A car is needed for the 1h30 Matapouri Walk, good walking/tramping shoes are also recommended and you need to verify that the tide is low before going to Mermaid Pools.
- Drive down on Lawnson Dr Road and road and turn right on Tutukaka Block road
- When you can’t go any further, turn right on Matapouri Road towards Tutukaka
- Pass the Tutukaka Marina and petrol station and keep driving until you reach Matapouri 10min away
- Turn right at the corner dairy and park
- Once on the beach, walk toward your left to the end
- You will find a path going to the Mermaid Pools
- On you way back, you will find another path going to the Whale’s bay
- Follow the path, stop at the lookout you will find on your right
- At the end of that track, go right towards Whale’s bay
- On your way back, keep going until you have nearly reached the road. You will see another path beforehand going back down to Matapouri
- At the end, you will easily find your way back to the parking
- Before you jump in your car, I would recommend you walk to the other end of the beach and check out the beautiful inlet around the corner.