WEEKEND ROAD TRIP: MATAKANA COAST

FRIDAY

Aim to head north from Auckland on SH 1 before Friday midday if you can. Just as you come out of the tunnels follow signs for Pūhoi on your left. This quaint little village was settled by early Bohemians who got a bit of a shock when they turned up to farm their land to find it was thick native bush. It took them one year to clear one acre and they survived it thanks to the hospitality and help of local Māori. Pop into the historic Pūhoi pub for a bite to eat while the kids check out the riverside rope swing.

Pūhoi township

© Adobe Stock

When you are well fed and watered, gather some last-minute supplies from the Pūhoi Store and head back off up SH 1 until you reach the Honey Centre. Visit the busy bees and grab some beautiful honey themed goodies to add to your basket before you drop into Warkworth. This historic riverside town offers a healthy helping of quality eateries, enough so you’ll find something you like but not so many you can’t decide. The Bridgehouse and theWarkworth Hotel both happen to be places of historic interest and are a handy 5-minute walk apart so maybe try out both. If craft beer, steam punk and live music nights are your vibe then the Tahi Bar (near the Warkworth Hotel) was made for you.

SATURDAY

Coffee and brioche at Pete and Mary’s is a must before heading off to hit the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market, the ideal place to pick up items for a picnic lunch from local growers and producers. Or leave it up to the experts: the Matakana Village Picnic create bespoke or even mystery picnics for you from fresh produce. Now to hit the beaches! Even in the cooler seasons the golden sands of Omaha can entice you to dip your toes into crystal-clear waters. Nearby Tāwharanui Regional Park is a very badly kept secret. Not only is it a fantastic spot for surfing and body boarding, there are ecology trails and native birds aplenty. Kiwiness Tours will help you find the latter on one of their evening kiwi walks.

A late afternoon stop-off at the Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room will be in order to help recharge your batteries before carrying on up to the Leigh Sawmill Café. Check out their website for the banging live music nights, some of which are family friendly. You can grab some mouthwatering gourmet pizzas before the gig.

The Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room

© Camilla Rutherford

SUNDAY

Up bright and early and ready for an adventure? Try a swim or snorkel just up the road at Goat Island Marine Reserve. For the late starters, head back for breakfast at the Matakana Market Kitchen, where you can’t go wrong with their Welsh Rarebit and or Cheesy Bacon Hotcakes.

Matakana Market Kitchen

© Thomas Klockseth

The Matakana Country Market,on Sunday mornings at Country Park, is where you can pick up hand-made treasures. Little kids will love the miniature train with its tiny dog driver and the playground, too. Hire some bikes from here if the weather is nice and hit the cycle trails or,for a flatter experience, drive to Point Wells. The General Store there has excellent fish and chips.

If the weather is good, head over to Brick Bay and have a leisurely swan around the outdoor sculpture trail. If the weather is not so great, the nearby Sculptureum has an indoor gallery as well as an outdoor trail.

Brick Bay, North Auckland

© Auckland Inc.

If you are after a quiet evening, then Matakana Cinemas are a good option. They’re lovely, comfortable cinemas with interesting décor, including a ceiling covered in thousands of yellow paper roses. For a noisier option, the Matakana Village Pub across the road hosts occasional live open mic nights.

Sculptureum, North Auckland

© Auckland Inc.

MONDAY

Snells Beach for breakfast by the waterfront at the Bayview Bistro is the perfect start, or grab an avocado hash-stack at Little and Local. Near the end of the Mahurangi East Peninsula lies Scandrett Regional Park; the kids will love exploring the historic farm buildings, climbing pōhutukawa trees, paddling in clear waters and investigating the rock pools at low tide. Follow the trail over Mullet Point and down to Martins Bay, another safe, sandy beach with all-tide swimming, awesome playground and plenty of shade. Alternatively, check out the bay and historical homestead down at Scotts Landing. On the way back stop in with a carrot in hand to feed the adorable donkey family at the Highfield Reserve just off Mahurangi East Road in Algies Bay.

After all that walking you may need a little pick-me-up so stop in at Charlies Gelato on Sharp Road to sample some of their 40 different flavours and, in the summer months, grab some strawberries; they are the best. Wander around the gardens, pay a visit to Slow Blooms to pick your own flowers to take home, as well as some other locally made produce from Charlies Pantry.

A neat way to avoid some of the legendary traffic you may face on the way home is to swing by the Parry Kauri Forest and stroll around the upgraded purpose built track. The local district museum is right there, too, and has outdoor exhibits to explore and have a giggle at. See army huts built to house US Marine Corp soldiers who came to the Warkworth area in 1942 for training, the old Warkworth jail, a pair of stocks, a long drop, a traditional phone box and the old Mahurangi East Post Office here.