Where to go and best things to do in Matakana
Matakana is a small village that has burst onto the scene as hospitality Auckland style with an urban buzz to satisfy the heart of the most dedicated city inhabitant. Pocket handkerchief Matakana is surrounded by nature, artists and vineyards creating a wrap around visitor experience with plenty to do and see. Together with Warkworth visitors are ensured there are delicious snacks and deli treats for an impromptu picnic or an opportunity to check out the local shops for a holiday bargain, an original art object or you’ve got holiday time to chill out and window shop.
Beaches
Matakana coast has amazing beaches from unusual locals such as the donkeys of Algiers Bay to Snells Beach boardwalk to a cafe overlooking the bay and mangrove boardwalks past shorebird. There are quiet beaches where the crowds are few and far between.
From Mahurangi Peninsula to Tawharanui Peninsula and beyond are a series of eastern facing sandy shallow beaches that have been welcoming visitors for over a hundred years.
Get out the togs (swimming gear) and head to the beach, for more ideas check out
Amazing Auckland, Puhoi, Warkworth, Matakana and beyond, beaches and parks
Marine World
Nearby Leigh is a chance to snorkel with schools of marine creatures from snapper to crayfish and rock dwelling inhabitants. You can float above in a glass-bottom boat or kayak. Cruise to Kawau Island and water bomb from the wharf, walk to a historic coppermine or wonder at the lives lived in Mansion House.
Matakana has a get back to nature attitude
Matakana is nearby three regional parks, each with their own personality. Tawharanui Regional Park is an open sanctuary with prolific bird life and a favourite Anchor Bay beach, Mahurangi Regional Park is heritage, an estuary where kayaking is a treasure trove exploration and Shakespear Regional Park is a summer rite of passage, collapse on a beach under an umbrella. For families there are farm animals with walks across sheep paddocks and through native bush to panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and islands.
Matakana offers visitors
- A boutique cinema for rainy days or simply because going to the movies is a holiday delight
- Spa treatments and massage wellness centre
- Superb weekend market complimenting Puhoi and Warkworth market scene
- Book and gift shops
- Specialist ice cream vendor, Charlies Gelato
- Artisan bakeries with buttery crisp pastries are must have treats
Matakana has your holiday sorted, all you need to do is pack the bags.
The public toilets are one of the best places for a selfie.
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