Things To Do

Smiths Matakana Country Park

Right across from festivities but one of our favourite spots for a cocktail and Tapa's. It might be worth getting your glad rags on early and swinging by for a pre-ceremony snack and a bevvy. Book if you're a group, gets busy over summer!

Matakana Village Farmers Market

If you've not been, you should go, if only for some delish fresh chilli sauce from the vege stand. Often have Sunday market sessions over summer. Although not too sure how that would stack up with a headache the day after our wedding!

Leigh Sawmill Cafe

Casual, old school setting with their own beer and great pizzas. Love the garden bar on a sunny day and they often have bands over the weekend. A wee bit of a hike but you could make a trip to Pakari Beach first and swing by for a pizza after.

Matakana Village Pub

Another great local watering hole with loads of character and a fantastic outdoor area

Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail

If you haven't already consumed enough wine, check out Brick Bay, or just do so for the delish food and gorgeous setting

The Farmers Daughter

Ideal spot for Breaky, Brunch and a Mimosa in the weekend! Great sweet bakery delights and excellent coffee too.

The Vintry

Cute wee speakeasy worth popping in if you decide to catch a flick at the local cinema. Similar fare as Matakana Market kitchen - it actually resides just above here.

Matakana Market Kitchen

Tucked in beside the river and market area. One of our favourite brunch spots for their snapper and scallop risotto. Check it out after Saturday markets.

The Puhoi Pub Hotel & Stables...Est 1879

For those guests heading back to Auckland and still thirsty (hair of the dog is real!), swing by the Historic Puhoi Pub on Sunday for an eclectic mix of everything, including bikes and burnouts.

Mahurangi Oysters Limited

Grab a tray of cocktail oysters on the Friday night and sit on the beach and eat them!

Matakana Butchery

How can we not give a shout out to the best butcher in town! If you've got south contained facilities, cook up a storm with some amazing meat care of Matt and Sarah

Omaha Beach

Tāwharanui Regional Park

Wonderful beach on any day of the week and apparently all sealed down to the entrance now! A national park so watch out for the wandering Pukeko's..

Two Boutique

Because shopping is always on the agenda when out of town, is it not? We love Two, and always seem to find something on sale when we swing by. They indent some great New Zealand and Australian brands. Worth checking out.