1. Go wine tasting
Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail
Brick Bay
Withart, food, and wine,Brick Bayis loved by Matakana Coast locals and visitors alike.Stroll through their stunning sculpture trail before settling in for a wine tasting at The Row — no booking needed! Tastings start from just $10 per person, and you can even have a tasting fee waived if you buy a bottle. Every grape is grownon-site, soexpect sustainable, high-quality reds, whites, and roséswith unique flavours shaped by the local soil and climate. Feeling peckish? Their restaurant, The Glass House, is top-notch.
Matakana Estate
Spanning 35 hectares,Matakana Estateis the largest winery along the Coast. Try a flight offourestate-grown wines for$15 per person —the Matakana flight is their most popular —and learn about how ourmaritime climate affects grape growing. The cellar door is open Thursday to Monday from 11am - 4pm, but before you go,book in advance through their website.
Heron’s Flight
Specialising in Italian grape varieties, Heron’s Flightis a family-run vineyard with three generations of winemakers living on the property. Theirintimatetasting room is open 10am - 5pm daily, and prices start from only $10.Sip on their renowned Sangiovese and Dolcetto while soaking in the beautiful vineyard views.
2. Tastelocally made artisan products
Honest Chocolat
Honest Chocolat
Indulge your sweet tooth with handcrafted chocolates from Honest Chocolat. Known for their ethical sourcing and delicious flavours, this is a must-visit for chocolate lovers.
Charlie’s Gelato Matakana
Cool down with a scoop (or two) of gelato at Charlie’s Gelato. Made with fresh, local ingredients, their ever-changing menu features a wide range of flavours to tingle your tastebuds.
The Village Picnic
Join The Village Picnic for a curated tour of Matakana's best local produce. Pick up treats from different spots and settle in for a picnic in one of the Matakana Coast’s scenic spots.
3. Express yourcreativity
Clay Friends
Clay Friends
Take a pottery class at Clay Friends and create your own handmade masterpiece. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned potter, this is a fun and relaxing activity.
Slow Blooms
Visit Slow Blooms and handpick flowers to create your own bouquet. This is a gentle way to spend an afternoon and take home a piece of the Matakana countryside.
4. Immerse yourself in nature
Wenderholm Regional Park
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Discover Tāwharanui Regional Park, a stunning blend of white sandy beaches, rolling pastures, and native bush. It’s a great spot for hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.
Mahurangi Regional Park (West)
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Mahurangi Regional Park. With its sheltered bays and historic sites, it’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, and relaxing by the water.
Wenderholm Regional Park
Wenderholm Regional Park is a natural oasis where the Puhoi River meets the sea. Enjoy walking trails, beach activities, and breathtaking views.
5. Visit a market
Matakana Village Farmers' Market
Matakana Country Park Markets
Held every Sunday, the Matakana Country ParkMarket isa local favourite. Find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Matakana Village Markets
Explore the Matakana Village Farmers' Markets, where you can shop for locally made and vintage goods, enjoy live music, and taste delicious food from a variety of vendors.
Watch: 6 family-friendly activities along the Matakana Coast
6. Meet the animals
Goat Island Dive and Snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve
Ti Point Reptile Park
Get up close and personal with exotic reptiles at Ti Point Reptile Park. It’s an exciting and educational experience for all ages.
Sheepworld
Visit Sheepworld to learn about New Zealand’s sheep farming industry. Watch live demonstrations, meet the animals, and browse their unique wool products.
Goat Island Marine Reserve
Dive into the underwater world at Goat Island Marine Reserve. Snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see vibrant marine life in their natural habitat.
Highfield Gardens Reserve Donkey Sanctuary
Spend a peaceful afternoon at the Donkey Sanctuary, where you can meet and feed the friendly residents. It’s a heartwarming experience for animal lovers.
7. Eat Like a local
The Matakana Village Pub
The Matakana Village Pub
Enjoy a hearty meal and a pint atThe Matakana Village Pub. This historic pub is a great spot to relax and soak in the local vibe.
Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room
Visit Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room for a taste of locally brewed craft beer. Pair your drink with delicious food in a laid-back setting.
Matakana Market Kitchen
Savour fresh, local cuisine at Matakana Market Kitchen. Their menu features seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers.
The Tahi Bar in Warkworth
Recently awarded the best Gastropub for the northern North Island, The Tahi Bar in Warkworth offers live music every weekend and a vibrant atmosphere.
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8. Visit a museum or a gallery
Warkworth and District Museum
Warkworth and District Museum
Learn about the region’s rich history at the Warkworth and District Museum. Discover fascinating exhibits and artifacts from the past.
Sculptureum
Explore the Sculptureum, an impressive collection of art and sculpture set in beautiful gardens. It’s an inspiring place to stimulate the right side of your brain.
Morris and James Pottery
Explore the Morris and James Pottery Gallery, where you can admire (and purchase) beautiful ceramics and artworks. Don’t miss the chance to see their craftsmen at work.
9. Relax on the beach
Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach
Spend a day at Omaha Beach, known for its white sand and clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games.
Tāwharanui Beach
Tāwharanui Beach offers a stunning coastal escape with crystal-clear waters and golden sand. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing beach day.
Martin’s Bay
Martin’s Bay is a tranquil beach with calm waters, making it a great spot for families and those looking to unwind by the sea.
10. Exercise your adventurous spirit
Blue Adventures
Blue Adventures
Get your adrenaline pumping with Blue Adventures. Try kiteboarding, wakeboarding, or foilboarding lessons in the beautiful waters of Matakana.
Action Ninja World
Challenge yourself at Action Ninja World, an exciting obstacle course designed to test your agility and strength. It’s a fun adventure for all ages.
Matakana Trail
Cycle the scenic Matakana Trailfrom Matakana to Omaha with a side trip to Point Wells.It’s perfect for a leisurely bike ride or a brisk walk. Auckland Transport'shandy guide to the trail has all the details!
11. Stay a while
Matakana Estate Lodge
Too much to pack in to one day? Extend your visit and wake up along the Matakana Coast.
Budget-friendly
For affordable, family-friendly options, consider Martin’s Bay Holiday Park, Pakiri Beach Holiday Park, or Whangateau Holiday Park, each offering stunning views and greatamenities.
Mid-range
For mid-range stays, Matakana Motel provides comfortable accommodationpriced starting from $205,while BeauRegard Cottages' charming lodgings starting from $210 per night. Teepee provides unique and cosy stays from $150 per night.
High-end
If you’re looking for luxury, Matakana Estate Lodge offers ultimate opulence, Takatu Lodge features elegant accommodations with vineyard views, and Plume Villas boast luxurious settings amidst picturesque landscapes.
Written by Natalie Clement
Last updated 21 May 2024
