Discover Maketu
Tucked along the Pacific coast in the Bay of Plenty, Maketu blends rich Māori heritage, coastal adventure, and small-town charm—all just steps from your stay at Maketu Beach Haven. From estuary paddles to surf sessions, scenic walks to historic landmarks, there’s plenty to explore—especially if you're here for the sea and sand. And if you're after a wider range of shopping, dining, or entertainment options, you’re only 45 minutes from the city centres of Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Rotorua, and Whakatāne—perfect for a day trip or change of pace.
Discover sacred sites
Heritage & culture
Step into centuries of tradition with guided Te Arawa history tours, which highlight Maketu as the landing place of the Te Arawa waka—one of the most important early arrivals in New Zealand's Polynesian migration story. The local information centre contains a modest but meaningful display of historic artifacts and community records, offering insight into Maketu’s layered past. Maketu is also home to two of the oldest churches in the Bay of Plenty. The St. Thomas Anglican Church, with its simple colonial architecture, and St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with its distinctive timber cladding and peaceful hillside setting, both serve as enduring markers of the region’s missionary and settler era. For guests interested in deeper Māori cultural experiences—including carving, weaving, and kapa haka performances—Rotorua is just 45 minutes away and well worth the trip.
paddle, fish, DIVE. kayak
Estuary adventures
Maketu’s estuary is a playground for nature lovers, paddlers, and fishermen alike. You can launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard right from the boat ramp and explore the calm waters where the Kaituna River meets the sea. For keen anglers, the estuary offers spots for snapper and kahawai, while the sandbanks are a popular feeding ground for herons, stilts, and other native birds. The ever-shifting Kaituna Bar makes each outing different—so be sure to check our live cam and marine forecast before heading out. Whether you're on the water or watching the birdlife, Maketu’s estuary invites you to slow down and connect with the rhythm of nature.
front-row ocean view
Dining
Maketu may be small, but you're never far from good food. Just a few steps from your accommodation is the Maketu Beachside Café, serving up everything from fish & chips and burgers to sweet pancakes, ice cream, coffee and cocktails—all with a front-row seat to the ocean. It's the perfect spot to refuel after a beach walk or estuary paddle, and it’s open daily for breakfast, lunch and casual evening meals. Maketu Pies, a local institution, is also a must-try—famous across New Zealand for their flaky pastry and delicious fillings.
Ride, relax or roam the open beach
Surf & shoreline
Maketu’s long, open beach faces the Pacific and offers great surfing conditions, especially for beginner and intermediate surfers. The waves are usually consistent but manageable, and the sandy beach is wide and welcoming—perfect for bodyboarding, swimming, or just stretching out under the sun. At low tide, you can take a long walk along the shoreline, beachcomb for shells and driftwood, or simply enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. The beach reserve area has grassy spots for picnicking and easy access to the sand—making it a favourite with locals and visitors alike. For a bit of adventure, take the short walk around Newdick’s Beach, a sheltered spot just a few minutes from town with stunning views, surf and wildlife.
For birdwatchers and nature lovers
Nature & wildlife
Beyond the beach, Maketu offers rich opportunities to explore native birdlife and coastal ecosystems. The estuary and surrounding wetlands are home to a variety of shorebirds including oystercatchers, herons, stilts, and seasonal migrants like godwits. For nature walks, head inland a few minutes to the Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve, where you’ll find walking tracks, native plantings, and quiet areas perfect for birdwatching. It’s a peaceful way to connect with Maketu’s natural side—away from the surf and sand, but just as scenic.