Photo of Matakana

About Matakana

A beautiful spot just an hour's drive north of Auckland, the little town of Matakana has gained international acclaim for its fabulous wine. Travellers can also expect excellent locally grown produce, outdoorsy activities and the picturesque scenery for which New Zealand has become famous. Accommodation options range from simple B&Bs to a luxurious lodge set on its own vineyard. Intimate and striking, the best places to stay in Matakana promise a peaceful sense of seclusion, perfect for a laid-back weekend as a couple or with friends.

Spend your days unwinding on your private terrace with views of the Pacific Ocean, feasting on fresh fare from the weekly Matakana Farmers' Market, or following the Matakana Wine Coast trail, with tours and tastings available at world-class wineries. Active visitors can stroll, cycle or horse ride between verdant fields and forests, or play tennis and golf. Birdwatchers will be in their element, and guided walks come highly recommended if you're looking to learn about the region's endemic wildlife. Head to the coast for surfing, snorkelling, diving and sailing, or day trips to nearby Kawau Island. Brimming with cafés and galleries, the town of Matakana is also well worth a wander.

Popular with weekend visitors from Auckland, the best places to stay in Matakana fill up fast. Book your trip well in advance!

The Best Places to Stay in Matakana

For a Cosy B&B

  • Sugarloaf Lodge has two airy suites close to Matakana town, perfect for relaxed couples looking to explore the wine country. Breakfast baskets are provided each morning, along with wine and hors d'oeuvres in the evenings. A lovely, adults-only base.
  • Waimahu Retreat is a charming boutique hideaway with just two bedrooms. Book both if travelling as a family or with friends, and enjoy generous breakfasts with sea views from the terrace. A tranquil and inviting retreat, perfect for birdwatchers and keen walkers. Near Scandrett Regional Park.

For Wine Lovers

  • Takatu Lodge & Vineyard offers four spacious suites on a working vineyard set on the Tāwharanui Peninsula, just a few minutes' drive from Matakana. Foodies and wine lovers will adore tours and tastings at the vineyard, as well as delectable cuisine using produce from the lodge's own gardens. A restful luxury choice.

For Families or Groups

  • Plume Villas offers 12 chic one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with comfortable contemporary interiors. Villas come with kitchens, sitting rooms and private decks, whilst shared onsite facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, café, bar & cellar door. Bring the kids or travel with friends & discover Matakana's many attractions.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Auckland Airport and travel north to Matakana by bus or taxi. The drive should take an hour.
  • The North Island is famously wonderful for a road trip, and Auckland makes an excellent starting point! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures peaking at around 23°C between December and April. For a quieter trip and great deals, look at May or October-November, though these months will be cooler and showers more frequent.

STILL NOT SURE?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Matakana

Best Hotels in Matakana

  • Sugarloaf Lodge Matakana (1068 Leigh Rd) from £127

    Great walks  -  Follow the 5km walkway from Matakana to Omaha, or walk from Omaha to Tawharanui at low tide
    Local markets  -  Visit Matakana Farmers Market to pick up top-notch fresh produce each Saturday
    Birdwatching  -  Spot pheasant, duck, tui, plover, kingfisher and heron, amongst other birds
    Views  -  Across the wine country and out to the Hauraki Gulf
    Air conditioningGardenViews

    Eco-friendly boutique B&B set in five acres with range of wild birds, cattle, sheep and trees. Two suites in a self-contained building. Close to wineries, walks and Matakana town. Glorious outdoor seating area with views to the Hauraki Gulf. See More

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  • Woodhouse Lodge Matakana 18 rooms from £190

    Country Escape  -  Set on 100 acres of private land on the Kourawhero Estate, this is a top spot for adventurers or those eager to unwind
    Romantic Break  -  Private villas with big bathtubs for two make this a wonderfully romantic spot
    Kayaking  -  Kayaking and boat trips with Matakana River Tours are brilliant for active nature enthusiasts
    Local markets  -  Held every Saturday morning, the Matakana Farmers' Market showcases top-notch local produce
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews

    This luxury lodge is situated an hour north of Auckland on the Matakana Coast. Warm, stylish guest suites feel like a home away from home, complete with a spa bath where you can soak in the views. Whether you want to explore vineyards or horseride on the beach, this chic hotel has it all. See More

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  • Plume Villas Matakana 20 rooms from £202

    Families  -  Two-bedroom Kingfisher Suites and the three-bedroom Kiwi Suite are great for families or groups
    Foodies  -  Combine flavoursome organic dishes with world-class Matakana wines at Plume Restaurant
    Restaurant  -  Expect gourmet fare at Plume Restaurant, whilst Plume Café is great for breakfast or coffee
    Great walks  -  Follow hiking trails in superb regional parks: Mahurangi, Scandrett and Tawharanui
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A collection of 12 chic one-, two- and three-bedroom villas near Matakana village. Contemporary and comfortable, villas have kitchens, sitting rooms & private decks. There's a great restaurant, café, bar & cellar door onsite. Kids will love the swimming pool. For foodies, friends & families. See More

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  • Waimahu Retreat Matakana 2 rooms from £244

    Boutique  -  A small property with an eclectic mix of contemporary design mixed with antiques and artwork from the hosts' travels
    Hideaway  -  A place to come and unwind, set in a secluded spot with views of the sea, islands and surrounding countryside
    Short break  -  Located just an hour from Auckland, this is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway
    Birdwatching  -  Spot a number of species such as Tuis, Kereru, Pukekos, Fantails and Herons from the garden itself
    Air conditioningGardenDisabled accessViewsParking

    A chic little boutique positioned just an hour from Auckland in spectacular countryside and overlooking the ocean. The two rooms are smart and contemporary with beautiful bathrooms and french doors leading out into the garden. Breakfasts are an indulgent affair and the hosts are utterly charming. See More

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  • Takatu Lodge & Vineyard Matakana (RD6) 4 rooms from £346

    Foodies  -  Savour gourmet dishes using produce from the Matakana area & ingredients from the lodge's gardens, with Takatu's own wine
    Diving  -  Goat Island Marine Reserve offers striking diving for beginners and experienced underwater explorers
    Restaurant  -  Big cooked breakfasts and daily menus of specials matched with Takatu wines are a real treat
    Local markets  -  Matakana Farmers’ Market & Country Park Market are fantastic
    TennisRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Charming lodge built with natural wood, stone and marble set in the heart of a working vineyard. Suites have private outdoor decks, floor-to-ceiling windows, open log fires and comfy beds. Eco-friendly and close to great walks, wineries and local markets. A relaxing country escape. See More

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