Stop at Matata and take in the views across the ocean. Photo / NZME
Stop at Matata and take in the views across the ocean. Photo / NZME
This Bay of Plenty town is a breeding ground for All Blacks, writes Elisabeth Easther.
Where is it? In coastal Bay of Plenty, 24km west of Whakatane, or 70km from Tauranga.
Origin of name: Matata means "dividing waters". Before the Rangitaiki Plains were drained the Rangitaiki River ran into the Tarawera River, and originally the area was known as Te Awa o Te Atua, or the River of the Gods. This is the home of Ngati Rangitihi, hapu of Te Arawa.
Population: 645 (2013 Census), down from 666 at last Census.
Local catchphrase:Hakuna Matata - if you're familiar with The Lion King you'll know that means "no worries" in Swahili.
Famous locals: Local man Mark Dobson won last year's World of Wearable Art prize in the Weta Workshop Costume and Film Section for his design that was made mainly of dried fish skins with local fisher people contributing skins. Matata has also bred loads of All Blacks, including Joe Warbrick in 1884. Three more Warbrick brothers made the team in the 1940s-50s and then there were all those fabulous Maori All Backs from the 30s to the 50s including Laurie Raureti, John Rodrick, Eddie Howell, Albie Pryor, Hapi Potae and Maurice Raureti - rugby is big around here.
Big business: Fonterra in nearby Edgecumbe or the mills in Kawerau.
If you want to move here: Open a restaurant that takes advantage of the supreme coastal views - you'd make a fine living and have a great lifestyle.
Go fish: The surfcasting off the long sandy beaches of Matata is some of the best in the world: two big competitions are held here in summer.
Town spirit: In May 2005 mud and silt washed away several houses after flash flooding but the town pulled together to help those affected. Kia kaha.
Town fiestas: Christmas in the Park and Guy Fawkes are traditional celebrations that bring the whole town out to play.
Here for a short time: Take a stroll around the Matata Lagoon. It's been beautifully restored since the floods and today there are plenty of walking tracks to enjoy and much of the birdlife has returned.
Best reason to stop: To admire the views across the lagoon and the ocean — the sight is uplifting and provides the perfect energy boost when you've been cooped up in the car.
So cool: You'll find the biggest icecreams in the Bay of Plenty at the Matata General Store.
Best playground: The small park near the shops has swings, towers for climbing, monkey bars and a grassy area for kids to run around on. Handily, there are toilets next door.
Best park: The Matata Wildlife Refuge Reserve has walkways and picnic tables where you can soak up nature.
Best walk: Walk around the lagoon that stretches for about 5km along the coast. If you're ornithologically inclined, there's a shelter to sit in and observe the birdlife.
Best view: The Matata Straights go for about 10km and make a stunning coastal drive offering views of the Pacific Ocean, pohutukawa trees and pumice cliffs. Driving from Tauranga, the vistas are staggering with cliffs that seem to be held together by pohutukawa trees. There are plenty of places to stop on the journey and admire it all.
Camping ground at the beach near Matata. Photo / NZME
Best place to pull over: Grab a haul of fish and chips from Aunty's Cafe, then drive down the dirt road opposite the shops to the Department of Conservation reserve where you'll find an elevated coastal site with views looking out to Whale Island (Moutohora) and White Island (Whakaari) and down the East Coast.
Best swims: If you fancy going off-road, there's a bit of a traipse to the freshwater swimming hole that's fed by the Mimiha Stream, perfect for small kids. Or pop over the dunes where the sea will keep older kids and adults occupied until their teeth start chattering. Other amazing beach-access sites along the Matata Straights are found at the attractive and economical Pikowai Reserve Camping Ground and the Matata Domain (beach access beside the lagoon) with the safest beach swimming spot beside Murphy's Holiday Park.
Best holiday ever: Pitch your tent at DoC's Matata Campsite where visitors can camp right by the beach alongside the Matata Wildlife Refuge Reserve. Perfect for families, with excellent fishing and swimming, motorhome-friendly too.
Nice arts: The Handcrafts Studio at 27 Pakeha St sells local crafts and pottery, homespun alpaca and silk garments, merino wool and silk felted scarves as well as crystal glass beaded jewellery.
Top shop: Matata General Store is filled with goodies including groovy Matata T-shirts, lots of food, camping gear, fishing tackle and bait and, of course, their massive icecreams.
Cream of the coffee: The team at Aunty's Cafe brew wicked coffee plus they have a beautiful courtyard and do beaut burgers and sandwiches too. And don't forget Drift Cafe, the vintage caravan next to Aunty's, their coffee will give you wings.
Best food: Aunty's again, the fish and chips you'll find there are some of the finest served anywhere.
Wet your whistle: Matata Hotel on the main road offers views across the lagoon, a nice garden bar and, if you get the right day, music. Very family friendly, they also do fine pub grub.
Best adventure: The surf can be a bit dumpy but on a good day it can be epic, or lovely for learning — just don't count on it.
Best-kept secret: You don't need a boat to catch fish here, you can catch all sorts of ika with a contiki, or try your luck at surfcasting.
Wildlife: The birdlife flocks to Matata; sweet little dotterels breed along the beaches of Matata Straights, plus you'll also see swans, geese and oystercatchers. During duck-shooting season the place is teeming with ducks. Toddlers love it.
