Top Things to do in Matakana
The 9 Best Free Things to do in Matakana, North Island
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. Matakana Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 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 Lindaxbarron - Brisbane, Australia
Excellent Saturday market with food stalls. The dumpling and rice paper roll stalls are worth trying. Plenty of fresh produce to buy direct from farmers. Take some cooler bags to store your produce. Make sure you check out the chocolate shop in the village square the price is worth the quality of the produce! If you can’t go on market day there is plenty of little shops and restaurants to choose from.
2. Morris & James
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By 321sandrad - Wellington, New Zealand
Great pottery beautiful colours in the pots and wall art . Some are like art pieces in the pots which can be very big . All pieces are bubble wrapped for taking away .
3. Matakana Country Park
4. The Vintry Matakana Wine Centre and Lounge Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Boutique Wine Bar offering over 40 local wines, 20 craft beers & a great spirit range. Stunning light plates priced around $10 each. Relaxed, welcoming environment, with chilled seating & views of the Farmers Market.
5. Matakana War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The Matakana War Memorial has stood in the village for over 95 years. Sculptured by W. H. Feldon from Oamaru Stone, it was dedicated on 20th April 1920 by The Right Honourable Joseph Gordon Coates MC MP, the 21st Prime Minister of New Zealand. In August 2020 the statue gained Heritage NZ Listing as a place of heritage significance. Situated in a lovely riverside park with excellent access and paths. Well worth a visit.
Reviewed By HansenSteve1234
Just a minute walk from the Village is the sculpture of George V that is memorial dedicated is local soliders lost at war, there are story boards that reflects their lives. So interesting and done well. We then went down to the old warf to eat our lunch, very chilled and relaxing, followed by a walked over bridge to Morris & James Pottery cafe.
6. The Vivian Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Sparky81
The Vivian under its new Director is continuing its established innovative and exciting mix of exhibitions with local, national and international artists. Well supported by the locals, its also well worth travelling some distance to see. Their Facebook page always tells you what is on. Highly recommended.
7. Honest Chocolat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
All our chocolates are made in small batches by our chocolatier Nico Bonnaud and the team in Matakana Village. You can view our chocolate kitchen through the window when you visit. We focus on honest flavours and honest ingredients to make some of the best chocolates you will have ever tasted. We use single origin, ethically sourced chocolate and no artificial flavourings, preservatives or palm oil. Our products include luxury gift boxes containing our fine water ganache bonbons, through to our elegant chocolate tablets and moreish chocolate coated nuts.
Reviewed By Mai_201988 - Auckland, New Zealand
I really enjoy every visit to Honest Chocolat. Lovely chocolate tasting & Yummy hot chocolate! We watched the chocolatier hand decorate bonbons.. a very special experience.
8. Omaha Bay Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By I1503OSlisaw - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We came for a mothers day lunch...a day early. The venue is a very authentic wine cellar feel where you can do a wine tasting then head outside to the covered deck area. We had lunch outside with a huge view of omaha. Food is a selection of vineyard platters with cheese and meats etc, quite nice not to have a big selection. Platter was beautiful and the wine lovely, prices were reasonable aswell. Will definitely be back.
9. Matakana Village Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By MitchfromMelbourne - Melbourne, Australia
I honestly and truly wish I had the time to go back to the Matakana markets every Saturday. The atmosphere, people, attractions and food are that good. It is a gorgeous drive down the coast (taking tolls from Auckland saves you about ten to fifteen minutes) my advice is to skip tolls and go the long way. Matakana itself is a gorgeous town that really seems to be alive on a Saturday, with the atmosphere built around the markets. We loved the dog sitting facility at the front of the market where you can leave your dog for a donation. We don’t have a dog but loved giving all the ones a rub. Then to wonder around and have some delicious food, we tried the croque monsieur, crepes, fresh oysters (heaven), coffee, and bought some cheese from Puhoi Valley Cheese Co. too. It is well priced for fruit and vegies, and the cheeses we purchased were great value, and to try a variety of food is a great option for groups.
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