Local attractions:
Mahurangi West –
Mahurangi Regional Park, hiking trails, fishing, swimming, kayaking
Zealandia Sculpture Garden
Puhoi -
Puhoi ethnic historic Bohemian village, iconic pub, museum & church, New Zealand’s smallest library, Farmers market (last Sunday of the month), Puhoi river canoe hire.
Warkworth –
Warkworth Village, restaurants, cafes, river walk, Jane Gifford steam boat ride along Mahurangi river.
Warkworth Museum & Parry Kauri Park
SheepWorld Farm and Nature Park
Matakana -
Matakana Country Park, Stables restaurant, crafts and art gallery
Matakana Farmers Market, every Saturday
Matakana Village, boutique shops, cinema and restaurants
Morris & James Pottery & Café
Tawharanui Regional Park, Kiwi sanctuary
Mahurangi East –
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, art and wine entwined
Ferry from Sandspit to Kawau Island, historic Mansion House walks and café
Scandrett Regional Park, Scott’s Landing homestead
Leigh –
Goat Island marine reserve, snorkeling and scuba diving
Leigh Sawmill, micro-brewery, music venue and café restaurant
Pakiri Beach, swimming, surfing & horse
Whangaporaoa –
Ferry to Tiritiri Matangi bird & wildlife sanctuary, see the rare Takahe
Shakespear Regional Park
Local Vineyards:
Brick Bay Wines
Herons Flight
OBV Omaha Bay Vineyard
The Vintry wine bar, dedicated to local region grown wines
Dining:
We Recommend -
Lunch
Café Q, Warkworth
Chocolate Brown Café, Warkworth, highly recommended
Ginger Café, Warkworth
OBV, Omaha Bay Vineyard, Takatu Road, Matakana
Puhoi Valley Café and Cheese Store, highly recommended
Dinner [or Lunch]
MMK – Matakana Market Kitchen, highly recommended
Plume, the Vineyard Restaurant, Sharp Road, Matakana
Wharf Street Bistro, Warkworth
Rusty Pelican Restaurant & Pizzeria, Matakana
Sawmill Brewery & Smoko Room, Matakana
The Stables Restaurant, Matakana
Matakana village pub, Matakana
Ice Cream
Charlies Gelato Garden
Oob Ice Cream
Puhoi Valley Cafe & Cheese Store - best ice creams !