Location
Getting here
Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay Reserve is nestled within the beautiful fishing village of Leigh, North Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
The bay is 80kms north of Auckland’s CBD - approximately one hour’s drive along the Northern Motorway. Follow the signs for Goat Island Marine Reserve from Warkworth and you’ll easily find us.
Within the reserve there are a few picnic benches, a lovely little playground and plenty of space for a small day tent if you would like some shelter from the sun.
Parking
There are two carparks at Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay Reserve which can get pretty busy throughout the summer months. The main carpark can be accessed via Grand View Road and the smaller carpark can be found at the end of Matheson Bay Road.
If these carparks are full, please be mindful of where you park to make sure you do not block residential driveway access or make it difficult for emergency vehicles to enter the reserve and beach areas.
At the Reserve
Camping and Gates
There is no camping allowed within Te Kohuroa Matheson Bay reserve. The old campground is now closed and the gates for both carparks close at night and you will be asked to leave. For motorhome, caravan or camping spots check out Leigh Central and Whangateau Holiday Park.
Toilets, Changing Rooms and Shower
There is a simple toilet block and changing rooms at the reserve. These facilities get overloaded in the summer so please be mindful of your use. If using the cold outdoor showers we request that you do not use detergents, soaps or shampoos which can harm the ecosystem.
Rubbish at the beach
There are several rubbish bins within the reserve but these fill up fast over the summer months. Please be prepared to pick up all your litter and take it home with you.
In and around Leigh
Our local cafe Leigh Eats offers unbelievably good coffee and takeaways, Leigh Sawmill Cafe have a wood fired pizza and evening meals and Leigh Bar serve hearty meals and a selection of drinks to nourish you after a day at the beach.
We also have a traditional small town Dairy and a Leigh Motors have all hours gas pumps, so you can fill up before you head home.
Doggos
Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 6.30pm from the start of Labour Weekend to the end of Easter Monday.
If you are joining one of our volunteer days, please do not bring your pets with you as we are unable to accommodate or care for them in any of our activities.
