Matakana Island

Matakana Island is a long thin stretch of land around 20 km in length, making it the largest of the coastal islands in the Bay of Plenty region. The land is split between sheltered orchards and farmland, and thick pine forest on the side of the Pacific Ocean. The bush protects the flatter southerly land from the weather elements, creating farming opportunities for the islands 250 inhabitants. The northern side of the island is much more exposed to wind, creating great conditions for keen surfers looking for the perfect wave.

The area is a nationally significant site for biodiversity with a wide range of native species of birds, plants and wildlife. Over 100 species of indigenous New Zealand plant are thought to grow on the small space of land.