Slow Blooms, Matakana

Rebecka Bjelfvenstam Keeling is the founder, grower and guardian of Slow Blooms, a pick-your-own flower farm just outside of Matakana, North Auckland. She holds workshops and tours, sharing the fun of growing, harvesting and arranging your own flowers. As well as the Slow Blooms pick-your-own flower experience, there’s a herbal tea garden, where visitors can put together their own teas and tinctures.

© Slow Blooms

WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE A VISITOR YOU ARE TRYING TO IMPRESS?

If they’re a foodie, then definitely to the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market. I would get them a fish taco from Laughing Heart and a crepe from Bon Appetite Creperie. Then we’d pick up some bread rolls, a few delicious cheeses from Whangaripo Buffalo, a bottle of Lothlorien feijoa wine and hit Tawharanui Beach for the afternoon.

WHAT IS A TOURIST ATTRACTION THAT LOCALS VISIT?

Everybody loves Charlies Gelato! They create award-winning ice cream and sorbetto, and sell quality produce in their shop. The local kids love it.

© Slow Blooms

WHERE IS YOUR SPECIAL PLACE TO VISIT?

The Secret Garden Sculptural Habitat in Protea Patch is pretty special. It’s a magical little walk around beautiful trees, ponds and artworks.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO TAKE TIME OUT?

To get away from it all, I take my pony for a ride along one of the horsefriendly beaches in the area, like Algies Bay or along the Omaha Estuary. We jump some driftwood and have a splash around in the water.

© Slow Blooms