Top Things to do in Matakana
10 Things to Do in Matakana That You Shouldn't Miss
Matakana is a small town in the Rodney District of New Zealand. Warkworth lies about 9 km to the south-west, Snells Beach the same distance to the south, Omaha is about 7 km to the east, and Leigh about 13 km to the north-east.
Restaurants in Matakana
1. Sculptureum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 249 reviews
The hundreds of works on display in its Gardens and Galleries have been chosen to amuse, inspire and stimulate. They are a mix of colour, whimsy and wonder.
Reviewed By JaniceInNZ - Auckland, New Zealand
Enjoyed both the Gardens and the indoor gallery. Gardens beautifully laid out. The only thing that spoilt the experience was the animals. Bird cages woefully inadequate - cages too small, little foliage or shade and plastic roofing would be very hot in summer. Turtles worse - a very small glass acquarium with nothing in it but multiple turtles. The sculpture Gardens and gallery are enough, the animals added nothing to the experience and detracted from the experience.
2. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Experience Art and Wine Entwined at Brick Bay. Visit the Glass House, the spectacular restaurant, home of Brick Bay Wines and gateway to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. Brick Bay is a boutique Matakana vineyard producing elegant estate grown wines: a renowned Pinot Gris, a vibrant Rose and intense Bordeaux-style red blends. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail winds through a remarkable native landscape, showcasing 50 works by New Zealand's leading sculptors. Open daily for wine tasting, cellar door sales, relaxed all day dining, coffee and the Sculpture Trail.
Reviewed By OdyPudding - Auckland, New Zealand
Enjoyed the walk through the bush and some beautiful art works. Don't think it was worth the entrance fee. I might have a different expectations to what was offered. Would be good if there was people to check tickets as visitors could easily went it without paying.
3. Tawharanui Regional Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By Haastman
Tawharanui Regional Park is truly a wonderful place.
It has beautiful sandy Beaches which generally have a light surf.
It has some great, relatively short bush walks and being a pest controlled wildlife reserve, it has good numbers of NZ native birds.
It also has some pasture land and usually has sheep running around.
There is good car parking and public toilets.
Well worth a visit.
4. Goat Island Dive & Snorkel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Welcome to Goat Island Dive & Snorkel. Auckland's #1 underwater adventure offering everything from snorkel and dive hire, scuba dive training and dive trips. We are situated on the Matakana Coast in Leigh, just on the road to New Zealand's first fully protected marine reserve, Goat Island. The Reserve is teaming with life and offers an amazing experience for all levels. We have beginner guided snorkel tours or come on one of our advanced snorkel lessons to gain more understanding. If you are feeling more adventurous why not try scuba diving, we have lessons for first timers and more experienced divers. Dive in with us!
Reviewed By Jordan H - Beijing, China
Woke up early and left Auckland to arrive in time for our dive with Goat Island Dive & Snorkel. The road snaked through rolling hills with mist and pastures dotted with sheep. After arriving at the dive shop we were kindly greeted and well taken care of by the team. My family and I suited up for a morning dive in the cold blue deep. At 7 meters, the current drifted us along through a kelp forest filled with snapper, trevally & common octopus. Towards the end of our dive, I got on one knee and used my yoga to balance before unveiling the ring from my seashell box and placing it on her finger. We then continued the dive before surfacing to gorgeous blue skies and sunlight beaming down on us : ) The Goat Island Dive & Snorkel team helped me pull off the ultimate surprise. A big shout out to Tine & Sarah for helping to make the day truly special and one my family and I will never forget. They even surprised my fiancee with a bouquet of beautiful flowers. The dive shop is first class with great dive equipment and professional DMs. Highly recommended and looking forward to going back!
5. Matakana Beach Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 98 reviews
Summer Sessions Surf Centre (formerly Matakana Beach Outfitters)is Omaha's premier surf school and rental centre. We offer surf lessons, surfboard hire, paddle board hire, body board hire, and wetsuit hire. You can also purchase beach essentials such as hats, sunnies, body boards, leashes at our surf centre. We are located in the parking lot next to the surf club. Come join us for a fun day at Omaha Beach.
Reviewed By Sascha20152015 - Warkworth, New Zealand
I've been paddling with MBO for over a year now and it's always an amazing experience, SUP fitness is fantastic all over body workout, and being on the water is a great place to get fit! Definitely something I would recommend!
6. Sheepworld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Sheepworld is New Zealand’s Sheep and Wool Centre. In twice-daily live demonstrations the dogs round up and bring in the sheep, which are then sorted and shorn. Our Wonderful Wool multimedia exhibition then explains how the fleece is turned into an amazing variety of products, many of which are on sale in our store. There’s also an eco-discovery stroll through native bush, a natural adventure playground, a farmyard full of animals and an on-site cafe. Suitable for all ages.
Reviewed By FunkyMunkey106 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
The main animal park is worth the visit as its very interactive. The sheep demonstration is not great. Compared to the Agrodome at Rotarua, there's too much talking and not enough happening; as a result all the kids at our visit got a bit bored and restless.
7. Matakana Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
There’s something about Matakana Village… Perhaps it’s the fresh country air, the artisanal food and award-winning wine, or the stylish boutiques and galleries you simply won’t find in the city. Whether you’re catching up with friends in one of our eateries, meeting the makers at the famous Matakana Village Farmers’ Market or watching an arthouse film in the magnificent cinema, a visit to Matakana comes with memories to treasure. From the cascading cherry blossoms of spring to the riches of autumn leaves, you’ll find something to savour in every season. Just 45 minutes from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, yet a world away – there’s so much to love in Matakana Village.
Reviewed By 4xWandering_Kiwis - Auckland, New Zealand
Having been away for 10 years, Matakana has continued to grow and get better and better. The Saturday Farmers Market is superb - great variety and prices were not too bad. There is a good range of shops in the village as well, lovely for a good wander.
8. Goat Island Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By AdrienneHannan - Wellington, New Zealand
Fantastic day at the beach.
BYI snorkeling gear or hire on site for $15-35. Kayaks are also available to hire and you can take a tour of the reserve in a glass bottom boat.
You can snorkel and see fish at or low tide as the channel between the beach and island is deep enough. At low tide you can also explore the rocks and shore platform.
This is a popular spot and parking can be a bit tricky. Public toilets and changing rooms are available and an outdoor shower to rinse off.
There is not much shelter in the beach so it would be handy to bring s beach shelter or umbrella. There are no shops or food stalls on site so bring everything you need.
The walk down to the beach is steep, but you can drive down to a drop-in point to let passengers out then park back up the hill.
The marine life it plentiful and beautiful and it's such a scenic spot. A visit to the education centre is very worthwhile.
9. Saltwater Eco
Overall Ratings
5 based on 58 reviews
Here at Saltwater Eco we pride ourselves on offering quality eco-focused products with purpose. Our unique Saltwater Offerings are designed to excite, energize and most importantly connect our clients to New Zealand’s incredible natural environments. Based on the beautiful Matakana Coast we offer a great range of surf and snorkel activities to suit all abilities.
Reviewed By FeeMann - Warkworth, New Zealand
Great to experience three different locations over the three days. Really enjoyed the variety. Highly skilled and educated instructors. Felt safe all the time. What a beautiful part of the country! Thank you Saltwater Eco!
10. Of Hand & Heart
Overall Ratings
5 based on 58 reviews
An Art Gallery showing work of over 35 Painters & Sculptors & 50+ Potters & Ceramic artists in addition to Silk dresses from American designers & jewellery & Fiber arts created by various artists. Follow the YELLOW BRICK ROAD beside Cafe Ginger
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