THINGS TO DO IN WARKWORTH AND THE SURROUNDING MATAKANA COAST

Warkworth township can be bypassed by State Highway 1 but really Warkworth is a destination in itself with so much to do. Dining out, visiting our many beautiful beaches, wineries, galleries, crafts, recreational activities such as golf, fishing, swimming, surfing, diving, hiking, horse riding, exploring, and much more.

Red Bluff Boutique Accommodation is close to all these things and the ideal place to stay to experience it all.

​

TAWHARANUI REGIONAL PARK

Auckland regions most beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands. A must to visit if you have a day to spare.

GOAT ISLAND

The Marine Reserve is ideal for children and others to experience snorkelling and see marine life in numbers not seen anywhere else on the coast. Visit Goat Island Marine discovery centre and learn about New Zealand’s unique marine environment.

HIRE A GLASS BOTTOM BOAT

GO DIVING AND SNORKELLING

TI POINT REPTILE PARK

Open daily 10-5pm to view tuatara, alligator, chameleons and more.

PARRY KAURI PARK AND MUSEUM

After you have gone ‘wow’ and probably photographed the huge kauri tree and visited the museum you can take one of the board walks through the native bush of Parry Kauri Park.

 

FISHING CHARTERS…

OUTER GULF CHARTERS

FISH HQ

ROSEMARYS CHARTERS

ASSASSIN FISHING CHARTERS

 

HORSE RIDING

Horse riding treks through scenic farmland and forest in Warkworth. Experienced qualified instructors. All ages and abilities.

SHEEP WORLD

Sheep World provides a unique insight into how we farm our sheep in New Zealand then harvest and use their wool. Fun for all ages.  Cafe and shop on site.

SCULPTUREUM

This world class Sculpture Park at Omaha is making waves for its unprecedented display of world class art. Newly opened and with the ‘Wow’ factor. Open Thursdays through to Monday. 9am to 3pm.

BRICK BAY WINES AND SCULPTURE TRAIL

Brick Bay Sculpture Trail near Snells Beach showcases an ever-changing exhibition of around 45 contemporary sculptures, available for sale, by leading New Zealand artists. On a 2km trail, experience sculpture in a remarkable landscape framed by towering native trees, abundant bird life and green pastures, overlooking the celebrated Brick Bay Vineyard.

MORRIS & JAMES POTTERY

Visit their showroom to browse the entire range of Morris & James pots and ceramic ware, including their special one-off pottery creations not available in their online store. Free factory tours run every day at 11.30, to give you a ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse of Morris & James pottery factory. Brick & Vines Cafe is also on-site serving coffee and lunch. Open 9 – 5pm 7 days a week.

MATAKANA COUNTRY PARK

The park hosts a wide range of family-friendly activities with plenty of parking. From the animal experience, miniature ride-on train, horse and carriage rides and adventure playground to a spot of shopping at the Craft Co-op for souvenirs and the Art Gallery.

THE STABLES RESTAURANT  

Open 11.30 to 11pm is also within the park. Ideal as a wedding venue, or an evening out for dinner.

MATAKANA CINEMA

On a wet day you may feel like going to the movies and there are 3 beautifully designed theatres here at Matakana.  Go to their web site to see what is on.

 

WALKING

Walk up the hill from Redbluff Country Lodge and you have magnificent views of the Mahurangi River. For walking tracks further afield pick up a brochure from the Lodge or the local Information Centre as there are many.

 

MARKETS

MATAKANA MARKETS

On Saturday from 8am to 1pm the vibrant Farmer’s Market is focal point for locals and growers to meet.  Luscious produce from the area fills the stalls – fruit and vegetables, delicious home baking and Italian-style sausages, divine organic chocolate, fine wines and boutique olive oils, locally-brewed beer, the all important morning coffee and live music as an accompaniment.

PUHOI VILLAGE MARKETS

8am to 1pm the last Sunday of every month. There you can expect to find fresh local fruit and vegetables, eggs, coffee roasted in Puhoi, freshly – squeezed juices, breads ,chutneys and sauces, crepes, cakes and other sweet treats, pork and deli products, herbs and plants, craft and jewellery.
There is always entertainment, mostly musical, but sometimes including folk dancing, at the market, which is in easy reach of canoe hire facilities, cheese factory, Bohemian Museum, garden cafe, historic Church, the Puhoi Pub and walking tracks – more than enough to make a full day out for visitors.