Matarangi
| Matarangi | |
|---|---|
  Matarangi | |
| Coordinates: 36°43′55″S 175°40′14″E / 36.73194°S 175.67056°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Waikato |
| District | Thames-Coromandel District |
| Population (2009) | |
| • Total | 300 permanent residents. |
Matarangi is a small modern tourist town on the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand, with around 300 permanent residents increasing to over 7000 holiday residents 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 spit between the Whangapoua Harbour and historic Mercury Bay.
The town is wealthy, known for its luxury holiday homes and prestige lifestyles. It attracts holiday makers from around the world, from back packers to those on international golfing holidays. The main attraction for families is the 4km long white sand ocean beach which provides safe swimming all year round. The harbour also offers swimming, jet boating, fishing and bird watching, with an upgraded boat ramp, boat parking and picnic area. Matarangi has a small shopping centre with a general store, cafe-restaurant, liquor store, real estate agents, book exchange and fire station. Occupying the scenic end of the sand spit is "The Dunes", a Bob Charles -designed championship eighteen-hole golf course with pro shop, bar, restaurant and a bowling green.[1] The Villas situated on the golf course provide two and three bedroom four star accommodation with lake views for golfers and holiday makers alike. Throughout the township there are many tennis courts and reserves and a small airstrip in the centre provides quick direct access to Auckland. The Village Green, accessed off Kenwood Drive, has a children's playground, picnic area and public toilets and is home in April each year to Taste of Matarangi, a local food, wine and music festival. Matarangi is 30 minutes east of historic Coromandel town and 30 minutes north of vibrant peninsula hub Whitianga with supermarkets, restaurants and all services. Coordinates: 36°43′55″S 175°40′14″E / 36.73194°S 175.67056°E