A Day of Luxury & Local Flavours on the Matakana Coast

Travel Tips & Local Insights

• Aim to visit on a Saturday for the vibrant Matakana Village Farmers’ Market featuring live music and fresh local produce.
• The region is considered sustainable luxury—combining eco-conscious practices with world-class hospitality.
• Matakana wines are largely grown in small, dry‑farmed vineyards on north‑facing slopes, contributing to premium quality and character.

Morning: Depart Auckland → Matakana Village

Kick off your day with a scenic drive north from Auckland, passing vibrant coastal farmland and charming villages. Arrive in Matakana—home to artisan shops, a bustling Saturday market (if you're there on a weekend), galleries, and local crafts.

A highlight includes a visit to Morris & James Pottery, where you'll tour their workshop and witness beautifully crafted pottery and New Zealand‑themed ceramic art.

Lunch at Brick Bay: Wine, Sculpture & Scenic Dining

Eat at Brick Bay Winery’s glasshouse restaurant, paired with spectacular coastal and vineyard views. Feast on a seasonal platter-style lunch while sipping award-winning wines.Tripadvisor+9First Light Travel+9Viator+9

After lunch, walk the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, featuring striking artworks woven throughout native bush and rolling hills.

Don’t Miss Sculptureum: A Highlight of the Matakana Luxury Day Trip

Just a 5-minute drive from central Matakana, Sculptureum is a must-visit artscape that elevates your luxury day trip with a unique blend of contemporary sculpture, immersive gallery spaces, and scenic gardens. Spread across six indoor galleries and three outdoor sculpture gardens, the grounds feature over 800 artworks—from whimsical pink snails and driftwood creatures to large-scale statement pieces—along atmospheric, accessible pathways totaling approximately 1.4 km

Afternoon: Boutique Vineyards & Artisan Chocolate

Explore Matakana's boutique wineries, curated for high-quality wines from small, family-run estates. Highlights may include Heron’s Flight, Matakana Estate or Ransom—celebrated for Chardonnay and Bordeaux-style reds.

Finish the tour at Chocolate Brown, sampling handcrafted chocolates made on-site—deliciously local and indulgent.

Late Afternoon: Beach Visit & Return to Auckland

Unwind with a stroll at Omaha Beach—famous for its bright white sands and relaxing coastal atmosphere.

After taking in the ocean views, we head back to Auckland with memories of a day well‑spent.

Why Choose Matakana for a Luxury Day Tour?

• Just an hour from Auckland, it feels worlds away.
• Boutique vineyards offer intimate tastings you won’t find at large estates.
• Art meets nature in Sculpture Trail—perfect for relaxing post-lunch strolls.
• Culinary treats abound—think local honey, cheese, chocolate, gelato, even oysters.