There are two short walks at Matakaea Reserve, Shag Point, where you can view sea birds and watch NZ fur seals basking in the sun. No camping, no fires and strictly no dogs allowed. Tracks and seal-viewing are in a former coal mining area so please stick to the designated tracks for your own safety. Seals have been known to come up and lay across the warm gravel paths, so please be wary and maintain a respectful distance so not to disturb them.
There is a designated picnic area just before the reserve entrance, however, camping is not permitted. Strictly no dogs allowed.