Matakana Farmers Market and Village

The picturesque Matakana village is home to the famous Matakana Village and Farmers’ Market that is on every Saturday from 8am until 1pm. The Matakana Village Farmers’ Market is a showcase of artisan producers, growers and farmers in the Matakana region. The Farmers’ Market is a unique experience everyone loves. A dog sitting service is available on Saturdays while you browse the market and enjoy the live music by the river.

Surrounding the market are fabulous fashion, homewares, book, gift and health food shops, beauty salons, bars, restaurants, cafes, art gallery and boutique cinemas.

Matakana Cinemas

Matakana Cinemas is a stunning three theatre boutique cinema complex situated in the heart of Matakana Village. It has state-of-the-art sound systems and spacious and luxurious seating, as well as incredible individually styled cinemas. Enjoy one of the latest movie releases with a locally made  Charlies Gelato which is sold on site. Evening movies can be enjoyed with a glass of wine or beer from the Vintry Wine Bar. For more information or to make a booking, visit their website or call 09 422 9833

Morris and James Pottery

Morris and James Pottery  have a range of individually styled pots, pottery, art, home ware and sculptural pieces made here from clay dug from the banks of the Matakana River. The collection showroom & cafe are open 7 days from 9am to 5pm.

There is a FREE pottery tour every day at 11:30am.

Morris and James Pottery is located just east of Matakana Village on Tongue Farm Rd.

Matakana Country Park

Matakana Country Park is a privately owned 50-acre estate on the road between Leigh and Matakana. It hosts a wide range of family-friendly activities including:

• Miniature train rides – operates weekends and school holidays, weather depending
• Animal experience – free entry
• Adventure playground – free entry
• Horse and carriage rides

You can shop at the Craft Co-op and the Art Gallery.

Food options include

• Bramble Café for breakfast and lunch
• Stables Restaurant for dinner
• Smiths for sharing plates and drinks

Matakana Country Park is open 7 days from 6am – 9pm.

All businesses within The Country Park operate separately so please check the website for opening hours and other information.

Matakana Cycle Trail

This cycling trail takes you from Matakana to Omaha and/or Point Wells. It is a mix of off-road shared paths, cycle lanes and quiet roads with some gravel sections. You can begin at various places – Point Wells, Omaha, Jones Road or Matakana and do part or all of the route.

From Matakana there is a new bridge alongside the main road for cyclists and walkers. Follow the track to Tongue Farm Rd, turn right along this quiet road, passing Morris and James Pottery to the next off-road cycle track near the end of the road. This track passes through farmland and climbs at the end to reach Takatu Rd. A path alongside the road finishes where you need to cross to the next track which starts off steeply downhill. It meanders through large, mostly gum trees, and emerges onto Jones Rd. Turn left and follow the road to Omaha Rd. Cross over the road and you have two choices of direction.

A cycle track runs alongside Omaha Rd, crosses the causeway and travels through a lovely stand of native bush into Omaha. The roads here are sealed and mostly flat and you can cycle various directions. To the north is Omaha Wharf and to the south there is a small wetland area you can cycle around. You can also stop near the beach at various access points.

Alternatively when you arrive at Omaha Rd, go straight ahead on the cycle trail which takes you to Point Wells. This small quiet township has flat, sealed roads to enjoy before returning to your starting point.

Bikes can be hired at the Matakana Country Park. www.matakanabicyclehire.co.nz

Matakana River Tours

Matakana River Tours provide historic tours of the Matakana River which was once a vital route for the region. The tours depart from the wharf  on Matakana Wharf Rd. The vessel named Kotiti -which means ‘to wander off a straight line’, is purpose built for comfort, stability and maximum visibility so it is perfect for families and anyone who is not used to going on boats. It is also wheelchair suitable.

Public tours last for 1 hour and private tours can be arranged. Departure times vary due to the tide as the Matakana River is too shallow to navigate at low tide. For times and prices check the website.