Local Loves
No matter the season, the Matakana Coast area is brimming with activities. You can savor delicious food and wine, explore local art and crafts, or immerse yourself in the stunning nature walks and pristine beaches that define the region.
Eating
Sawmill Brewery: Amazing for a drink, lunch or dinner and a perfect place for kids or groups as it has a great large outdoor area - perfect for soaking up the sun. http://www.sawmillbrewery.co.nz/smokoroom/ - check for hours. 1004 Leigh Road, Matakana
Ravish HQ: 726 Matakana Rd (on the corner of Sharps Rd). They have a coffee and food Kiosk (great coffee) as well as a catering service offering food for pick-up or delivery for a wide range of occasions and events.
Charlies Gelato & Woodfire Pizza: At Charlies Gelato in Matakana they scoop their own handmade, small batch, gelato & sorbetto - made fresh daily with the best locally sourced ingredients. Over the summer months they also do wood fired pizza daily till 7pm. 7 Sharp Road, Matakana http://www.charliesgelato.co.nz/
The Farmers Daughter Omaha: Overlooking the vegetable gardens and out to the Omaha estuary, serving Eighthirty Espresso, Iced Matcha Latte’s, Cold Pressed Juice + Wild Delicious Fermented Water Kefir, Fresh Salads, Sandwich’s, Cakes + Baked Goods to dine in or takeaway. For brunch and lunch with a spectacular view, and a sustainable focus. Local beers, Peroni on tap, an extensive wine list and a delish menu for the kids too. https://thefarmersdaughteromaha.co.nz/
Rothko at Sculptureum: https://www.sculptureum.nz New and interesting dishes are being created by newly appointed chef, Neil Sapitula - who achieved One Hat from cuisine at his previous restaurant. Wood-fired cooking, using interesting ferments, and his dishes are innovative, creative and full of flavour.
Jin Jin: 2/44, Matakana valley rd, Matakana 0985 - Delicious Asian fusion food in the heart of Matakana. https://www.jinjin.co.nz/menu
Vietnamese Food truck: Matakana (Viet Q Foods). Usually open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights but the hours do change so check their Facebook page or call on 021 061 4100, 969 Makakana Road.
Matakana Market Kitchen: Location: No.2 Matakana Valley Road. Does a great kids menu. Relaxing environment, overlooking the river. https://www.matakanamarketkitchen.co.nz
The Vintry: The Vintry specialises in locally grown Matakana Wines. Family-owned wineries are located within a 14km radius of The Vintry’s doorstep. Enjoy a wine tasting, wine by the glass, or take your own taste of Matakana home with you from our cellar door wine list. They make great cocktails too!
Brick Bay: Situated on the coast in the Matakana Wine Region, a 200 acre boutique vineyard, an extensive outdoor sculpture trail, an architectural-award winning restaurant, in the midst of an idyllic landscape of farmed pasture and native bush. http://www.brickbay.co.nz/
Stables and Smiths Bar: Located in the Matakana Country Park amongst the picturesque rural landscape. Check out there website for daily specials. Great selection of small sharing plates as well as gourmet pizzas. Smiths is a combination of an old Blacksmiths and a 60's bach. Industrial yet retro. https://www.smithsmatakana.co.nz/
Omaha Organic Berries (OOB): Summer only. Berries taste best eaten sun-warm off the bush, and even better when combined with ice cream. Omaha Organic Blueberries (Oob) opens a little shop at its orchard in the summertime to sell fresh berries and berry ice creams, which you can then consume lounging on the grass just meters from the bushes where the berries are growing. It doesn’t get fresher than that.
Activities / Beaches
Matakana Markets: These are a must do. Open Sat mornings rain or shine. Slip into that Saturday morning feeling at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market – a true foodie’s heaven with a focus on fresh, sustainable and local artisan goods. From award-winning coffee, to mouth-watering brunch dishes, there’s plenty to sample and savour. Relax by the riverside to live local music, while the kids explore the rustic treehouse and natural playground. 2 Matakana Valley Road http://matakanavillage.co.nz/market/
Yoga: If you are after a yoga, meditation or Pilates class – be sure to check out Bali Gardens - https://www.baligarden.nz/
Matakana Cinema: Matakana Cinemas is a stunning three-theatre boutique cinema complex situated in the heart of Matakana Village. With state-of-the-art sound systems, spacious and luxurious seating, as well as incredible individually styled cinemas, Matakana Cinemas is a “must-do” destination on any visit to the Matakana region. www.matakanacinemas.co.nz
Goat Island: New Zealand’s first marine reserve, better known as Goat Island was created in 1975 and officially opened in 1977. It covers 518 hectares of coastal sea between Cape Rodney and Okakari Point.
Tawharanui: Set on a remote peninsula, Tāwharanui Regional Park boasts some of the Auckland region's most beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands. Tāwharanui is New Zealand’s first open sanctuary integrating conservation, recreation and farming. A Pest free habitat provides a safe home for threatened native wildlife.
Omaha Beach: Long White sand beach which make for a great walk, also has a fully sealed path running the length of it which is great for running or walking.
Pakari: 14km, largely undeveloped strip of white sand stretching all the way to Te Arai Point and on to Mangawhai Heads. Wild and untamed.
Point Wells: At high tide you can jump off one of many of the wharfs along here and float towards the sea.
Mathesons Bay: Great for late arvo sun or picnic.
So many other great beaches to visit as well