Chasing the Last Sunset of the Year at Matapaua Bay
New Year's Eve is often a time of reflection, and what better way to end the year than by witnessing the final sunset of 2024 at one of New Zealand’s hidden gems? On December 31st, I packed my gear and headed to Matapaua Bay, a secluded and stunning location on the Coromandel Peninsula. My goal was simple: to capture the last light of the year in all its glory.
The Setting
Matapaua Bay is a quiet, picturesque spot with golden sand, rocky outcrops, and a peaceful atmosphere. Unlike more popular beaches in the Coromandel, it remains relatively untouched, making it a perfect location for landscape photography. I arrived at around 7:00 PM, giving myself plenty of time to scout compositions before the sun dipped below the horizon.
Weather & Conditions
The weather was ideal for a sunset shoot—mild temperatures around 18°C (64°F) with a gentle sea breeze keeping things comfortable. The sky was a mix of soft blues and warm oranges, with scattered clouds adding just enough texture to make the scene dynamic without obstructing the sunset. Clouds can make or break a sunset, and on this evening, they provided the perfect canvas for the fading light to paint across.
The Tide & Composition Choices
The tide was on the rise, gradually filling the bay and adding movement to the foreground elements. Rising tides can be great for long exposure shots, as the motion of the water creates a soft, misty effect when captured with the right settings. I set up near some of the rocky formations along the shoreline, using them as leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye towards the horizon where the sun was making its descent.
The Golden Moment
As the sun approached the horizon around 8:29 PM, the sky exploded with color—deep oranges, soft pinks, and hints of purple reflecting off the water’s surface. The rocks in the foreground were bathed in warm light, creating a perfect contrast against the cool blues of the ocean. I took a mix of wide-angle shots to capture the grandeur of the scene and some tighter compositions focusing on the interplay of light and texture in the landscape.
Wrapping Up
By 9:30 PM, the last light had faded, and it was time to pack up. Standing there in the quiet, watching the final glow of 2024 disappear, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for another year of photography adventures.
The footage from this shoot has been compiled into a video on my YouTube channel, where you can experience the beauty of this unforgettable evening. If you’re interested in landscape photography or just love a good sunset, be sure to check it out! https://youtu.be/X90FAYOzsvE