Things to Do in Matakana

Welcome to Matakana

Tucked into a gentle river valley on the Matakana Coast, about 65 kilometres north of Auckland, Matakana is one of New Zealand's most loveable weekend destinations. It's the kind of place that feels quiet on a Tuesday and electric on a Saturday morning, when locals and visitors converge on the famous Farmers Market, the air thick with coffee, fresh bread, and the buzz of live music.

Beyond the market, there's genuinely remarkable depth to this region. You'll find pest-free wildlife sanctuaries and wild surf beaches within 20 minutes of each other. World-class restaurants and boutique wineries sit alongside ancient kauri walks and snorkelling spots teeming with snapper. Whether you're planning a relaxed day trip from Auckland or settling in for a long weekend, here's everything you need to know about the best things to do in Matakana.

🥐 Matakana Village Farmers Market

If you only do one thing in Matakana, make it the Matakana Village Farmers Market. Held every Saturday morning in the heart of the village, this is widely regarded as one of the best farmers markets in New Zealand — and it's easy to see why. Dozens of artisan producers bring their finest to the stalls: handcrafted cheeses, organic sourdough, house-cured meats, locally pressed olive oils, feijoa wine, and craft beer brewed nearby. Street food vendors do brisk trade in specialty pies, crêpes, gourmet breakfast rolls, and exceptional filter coffee.

Grab a bite, wander down to the small river wharf to spot the famously tame eels, and settle in for a while — there's usually live music to soundtrack the whole affair. The market operates a zero-waste policy, so bring your own bags and containers. Arrive before 9am if you want the best pick of the produce.

🌿 Tāwharanui Regional Park

Tāwharanui Regional Park is one of the jewels of the Matakana Coast. Located on a remote peninsula about 20 minutes' drive from the village, this open sanctuary and fully fenced pest-free habitat is home to threatened native wildlife including kiwi, whio (blue duck), kōkako, and saddleback. The drive out is scenic in itself — rolling coastal farmland gives way to sweeping views over the Hauraki Gulf.

Once inside, you can hike through regenerating native bush on well-maintained tracks, relax on the pristine white-sand beach at Anchor Bay (one of the most beautiful in the Auckland region), or swim in clear, calm waters. Birdwatchers will be in their element, particularly at dawn and dusk when the bush comes alive with birdsong. There is no entry fee, making this one of the best free things to do in Matakana.

🍷 The Matakana Wine Trail

The Matakana wine region punches well above its weight. Warm, sheltered valleys and free-draining soils produce outstanding varietals — particularly big, structured reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Barbera, alongside elegant Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. With over 20 vineyards spread across the valley, a leisurely drive along the Matakana Wine Trail is one of the most rewarding ways to spend an afternoon here.

Top stops include Matakana Estate, where you can pair a tasting with a long lunch overlooking the vines, and Ascension Wine Estate, renowned for its premium reds and relaxed cellar door atmosphere. If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, guided wine tours departing from Auckland are widely available.

🗿 Sculptureum

Opened in 2020, Sculptureum has quickly become one of the most talked-about attractions on the Matakana Coast. Spread across a vineyard property, it combines three distinct outdoor sculpture gardens with a world-class gallery housing over 500 works of art. Visitors wander through dramatically landscaped grounds encountering monumental sculptures — from playful animal figures to serious fine art — in a setting that feels genuinely magical.

The property also houses a winery, a café, and several smaller gallery spaces. Umbrellas are provided for rainy-day visits. It is an excellent option for families — children tend to be captivated by the scale and variety of the sculptures — and equally rewarding for adults with a serious interest in contemporary art.

🐟 Goat Island Marine Reserve

A short drive north of Matakana, near the village of Leigh, Goat Island Marine Reserve is New Zealand's oldest marine reserve and one of the most accessible and spectacular snorkelling destinations in the country. Large, fearless snapper, crayfish, and stingrays are regular sights in the crystal-clear water just metres from shore. Snorkelling gear is available for hire nearby, or you can take a glass-bottom boat tour if you prefer to stay dry.

Goat Island pairs perfectly with a visit to the Leigh Sawmill Brewery, a beloved local craft brewery in the historic Leigh Sawmill building just minutes away — combine the two for a perfect afternoon on the coast.

🏖 Beaches: Omaha, Pakiri & Tāwharanui

The Matakana Coast is blessed with exceptional beaches at every turn. Omaha Beach, just 15 minutes from the village, is the most popular — a long, patrolled surf beach with a small café strip and reliable waves. Pakiri Beach, a little further north, is one of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline in the Auckland region: 14 kilometres of wild, largely undeveloped sand backed by rolling dunes. Horse riding on the sand at Pakiri is a genuinely special experience, and operators nearby offer rides for all ability levels.

For the most pristine swimming, head to Anchor Bay within Tāwharanui Regional Park — the water is calm, clear, and rarely crowded outside of peak summer weekends.

⚓ Leigh & the Sawmill Brewery

The small fishing village of Leigh, about 30 minutes from Matakana, is well worth the short detour. Wander around the wharf area — the water here runs a deep, remarkable emerald green — before heading to the Leigh Sawmill Brewery, one of the most atmospheric craft breweries in the Auckland region. Housed in a beautifully restored historic sawmill building, it serves exceptional beer alongside a full food menu. A visit here pairs naturally with snorkelling at Goat Island just minutes away.

🏘 Matakana Village

Matakana Village itself is a joy to explore on foot. The compact main street holds a surprising amount: boutique fashion, homewares, the excellent Matakana Bookshop, independent art galleries including Pigment Gallery, a well-stocked Four Square, and a handful of very good restaurants. The Matakana Village Pub, housed in a building over 120 years old, is the social heartbeat of the village and serves excellent food. The riverside Matakana Market Kitchen, right next to the playground, is a family favourite for casual lunches.

Look out too for the distinctive public toilets near the village — designed by New Zealand artist Steffan de Haan and something of a local landmark in their own right.

🐑 Sheepworld

Sheepworld, located near Warkworth just south of Matakana, is a popular and worthwhile stop for families. It's a working farm showcasing New Zealand's sheep farming heritage, with daily live demonstrations including shearing, sheepdog trials, and sheep feeding. The farm also houses pigs, alpacas, goats, cows, and chickens, and 100% of its profits go towards supporting young people through the Springboard organisation.

Getting to Matakana

Matakana is located approximately 65 kilometres north of Auckland's city centre — roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by car depending on traffic, heading north on State Highway 1 and then east through Warkworth. There is no direct public transport to Matakana itself, so a car (or joining a guided tour) is the most practical option for most visitors.

The best time to visit is on a Saturday morning to coincide with the Farmers Market, which runs 8am–1pm year-round. Matakana is a genuine all-seasons destination — beaches and wildlife parks shine in summer, while the wineries, cinemas, and cosy village restaurants are just as rewarding during cooler months.