Matakana & Beyond Must-Do's

Matakana Village - This small, old-world village boasts a pocketful of interesting shops. Sip coffee from Matakana Market Kitchen, bite into Aotearoa’s best bacon butty at the Matakana Bacon Company and Matakana Village Pub serves excellent gastropub food. Matakana is also known for its wine production.

Matakana Village Farmers' Market -Buy irresistible pantry items such as Italian sausage and locally brewed beer at this river-fronting market. Open Saturday, 8am-1pm.

Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail - On the outskirts of Matakana, you’ll find this excellent vineyard and sculpture trail. The bush walk culminates at the vineyard’s restaurant by the lake: The Glass House Kitchen.

Sculptureum - A collection of indoor art galleries and sculpture-strewn gardens, including giant pink snails. top Pacific oyster growing area, swim at one of several beaches or walk one of several tracks.

Tāwharanui - Spot kiwi at night in the Tāwharanui Regional Park. With infra-red thermal gear and kiwispotting prowess, tours with Habitat Tours are highly rated.

Point Wells - Small estuary-fronting village with a strong community spirit. Walk the shoreline and stop at the playground.

Ti Point - A coastal pathway is loved by locals, with small bays and jetty views. Ti Point Reptile Park is a family favourite and home to tuatara.

Leigh - A gem of a spot with a small harbour, genuine holiday vibes and handy to several top beaches

Leigh Sawmill - Great pizza, live gigs, a beer garden, relics from the former mill and a rustic courtyard with seesaws and beanbags.

Goat Island Marine Reserve - New Zealand’s first marine reserve, near Leigh. Snorkelling is fantastic; other options to see what’s going on below are Clearyak see-through kayaks for hire and boarding a glass bottom boat.

Want more? Visit https://aatraveller.co.nz/travel-guides and get planning.

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz

IMAGE ABOVE: Matakana © Auckland Unlimited Inc.