There really is something quite magical about Matakana. We’re not sure if it’s the quaint Matakana Village or the vast number of vineyards, wineries, art galleries, cafés and restaurants that are sprinkled throughout the area. Or, perhaps, it’s the rolling countryside, spectacular coastline, beaches, hidden coves, and varied walking tracks. There are just so many things to do in Matakana and whether you’re a or a , this popular year-round destination offers up magical Instagram-worthy photo opportunities at every turn.
Providing you time your trip to miss the traffic, it’s an easy 55-minute drive north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. In no time at all, you’ll be breathing in the country air and starting to relax. With so many things to see and do in Matakana, it’s hard to decide what to do first so, to help you out, here are our top picks for this gem of a destination:
Matakana Village Farmers’ Market
This rustic market on the river’s edge is THE place to be on a Saturday morning and is a foodie’s paradise with fresh, sustainably-grown, local artisan goods. Relax beside the river listening to live music then visit the various galleries and shops in the surrounding Matakana Village.
Matakana Village
This is the heart of Matakana and offers stylish shops and galleries. You won’t find any chain stores in the Village, only a delightful selection of independent speciality shops carrying a good range of art, jewellery, homewares, jewellery and gifts. There’s also a pharmacy, beauty salon, food stores and a number of eateries.
Use the Loo!
Toilets as a tourist destination! Fancy loos seem to be a ‘thing’ at the moment. When a competition was held to design a new toilet block in Matakana, local art student Steffan de Haan beat several professional architects with his proposal. The exterior face-to-face design and hull-shaped ship cubicles with stained glass ‘portholes’ are a nod to the local boat-building industry.
Matakana Cinemas
Located in the heart of Matakana Village, this beautiful boutique cinema is worth calling in to. Grab a glass of wine from The Vintry before heading next door to watch a movie. The spectacular cinema complex is worth visiting just to see the décor in each movie house – the Paradiso has a ceiling with 10,000 paper roses, the Roxy is draped in romantic fabrics from floor to ceiling and the Tivoli features a stunning 800kg chandelier as its stunning showpiece.
Ti Point
Following the foreshore, with views out towards Omaha Beach and Whangateau Harbour, the gravel track and boardwalk give way to narrow tracks with tree roots and boulders. A steep hill at the end has a great outlook to Leigh Harbour and Little Barrier Island.
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Ten minutes by car from Matakana and set on a remote peninsula, this mainland ‘island’ eco-sanctuary is protected by a 2.5km predator-proof fence and covers 588 hectares with a range of walks through bush, wetlands, beaches and farmland. Once a large private farm, this eco-paradise with its no-fishing and no-take rules, is a haven for many endangered birds, including kiwi, and also offers picnic spots, campgrounds, beautiful white sand beaches, swimming, surfing and snorkelling.
Goat Island Reserve, Leigh
Goat Island, the local name for Cape Rodney/Okakari Point Marine Reserve, was the first no-take marine reserve created in New Zealand. Established in 1975 in an area that had been overfished, it has transformed into a rich ecological area abundant with fish and other sea life.
With its range of underwater cliffs, canyons, sandflats and rocky shores, the reserve offers an exceptional snorkelling and diving experience. You can hire equipment or sign up for a guided snorkel tour.
We also recommend a visit to the Marine Discovery Centre to view interactive displays or take a ride on a glass-bottomed boat and experience marine life up close. If you’re feeling energetic and looking for a spectacular view of the Marine Reserve, there’s a walk through coastal forest, along the cliff tops.
Kiwiness Tours
A excursion with Kiwiness Tours is a must-do. Owner/operator Vanessa (Ness) Wards, believes the true way to experience any region is with a local – her passion is contagious. Perhaps you’d like to visit the best wineries or breweries on the Matakana Coast or, may be, a visit to all the galleries?
We highly recommend the guided evening Kiwi Sanctuary Walk in the Tāwharanui Regional Park where there’s an 85% chance of seeing a kiwi in its natural habitat.
Matakana River Tours
In days gone by, a variety of businesses relied on the Matakana River to take their goods to Auckland. As the region prospered and road transport flourished, the once busy waterway slowed. Enjoy a trip through the past on a boutique cruise where you’ll learn the history of the river and the region.
Matakana River Tours also offers stand-up paddle boarding or tours of the oyster farms where you learn how these tasty morsels are caught and grown. A bonus is that you shuck and eat fresh oysters from the water.
The Vivian
This purpose-built, rural setting art gallery showcases local and internationally-renowned artists and, with indoor and outdoor options, has a variety of artistic mediums – including paintings, photography, video installations – on display.
Morris and James Pottery
A Matakana institution, Morris & James was established in 1977 by Anthony Morris and today, is run by artisans and crafts people who use clay, harvested from the banks of the Matakana River, to create a wide range of colourful ceramics, pots, home décor and knickknacks. Learn about the history and processes of this iconic pottery on one of their daily tours or simply browse through the showroom. An on-site café, Brick and Vines, offers daily brunch and lunch options.
Sculptureum
Trip Advisor ranks Sculptureum as the ‘Second Best Thing to Do in Auckland’ and with more than 700 artworks spread over six indoor art galleries and 1.5km of gardens, it’s easy to see why. Sculptureum is unique and breathtaking and is a must-do in Matakana. The diverse and eclectic range of artwork features both New Zealand and overseas artists and includes artists such as Paul Cézanne, Auguste Rodin and Marc Chagall. The owner, Anthony Grant, adds to the collection continuously.
The spectacular glass art on display in the galleries is said to be the best in the southern hemisphere and the enormous glass chandelier, created by American artist Dale Chihuly, is truly stunning and a definite must-see.
Outside, the sculpture trail houses sculptures, figurative art and modern abstract pieces and the gardens, with colourful plantings that change with the seasons, add to the overall visual sensation.
Although Anthony still works long hours as a barrister, he loves to visit Sculptureum over the weekends. If you’re lucky enough to see him giving a gallery tour, drop everything and tag along. His knowledge, passion, reflections and insight into the artworks is phenomenal.
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Thanks to the Brick Bay Sculpture Charitable Trust, established and emerging sculptors have the opportunity to showcase their large-scale artworks on the Sculpture Trail. The ever-changing exhibition of over 60 sculptures is designed to inspire, delight and challenge visitors – not only is it a visual delight with static and kinetic pieces but there are also areas with sound installations and quiet spots for contemplation and meditation. The trail weaves its way through native bush, ponds and grassy pastureland and is an easy 2km walk, suitable for most ages and abilities. Spend a leisurely hour discovering sculptures as you meander past lakes and through vineyards, fields and pristine native forest.
The work on display is for sale so the artworks do change. The annual Folly competition attracts entries from young and emerging New Zealanders, eager to realise their sculptural design dreams.
The Glass House, Brick Bay
End your walk around Brick Bay Sculpture Trail with brunch, lunch, platters or small bites at The Glass House. This stunning, light-filled, glass restaurant, cantilevered over the lily pond with Virgina King’s Phantom Fleet Vessel ‘floating’ on its surface, offers a tempting seasonal menu using fresh local produce. We recommend a glass of Pinot Gris or Rosé from one of Brick Bay’s own highly-acclaimed boutique wines to go with your meal or enjoy a personalised wine tasting at the bar.
Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room
The Sawmill, located on the site of an original timber mill, is an independent New Zealand-owned brewery offering brewery tours with beer sampling. Using New Zealand hops and malts, the beers have no sugar, preservatives or and every month, to keep things interesting, Sawmill releases two different seasonal beers.
The Smoko Room, the adjoining indoor/outdoor dining area with its rough-sawn timber tables and benches, offers a good range of food options including snacks, shared platters if you’re hungry, something larger. It’s also a great opportunity to try a sample selection of their 14 on-tap beers or local organic wines.
Charlies Gelato
When the locals suggest a trip to Charlies Gelato is a must-do, you know it has to be good. Take some time out to enjoy the garden and a scoop of Charlie’s award-winning handmade sorbetto or gelato. It’s divine and with 40 flavours on offer, the hardest part is choosing which one to have. Charlies also offers Italian-style wood-fired pizzas, home baking and freshly roasted coffee. Well worth the stop.
Plume Café
This busy café is located close to Matakana Village and offers a good selection of cabinet or menu items. Their sourdough and bread is popular and their coffee is great.
Plume Restaurant
Enjoy lunch or dinner in this gorgeous rustic restaurant. With both indoor and outdoor dining options and views towards the mountains, over vineyards and rural landscape, Plume is all about fabulous local produce.