land alienation by the late 1800s. In the early , land use in Matarangi shifted toward farming and limited residual timber activities, with the area remaining sparsely settled amid pastoral development on former forest lands. Aerial photographs from capture this era, showing an undeveloped white-sand beach backed by open paddocks and minimal structures, reflecting the low-density rural character before widespread residential growth. Initial subdivisions for basic residential purposes commenced in 1968, laying the groundwork for gradual population increases in the coastal zone.

Resort Development

The development of Matarangi as a purpose-built began in 1978, when developers Ken Woodhead and Warrick Keddle conceived the project on former farmland along the Coromandel Peninsula's east coast. The initiative aimed to create a destination with residential sections, emphasizing beachfront access and recreational amenities, and was later sold to Rothmans before passing to Magnum/DB and, by 1994, . This marked a shift from agricultural use to engineered resort growth, with early consents and district plan documents from the 1980s establishing the foundational layout up to 1990. Key milestones in the and early included the construction of an 18-hole designed by professional golfer Bob Charles, initially developed as a 9-hole layout in 1998 to anchor the resort's appeal. Residential expansion followed, incorporating tree-lined streets and subdivided sections to promote a village-like atmosphere alongside the sweeping beach. These elements solidified Matarangi's identity as a planned coastal retreat, with ongoing subdivisions balancing open spaces and housing. Post-2000 developments faced legal challenges, notably the 2019 Environment Court decision dismissing Golf 2012 Ltd's appeal to rezone privately owned land for residential use, upholding its designation as open space in line with the area's planning history. Community-led planning continues through the Mercury Bay North Community Plan 2020-2030, which addresses growth in Matarangi alongside nearby settlements like Whangapoua and Kuaotunu. Archaeological work tied to these expansions has uncovered minimal pre-contact sites, such as shell middens from the late 17th to 18th centuries at locations like 399 Matarangi Drive, often overlaid by modern farming remnants and earthworks from subdivision activities.

Demographics

According to the conducted by Stats NZ, Matarangi had a usually resident of 654 , comprising 318 males, 333 females, and 3 individuals identifying with other genders, across 327 dwellings. This marked a substantial increase from the 2018 Census figure of 420 residents, reflecting accelerated growth in the area driven by the expansion of holiday homes, or baches, which has outpaced the 7.0% rise observed in the Thames-Coromandel District during the same period. The housing stock in Matarangi consists predominantly of permanent residences alongside these traditional holiday cottages, contributing to a stable yet modestly growing year-round community. Matarangi experiences pronounced seasonal population fluctuations due to its status as a popular holiday destination on the . A 2009/10 peak population study by the Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) documented an influx that swelled the resident base of approximately 279 to over 7,000 during , representing up to 25 times the usual population. Similarly, the 2016/17 TCDC report estimated total populations including day visitors reaching 8,668 to 9,737 around late December, with multipliers of 15 to 24 times the typical 400–600 residents. These surges are largely attributed to holidaymakers occupying baches and short-term rentals, underscoring the area's reliance on seasonal visitation. While ethnic composition details are addressed elsewhere, these trends highlight Matarangi's dual character as a quiet that transforms dramatically during holiday periods.

Ethnic and Social Composition

Matarangi's ethnic composition is characterized by a strong European (Pākehā) majority, reflecting broader patterns in rural coastal communities of New Zealand's . According to the 2018 , approximately 93.5% of residents identified as European, 15.7% as , 2.3% as Pacific peoples, 2.3% as Asian, and 3.7% as other ethnicities, with individuals able to report multiple affiliations. Recent district-level data from the 2023 for the surrounding Thames-Coromandel area shows a similar profile, with 88.4% European, 18.8% , 2.5% Pacific peoples, 3.6% Asian, 0.6% Middle Eastern/Latin American/African, and 1.3% other, indicating sustained ethnic diversity at modest levels beyond the European majority. Specific 2023 ethnic data for Matarangi is not separately reported due to , but aligns closely with district trends. The age distribution in Matarangi underscores its appeal to families and retirees, with 47.6% of the in 2018 aged 0-14 or 65 and over, contributing to a community oriented toward child-rearing and retirement lifestyles. This aligns with 2023 district trends, where 13.6% were under 15 years and 33.8% were 65 and over, yielding a combined 47.4% in these groups and a age of 55.2 years—substantially higher than the national of 38.1 years. Gender distribution was nearly balanced in 2018 at 51.6% overall, though district data from 2023 indicates a slight majority (55.9% , 43.9% , 0.2% another ), common in aging populations due to longer . Socially, Matarangi features low , estimated at around 107 people per km² in 2018 based on its 3.92 km² area, fostering a spacious, resort-like environment within the broader Thames-Coromandel District's density of approximately 14.5 people per km² across 2,207 km². High home ownership rates, exceeding 75% of households in the district as of 2023, support stable, property-focused living suited to holiday and retirement demographics. Languages spoken are predominantly English (98.3% in the district), with te reo used by 3.9% of residents, highlighting cultural ties to local . Economic and educational indicators reflect a sustained by and , with district median at $25,800 in 2023—lower than the national $41,500 due to retiree prevalence but bolstered by household medians of $58,900 from seasonal and property-related sources. Education levels emphasize practical and vocational qualifications, aligning with family and leisure-oriented social structures rather than urban professional pursuits.

Economy and Tourism

Local Economy

The local economy of Matarangi is characterized by small-scale coastal and limited activities, reflecting the area's rural and semi-rural landscape on the . Primary sectors include lifestyle farming on small holdings, with examples such as Otanguru Farms, which operates a diverse agricultural operation in Matarangi Beach focusing on local produce and livestock. These activities contribute to the broader Thames-Coromandel District's , , and sector, which accounts for 7% of the district's 13,900 filled jobs, or approximately 880 positions. Forestry remnants persist in the surrounding areas, supporting minor harvesting and related services, though the sector has diminished due to conservation efforts and land conversion for residential use. Service-based employment dominates non-tourism activities, particularly in maintenance and tied to the upkeep of properties and . The sector represents 14% of district , with 2,080 jobs, many involving building services like electrical and work that sustains local properties in communities like Matarangi. Local opportunities also exist in , , and retail, where 3% of district jobs (457 positions) fall under rental and services, often managing seasonal homes, while retail employs 14% (1,920 jobs) in areas such as hardware and grocery stores. However, many Matarangi residents commute to nearby or Coromandel town for additional work, given the small population and limited on-site opportunities; for instance, roles in and other utilities service multiple communities including Matarangi. Economic challenges in Matarangi stem from heavy reliance on seasonal work in and services, which fluctuate with property demand. The severely impacted the Thames-Coromandel economy, one of the hardest-hit regions due to its dependence on visitor-related activities, leading to widespread business disruptions and job losses in 2020. As part of the district, Matarangi benefits from an rate of 5.2% as of March 2025, but remains vulnerable to broader downturns, including zero recorded in the year to June 2024 and a further 0.4% GDP decline over the year to June 2025; employment among district residents also fell 2.6% over the year to March 2025. While is the dominant sector with 15% of jobs, the resident-based economy emphasizes , at 30% of the district's 10,400 employed residents—double the national average.

Tourism Industry

Matarangi's tourism industry plays a pivotal role in the local economy, driven by its status as a premier beach resort on the , which draws a substantial seasonal influx of visitors primarily during the summer months. The area's appeal as a relaxed coastal destination results in a significant population swell, with permanent residents numbering around 650 expanding to several thousand through holidaymakers occupying homes and short-term rentals. This seasonal tourism generates key revenue streams from accommodations, including holiday homes that average approximately $20,000 in annual earnings per listing on platforms like . Supporting businesses such as restaurants, cafés, shops, and agencies thrive on visitor demand, while anchor attractions like The Dunes Golf Resort provide integrated offerings of , dining, and lodging that bolster economic activity. The resort's facilities, including an 18-hole course and licensed clubhouse, attract golf enthusiasts and contribute to sustained revenue year-round, though peaking in summer. These elements collectively support a model focused on holidays, with holiday homes and short-term rentals forming the backbone of visitor accommodations. Economically, Matarangi's integrates into the broader Thames-Coromandel District's sector, which recorded $370 million in visitor spend for the 2023-24 period and contributed $211.2 million to regional GDP in 2024, representing 11.7% of the area's output. The influx of during peak times amplifies local spending on and retail, creating seasonal employment and revenue boosts that offset quieter periods. However, this growth is managed to align with goals, including eco-tourism initiatives like coastal restoration projects aimed at enhancing dune health and native habitats. Following the 2019 Environment Court ruling in Golf (2012) Ltd v Thames-Coromandel District Council, which upheld open space zoning on 47.84 hectares of private land to preserve and natural character, community plans have emphasized controlled development and . This decision limited potential residential expansion, prioritizing over unchecked growth and reinforcing Matarangi's focus on low-impact, eco-friendly visitor experiences.

Recreation and Attractions

Beach and Marine Activities

Matarangi Beach features a north-facing 4.5 km stretch of gently sloping white sand, sheltered by offshore islands, which provides a safe environment with minimal currents and rips for various water-based activities. This configuration makes it particularly suitable for , , and , especially for beginners, as the consistent shore break offers gentle waves without hazardous undertows. Surfcasting is also popular along the , allowing anglers to target species in the calm coastal waters. The surrounding marine environment supports a range of pursuits, including , diving, , and , with access to Mercury Bay via the local boat ramp at Omara Point. This three-lane ramp, equipped with a and pontoon, facilitates launches into the protected harbor for exploring the bay's diverse . In 2025, the adjacent Matarangi Omaro Reserve underwent upgrades to improve safety and accessibility, making it more family-friendly. Visitors often engage in whale and dolphin watching tours departing from nearby , where Bryde's whales and orcas frequent the area seasonally, particularly from August to September and December. Safety measures include lifeguard patrols during the summer peak season, enhancing accessibility for families, while walkways along the sandspit provide dedicated paths for and . These paths connect residential areas to the beach, promoting low-impact recreation amid the coastal landscape. Environmentally, protected dune areas along the beach preserve native habitats for plants, birds, and animals adapted to the sandy, saline conditions, with ongoing restoration efforts focused on dune health and . These efforts, part of a broader $9.3 million initiative, began in June 2025 and include foredune planting, weed and , and dune reshaping.

Golf and Land-Based Sports

Matarangi's primary land-based recreational facility is The Dunes Matarangi , an 18-hole championship course originally designed by golf legend Sir Bob Charles and opened as a 9-hole layout in 1998 before being expanded to full length in 2006. The course is renowned for its scenic integration with the coastal landscape, offering panoramic ocean views across Whangapoua Harbour and Matarangi Beach on many holes, which enhances the playing experience while challenging golfers with undulating dunes and strategic bunkering. In 2024, it ranked 56th among 's top 60 golf courses, reflecting its status as a high-quality destination for both locals and visitors. As of October 2025, the club is implementing a Course Master Plan, with progress on developing new holes, including irrigation and shaping works. Beyond , Matarangi supports a range of other land-based sports through community-oriented facilities. Public courts, numbering five across three council-managed sites (with one additional court), cater to casual and competitive play. In 2025, a proposal to convert one of these courts into a multi-use facility for and received community support. A dedicated serves lawn bowls enthusiasts, fostering social gatherings in the seaside setting. and opportunities abound via flat, scenic walkways and tracks, including the Matarangi Bluff Track—a short, easy path connecting Matarangi to nearby Rings Beach and offering elevated coastal vistas suitable for leisurely exercise. The area hosts annual golf tournaments that draw participants from across , such as the Richardsons Women's 18-Hole Open and the Winton Pro-Am, which returned to the course in 2024 after a 17-year absence and featured 36 professional teams. Community sports days are integrated into broader events like the Matarangi Summer Festival, which includes activities such as fishing competitions, sandcastle building, and rock hunts to promote active participation among residents and holidaymakers. These facilities emphasize public accessibility, with the golf course open to non-members via green fees starting at competitive rates, and other sports venues freely available to the community. This setup seamlessly blends into Matarangi's resort lifestyle, encouraging an active, outdoor-oriented routine that complements the nearby beach's appeal for a well-rounded visitor experience.

Community and Infrastructure

Facilities and Services

Matarangi offers a range of essential retail and dining options suited to its status as a small coastal resort community. Local shopping is anchored by the Four Square Matarangi, a general store providing groceries, produce, and everyday essentials at 195 Matarangi Drive. For larger supermarket needs, residents and visitors rely on facilities in nearby Whitianga, approximately 26 kilometers south, where options like New World Whitianga offer comprehensive grocery services. Dining venues include casual cafés such as Pipers Café and Luke's Kitchen, alongside the more upscale The Dunes Restaurant and Bar at the golf resort, which features meals with views of the course and Coromandel Range. Utilities in Matarangi have been developed to support the area's growth as a since the , when the was purpose-built with infrastructure to accommodate holiday and residential expansion. Water supply and services are managed by the Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC), including the Matarangi Wastewater Treatment Plant, which handles treated effluent discharge to protect local environments. By 2025, the system supports 1,419 wastewater connections, reflecting ongoing upgrades to meet demand. Emergency services are provided through district-wide coverage, with the Matarangi Volunteer Fire Brigade handling local fire and civil defense responses, while ambulance and police support is based in . Accommodation in Matarangi emphasizes self-contained and boutique options, catering primarily to holidaymakers rather than large-scale tourism. The area features numerous holiday homes available for rent, often through platforms like Bachcare, alongside smaller motels and resort lodgings such as Matarangi Resort and B&Bs like The Matarangi B&B. There are no large hotels, aligning with the community's low-key, residential character. Transportation in Matarangi is predominantly car-dependent, with no central public transit hub; visitors and residents typically drive, supported by shuttle services like Go Kiwi for connections to and nearby towns. Ample parking is available at key sites, including beach access points and the , though local regulations enforce penalties for improper use to maintain order.

Environmental and Community Initiatives

Matarangi's environmental conservation efforts focus on protecting its coastal dunes and native ecosystems, which are vulnerable to erosion and climate impacts. The Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) leads a coastal restoration and rewilding project initiated in Matarangi in 2025, aimed at enhancing dune health through foredune planting with native species such as spinifex and pingao, reducing mowing in back dunes to allow natural regeneration, and increasing habitat for native wildlife like lizards and birds. This initiative builds resilience against coastal erosion, which has historically affected the area, including severe events in 1997 and 2008 that eroded dunes by up to several meters, as documented in Waikato Regional Council monitoring. Dune systems are further safeguarded under the Mercury Bay Coastal Erosion Strategy, which promotes natural buffers to mitigate long-term shoreline fluctuations influenced by storms and sea-level rise. Local volunteer groups play a central role in these conservation activities, including the Matarangi Dune Restoration Group, established in 2023 under the Coastcare program to stabilize dunes through native planting and weed management. Reserve Management and Beach Care volunteers maintain local reserves and dunes, contributing to broader Waikato Regional Council efforts to restore over 75% of modified coastal areas by reinstating native vegetation. Community involvement is facilitated through educational opportunities and hands-on participation in the TCDC project, aligning with the Waikato Coastal Database's monitoring data to inform targeted erosion control. Community governance in Matarangi is supported by active groups such as the Matarangi Beach Paper, a monthly that informs and visitors about local events, environmental updates, and community issues since its inception as a over seven years ago. The Matarangi Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc. (MRRAI), a volunteer-run non-profit, advocates for , funds local projects, and collaborates with TCDC on initiatives outlined in the Mercury Bay North Community Plan 2020-2030, which prioritizes for Matarangi as the area's largest settlement. These groups address peak-season challenges, such as summer population surges that strain , by promoting year-round and amenities. Key initiatives include volunteer-led beach cleanups, with annual events organized through the TCDC restoration project and groups like MRRAI, such as a 2021 cleanup effort that engaged locals in rubbish removal to protect marine habitats. Waste reduction is supported by Matarangi's refuse transfer station and molok bins, with plans for enhanced recycling to manage seasonal waste increases. In response to climate threats like sea-level rise, which exacerbates erosion risks, the community advocates for TCDC to adopt a clear climate change policy, integrating adaptive measures like dune restoration to safeguard against projected inundation and storm surges. Social programs foster community cohesion, particularly through family-oriented events like the annual A Taste of Matarangi Festival, which features beachside food, wine, and music while raising funds—totaling $153,500 since its start—for local causes such as Te Rerenga School's and services. MRRAI and the organize additional events and chats to build connections, helping mitigate isolation during off-peak periods and addressing service demands from peaks. These efforts emphasize inclusive programming for permanent residents and families, supporting amid an aging .

References

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