The island has been continuously populated for centuries by Māori tribes that are mostly associated with Ngāi Te Rangi.

The 5000 acre western side of the island (farmland part) was purchased by Whitaker and Russell between 1869-1873.

That transaction relates to the Wiakoura, Oturoa, Paretata, Omanuwhiri, Ohinetama, Wairaka, Pukekahu, Okotare and Hori Tupaea's Pa blocks.

20th Century: Between 1993 and 1999 the ownership of Matakana Island's 10,000 acres (4,047 ha) forest and freehold land was in dispute.

The island protects the entrance to the Tauranga harbour and stretches from Bowentown to Mount Maunganui.

[11] Matakana Island is largely covered with pine trees although some land is cleared for the residents.

Matakana Island has a relatively small population density of 4.2, though still more than the West Coast(1.3 as of the 2006 Census).

Surfers can either catch a water taxi from Mount Maunganui or paddle to the island across the mouth of Tauranga Harbour (depending on weather conditions).

Matakana's surf side is a nesting site for a large number of sea birds, including the endangered New Zealand dotterel.