Matakana and the surrounding areas offer an amazing range of things to do - whether you’re looking for action and activity, or laid-back indulgence – there’s something here for everyone!
Wine Tasting - The Matakana area is home to many well-established vineyards. It’s a great day out. For more information including trail maps and tours; www.matakanacoast.co.nz www.matakanawine.com
Foodies The Matakana region offers a stunning range of local produce – and you’ll find most of it on offer at the Matakana Farmers Markets – Saturday morning 8am to 1pm. This is one of New Zealand’s most fabulous markets! Stock up or just soak up the atmosphere.: www.matakanavillage.co.nz For a full day touring vineyards, food producers and local artists check out www.greattastetours.co.nz
Fishing Charters - We can’t absolutely guarantee you’ll land a fish, but these guys can certainly guarantee a great day out! Slipray Fishing Charters - Cater for large groups great for conference entertainment, or for those looking for a charter for smaller groups (6 - 8 anglers) contact Warkworth Boat & Fishing Charters. Heli-fishing is also available from Skywork helicopters www.skywork.co.nz. Boat pick up from our private jetty or on site heli landing at Riverside.
Boat Charters - Want to go beyond the coast? A day trip to the historic Mansion House on Kawau Island is a great day out. Pick up can be arranged from our private jetty. Or go by water taxi. www.reubens.co.nz
Helicopter Adventures – Take off from our own heli landing for a great heli-adventure. Heli-fishing, heli-golf, spectacular scenic flights and lunch excursions www.skywork.co.nz
Sculpture Trail - A not-to-be-missed sculpture trail showcasing contemporary New Zealand sculpture in a stunning setting. A one-hour walk followed by wine tasting and cheese platter makes a perfect afternoon. www.brickbaysculpture.co.nz
Tennis - Tennis rackets and balls are available for use on our full-size tennis court.
Golf - There are two great golf courses within a 10 minute drive. At Warkworth www.warkworth.nzgolf.net or at Omaha golfdirector@omahagolf.co.nz Or combine a day of golf and wine www.vslgolf.org
Shopping - Matakana’s transformation from a ‘one horse’ town to a vibrant village has resulted in a remarkable range of shops overflowing with quality local crafts, design, clothing , books, food and much more. www.matakanavillage.co.nz
Art & Design - Matakana is a mecca for great art and design. Visit www.matakanacoast.co.nz or www.matakanavillage.co.nz for more information.
Matakana Cinemas - Catch a current release in a gorgeous movie theatre. (this is not you average multiplex by any means!) Enjoy a glass of wine in the attached bar, or in the cinema. www.matakanacinemas.co.nz; www.thevintry.co.nz
REGIONAL PARKS:
Tawharanui Regional Park - Set on 588 hectares on a remote peninsula, Tawharanui Regional Park boasts some of the Auckland region's most beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands.
Mahurangi Regional Park - The sheltered bays, native bush, open pasture and historic sites of Mahurangi Regional Park straddle the entrance to the beautiful Mahurangi Harbour, which gives the park its name.
Pakiri Regional Park - 52 hectares including 900 metres of sandy coastal foreshore, with stands of mature coastal pohutukawa trees dotting the dunes. www.arc.govt.nz
Kayaking - Get paddling straight off our private jetty – a fun way to spend a few hours and get some exercise too.
Petanque - A not-too-strenuous but still very competitive option on our own court.
Swimming - Our heated swimming pool is open from October to June.
Bike Tracks - This is a great area for on-road and off-road biking. See Regional Parks above for locations.
Hiking - Bring your walking shoes and strike out along the many coastal trails dotting the area. www.arc.govt.nz/parks
Surfing - Tawharanui, Omaha & Parkiri all offer good surf breaks when the east coast swell is pumping.
Massage - Therapist available by appointment.
GROUPS Team Building/Conferences /Birthdays/Bachelor/Hens Activities - Looking for group activities for fun or team-building? Puriri Tree, located not far from Riverside, offer a great range of team oriented activities like paint ball, army-style challenges, archery and more. www.puriritree.com Most activities can also be arranged on site at Riverside.
Kids & Big Kids
Horse riding – We personally recommend Pakiri Horse Riding Tours for an unforgettable experience riding along a pristine white sand beach - rides from one hour to full days. Don’t miss it. www.horseride-nz.co.nz Also recommended is www.come.to/horseriding for farm and forestry riding.
Matakana Country Park - This is a great place – especially for children under 10. Up close experience with the animals - pony rides available on Saturday mornings, a mini train, and a play ground. Restaurant and arts market on site too. www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz
Sheep World Farm - A great chance for city children to experience farm activities. www.sheepworldfarm.co.nz
Goat Island Marine Reserve - Get up close to big fish – and lots of them! Go snorkeling or diving in a safe environment. Gear hire available www.goatislanddive.co.nz
Glass bottom boat tours - This is a perfect way for young kids (and adults who aren’t into snorkeling!) to get a fish-eye view.www.glassbottomboat.co.nz
Fishing - Bring your fishing rods or borrow ours. Your kids can fish straight off our own private jetty - our two resident kingfish provide an elusive challenge!