Matakana - An Hour North of Auckland

for a fabulous day experiencing local culture!

Getting There: You can either drive through on the new motorway as far as Puhoi – you will need to stop and pay at the roadside petrol station, or you can phone the numbers you see on the signs. Or go by the old motor way, via Orewa. You do get lovely views being a coastal route. Turn off at Warkworth.

Things to Do in Matakana

Beaches Around Matakana

• Tawharanui - is a surf beach, with a DOC camp. See the ranger to organise to stay here. The last few kilometres of road is unsealed, and a small section is narrow and windy. But the beach is a beauty......... it is not always big surf. It depends on the wind direction.
• Omaha – is the other surf beach in the area. This is quite built up with beach houses, but features a long, white sandy beach.
• Mathesons Bay – This beautiful bay is a great family beach, where you can swim in crystal clear water, kayak and snorkel around the rocks. It does lack shelter right on the beach.
• Goat Island – once popular for the fish in the enclosed area as this is a marine reserve, it is still a lovely spot for a picnic and swimming.
• Campbells Bay – A small, but pleasant beach. Tidal so best when full tide.
• Baddeley’s Beach is similar to Campbells.

Matakana Markets

• Matakana Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday morning – right in the centre of the village - this is an interesting market with all kinds of local produce from cheeses, preserves, chutneys, jams, fruit and vegetables, home baking, breads and much more
• Matakana Market – is located in an old building and has great crafts.

• Collectibles Market – is across the road in another old historic two storied building. Most of the displays are out the front, with jewellery, clothing, and collectibles.
• Matakana Country Market – almost like a museum with old machinery on display, an art gallery, miniature train, pony rides, Woolshed events, Equestrian events, Country Kitchen cafe – great for children.

Matakana Wine Trail

• Ransom’s Winery– Located on the left just before you turn off into Warkworth – this modern winery has some very good wines, and a pleasant restaurant overlooking their vines.
• Ascension Winery – To be recommended..... this winery has an excellent restaurant, and wine tasting - $3 for three wines, or $5 for your choice of six wines. They also often have guest artists, Jazz weekends, and other entertainment.

• Herons Flight – This has both wine tasting and a restaurant. The specialise in Italian Sangiovese and Dolcetto wines.Their platters are excellent!
• Brick Bay Wines – Open daily - also available at the Farmers Market
• Hyperion Wines – Weekends and holidays only
• Omaha Bay Vineyard – Open Wednesday to Sunday – Relatively new, this winery has stunning views over the bay and along the coast. You can also also have meals, in a rustic restaurant.

These are the selection of wineries open to the public on a regular timetable. Others can be visited, but tastings need to be pre arranged

Arts and Crafts

• Morris and James Pottery and Tileworks - This pottery is a favourite with many – especially their big sales. They produce distinctive colourful large pots, along with New Zealand themed tiles, and small pottery products. They also have an excellent cafe.
• Bella Design Pottery – right in the Village, this small pottery is down a driveway next to the bakery. They have specialty pots, plates, etc with lovely glazing.
• Inside Matakana Market there are some nice craft shops, with some unusual New Zealand pieces.
• Brick Bay Sculpture Trail is a one hour walk showcasing a changing display of sculpture from emerging artists.

Restaurants and Cafes

• Ascension Wine Estate and the Oak Grill Bistro
• Ransom’s
• Heron’s Flight
• Omaha Bay Wines

• Morris and James Pottery Cafe – a nice indoor / outdoor cafe with a good selection of cafe food.
• Sawmill Cafe at Leigh is extremely popular. People come from far and wide to attend concerts in this two level restaurant, open for both lunch and dinners.
• Charlie’s Gelato and Art Gallery is a very good place to enjoy gelato freshly made daily. It is just before Heron’s Flight Restaurant.
• Bridge House Lodge – a very pleasant pub in the main street of Warkworth
• Matakana Patisserie – This award winning bakery has excellent food , you can take away or eat in Their Sunrise muffins are truly delicious!
• Black Dog Cafe and Country Kitchen has excellent coffee, and some unusual dishes. Try their black sticky rice with fresh fruit for breakfast. Very tasty! Great for breakfasts and lunches.
• Brookview House overlooks the river at Matakana Village and serves meals.

Miscellaneous Places of Interest

• The Honey Centre – is a few kilometres before you get to Warkworth. This is a good stop, especially if you would like to try a large selection of fruit flavoured honeys, see the bees at work through a glass fronted hive, or have a meal. They have very good pies. The Rogan Josh flavour was delicious!
• En route turn off at Puhoi and visit the Puhoi Pub which is a historic old pub well worth looking inside for its museum like decor. The another 2 kilometres on is Puhoi Cheese Factory You can do a cheese tasting, and stock up, and have a meal outside under the umbrellas.

This whole area has stunning views, and many more galleries, a blueberry farm, and other interesting features.