Matatā Campsite
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Matatā Campsite
This is a family campsite in a coastal setting with excellent fishing and swimming next to the Matatā wildlife refuge. No dogs are allowed.
A nice little coastal camping site that sits adjacent the the Matata wildlife reserve. A great option for non self contained vehicles.
Fees
Adult (18+ years): $8 per night
Child (5 - 17 years): $4 per night
Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Additional fees
There is a $2 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.
You need to book ahead. Campsite Pass bookings must be completed before occupying a site. If you do not pre-book, campground staff (if present) may be able to make the booking for you if space is available. There is a $10 charge for this service. To avoid any disappointment book well in advance.
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.
Check-in, check-out and length of stay
Register on arrival.
No public access 9 pm to 7 am.
Vacate sites by 10 am.
Check in between 11 am and 8 pm..
Refunds are only issued in exceptional circumstances, eg 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.
Contact
Campsite office open 10 am – 3 pm, 7 days a week.
Notices
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Matatā conservation campsite 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.
First published on 4 November 2024. Last reviewed on 2 April 2025.
DOC Campsite Pricing
Matatā Campsite is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
DOC Standard Campsite
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
| Feature | Value | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Unpowered Site | Adult | $10.00 to $15.00 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Child | $5.00 to $7.50 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
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Organisation |
DOC Bay of PlentyCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Edgecumbe |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Basic Camping
Reviews
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5.0/5
we have been here twice, beautiful campsite and kind man in the office .
im glad i was there :)
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1.0/5
This campsite was quite an odd experience.
The shower situation, in particular, is a major disappointment and feels like a scam. There’s only one shower available for up to 300 people, and it comes with a frustrating catch: you’re only allowed to use it for two minutes. To make matters worse, you have to leave the shower area and run around the toilet block to insert a $1 coin to activate the water. By the time you manage to get back to the shower, about 30 seconds have already passed, as the water starts flowing immediately upon inserting the coin. This leaves you with barely any time to properly shower.
Important to note: If you’re using a Department of Conservation (DOC) Campsite Pass and opt for a self-contained site, they won’t allow you to use the toilets or the shower unless you pay an additional fee. Even if you don’t intend to use their trash facilities, they still charge you for waste disposal, which feels unreasonable and unfair.
On the positive side, the beach access is decent. However, the campsites themselves lack any semblance of privacy. The sites are crammed together on a bare patch of earthy and grassy field, which doesn’t provide any sense of seclusion or personal space.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the camp host, who, in fairness, was very friendly. However, the host frequently patrols the campsite, which adds to the lack of privacy, as you constantly feel observed. This, combined with the tightly packed sites, made it difficult to relax and enjoy our stay.
Given all these issues, we’re genuinely baffled by the positive reviews this campsite has received. We strongly advise against staying here and certainly wouldn’t recommend it to others.
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5.0/5
Great location.
Sheltered from the wind. Very nice host. Will definitely be going back there.
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4.0/5
Adult $15.00 + $3.00 (Rubbish fees) - extra cost for hot shower!
Nice location near the beach - kind staff.
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5.0/5
This is a awesome Safe, Clean camping ground.
Showers and toilets are on-site aswell. The camp coordinators are so lovely and helpful and welcoming..
So coming back here.
And the beach is a 5min walk and the fishing is amazing 🐟 🐠 ❤️ ❤️
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5.0/5
Amazing campsite.
Big sites, toilets, shower and lots of space. Next to the beach. Good Fish & Chips walking distance. Friendly people.
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4.0/5
Great DOC camping, surrounded by nature, with a unique location between Matatā's wetlands and the beach, from where you can enjoy everyday a unique view over the Moutohora and the Whakaari islands.
The establishment provides all the basic amenities needed (drinkable water, hot shower, clean bathrooms, some camping tables on the field, etc...) except electricity where to charge your devices, what makes it perfect for backpackers visiting the Bay of Plenty and looking for a rest on their route.
Big plus: the camping manager, Pipa, is a very friendly people that will always help you with its best attitude.
-
5.0/5
Perfect campsite to stay a few days.
Right on the beach. No mosquitos
Clean facilities. Hot shower ($1 per 2 min)
The staff is lovely, very kind, welcoming and helpful!
You need a code (that you receive by email) to enter the campsite
I totally recommend this place.
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5.0/5
Terrific spot!
Beautiful scenery was only second to the friendliness of the staff (Theresa) and cleanliness of the facilities. Most highly recommended.
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5.0/5
Great campsite !
Code required for boom entry which meant campers only added security, sites are large, info on Rankers needs updating sites are $10/ adult
Shower is now $1 for 2mins, facilities clean, shower has great pressure. Enjoyed our stay would happily stay again
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5.0/5
One of the best campsites we’ve stayed at so far!
Very organised and family run. Lovely personable hosts, clean facilities and a great small town vibe. Fab fish and chip shop (Aunties) over the road, and coffee from Drift coffee is a MUST!
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4.0/5
Met the ranger when we arrived.
I liked this place, was neat, had toilet’s, but the shower was bizarre. Had to to put the coin it outside then run around to get in for your 2 mins. But that gave it some character. Secure enough and far enough away from the road.
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4.0/5
Good for a DOC site.
Must book online to get the gate code. On site host was great. Paid showers. There is a little noise from the road and rail nearby. Good for fishing.
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4.0/5
The manager on site was so lovely & helpful.
Winter review:
Here in the heart of winter (July)
Gorgeous spot by the wild ocean
Despite wild wind, the area was very protected
Our campervan had road tires that easily bogged but, despite the downpour of rain, the grass was firm & we were bog free
Basic amenities (flush toilets and a hot shower for $1)
Booking online via Docs is a must
Absolutely loved it.
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0.5/5
Info on here is wrong.
They close their gates at 9 pm already. Lots of traffic at night to the beach. The big lady was super super rude and just shouted at me..Unacceptable.
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5.0/5
Nice cheap campsite.
Large sites and old but clean shower/toilets. Take some coins: shower is $1 for 4mins and rubbish disposal is $2. You do now need to book but its easy to do online when you arrive.
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5.0/5
This is such a cute campsite with the most lovely camp host called Raewyn.
She was so accommodating and helpful and we really staying there. For only 8 dollars a night this is such a steal, the hot showers are $1 for four mins and really clean and hot. The bathrooms are kept lovely and tidy. There is freah water available and sinks to wash dishes. There was also a compost bin when we were there which was awesome.
There is no kitchen facilities or sheltered area to cook, but that wasn't expected and the campsite is sheltered by a sand dune so it's fine to cook outside :)
There's also a nice walk along to the lagoon and pukeko roaming all around. Would and are planning to stay here again!
-
5.0/5
we have been here twice, beautiful campsite and kind man in the office .
im glad i was there :)
-
1.0/5
This campsite was quite an odd experience.
The shower situation, in particular, is a major disappointment and feels like a scam. There’s only one shower available for up to 300 people, and it comes with a frustrating catch: you’re only allowed to use it for two minutes. To make matters worse, you have to leave the shower area and run around the toilet block to insert a $1 coin to activate the water. By the time you manage to get back to the shower, about 30 seconds have already passed, as the water starts flowing immediately upon inserting the coin. This leaves you with barely any time to properly shower.
Important to note: If you’re using a Department of Conservation (DOC) Campsite Pass and opt for a self-contained site, they won’t allow you to use the toilets or the shower unless you pay an additional fee. Even if you don’t intend to use their trash facilities, they still charge you for waste disposal, which feels unreasonable and unfair.
On the positive side, the beach access is decent. However, the campsites themselves lack any semblance of privacy. The sites are crammed together on a bare patch of earthy and grassy field, which doesn’t provide any sense of seclusion or personal space.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the camp host, who, in fairness, was very friendly. However, the host frequently patrols the campsite, which adds to the lack of privacy, as you constantly feel observed. This, combined with the tightly packed sites, made it difficult to relax and enjoy our stay.
Given all these issues, we’re genuinely baffled by the positive reviews this campsite has received. We strongly advise against staying here and certainly wouldn’t recommend it to others.
-
5.0/5
Great location.
Sheltered from the wind. Very nice host. Will definitely be going back there.
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4.0/5
Adult $15.00 + $3.00 (Rubbish fees) - extra cost for hot shower!
Nice location near the beach - kind staff.
-
5.0/5
This is a awesome Safe, Clean camping ground.
Showers and toilets are on-site aswell. The camp coordinators are so lovely and helpful and welcoming..
So coming back here.
And the beach is a 5min walk and the fishing is amazing 🐟 🐠 ❤️ ❤️
-
5.0/5
Amazing campsite.
Big sites, toilets, shower and lots of space. Next to the beach. Good Fish & Chips walking distance. Friendly people.
-
4.0/5
Great DOC camping, surrounded by nature, with a unique location between Matatā's wetlands and the beach, from where you can enjoy everyday a unique view over the Moutohora and the Whakaari islands.
The establishment provides all the basic amenities needed (drinkable water, hot shower, clean bathrooms, some camping tables on the field, etc...) except electricity where to charge your devices, what makes it perfect for backpackers visiting the Bay of Plenty and looking for a rest on their route.
Big plus: the camping manager, Pipa, is a very friendly people that will always help you with its best attitude.
-
5.0/5
Perfect campsite to stay a few days.
Right on the beach. No mosquitos
Clean facilities. Hot shower ($1 per 2 min)
The staff is lovely, very kind, welcoming and helpful!
You need a code (that you receive by email) to enter the campsite
I totally recommend this place.
-
-
5.0/5
Terrific spot!
Beautiful scenery was only second to the friendliness of the staff (Theresa) and cleanliness of the facilities. Most highly recommended.
-
5.0/5
Great campsite !
Code required for boom entry which meant campers only added security, sites are large, info on Rankers needs updating sites are $10/ adult
Shower is now $1 for 2mins, facilities clean, shower has great pressure. Enjoyed our stay would happily stay again
-
5.0/5
One of the best campsites we’ve stayed at so far!
Very organised and family run. Lovely personable hosts, clean facilities and a great small town vibe. Fab fish and chip shop (Aunties) over the road, and coffee from Drift coffee is a MUST!
-
4.0/5
Met the ranger when we arrived.
I liked this place, was neat, had toilet’s, but the shower was bizarre. Had to to put the coin it outside then run around to get in for your 2 mins. But that gave it some character. Secure enough and far enough away from the road.
-
4.0/5
Good for a DOC site.
Must book online to get the gate code. On site host was great. Paid showers. There is a little noise from the road and rail nearby. Good for fishing.
-
4.0/5
The manager on site was so lovely & helpful.
Winter review:
Here in the heart of winter (July)
Gorgeous spot by the wild ocean
Despite wild wind, the area was very protected
Our campervan had road tires that easily bogged but, despite the downpour of rain, the grass was firm & we were bog free
Basic amenities (flush toilets and a hot shower for $1)
Booking online via Docs is a must
Absolutely loved it.
-
0.5/5
Info on here is wrong.
They close their gates at 9 pm already. Lots of traffic at night to the beach. The big lady was super super rude and just shouted at me..Unacceptable.
-
5.0/5
Nice cheap campsite.
Large sites and old but clean shower/toilets. Take some coins: shower is $1 for 4mins and rubbish disposal is $2. You do now need to book but its easy to do online when you arrive.
-
5.0/5
This is such a cute campsite with the most lovely camp host called Raewyn.
She was so accommodating and helpful and we really staying there. For only 8 dollars a night this is such a steal, the hot showers are $1 for four mins and really clean and hot. The bathrooms are kept lovely and tidy. There is freah water available and sinks to wash dishes. There was also a compost bin when we were there which was awesome.
There is no kitchen facilities or sheltered area to cook, but that wasn't expected and the campsite is sheltered by a sand dune so it's fine to cook outside :)
There's also a nice walk along to the lagoon and pukeko roaming all around. Would and are planning to stay here again!
-
5.0/5
Nice place, nice people running it, clean and tidy, quiet, good fishing spot, hot shower, well set out, shops 2min walk to local dairy,fish n chips,pub.
Chilled relaxed environment.
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5.0/5
Clean and well maintained site even during busy weekend.
One hot shower, toilets, washing up sinks. Walk right onto the beach. 5 minutes walk to superette and good fish n chip shop!