Matakana Coast Wine Country
In the heart of Matakana Coast Wine Country is the small village of Matakana. The present village is located near the falls, the farthest navigable part of the Matakana River. It was formerly known as Upper Matakana, Lower Matakana being the area now known as Sandspit. A survey of 1853 shows a sawmill just below the falls. The river was the settlement's main link with the outside world until the early 1930's when the road was built. Flat-bottomed sailing barges known as "scows" provided the heavy transport. The first ever New Zealand scow was built at nearby Whangateau in 1873, and many later ones were built there also. The wreck of one of the earliest scows, believed to be "Lake St. Clair", remains in the river near the Morris & James clay pit.
The first large-scale exotic plant nursery in Australasia was located at Matakana. It was owned by Charles and James Matthew, and did good business supplying specimens for the home of Governor George Grey on nearby Kawau Island.
Fruit growing was a major industry in those early days until land was turned over to dairying, leading to the establishment of a butter factory in 1902. The butter factory still stands and is now a Craft Market.
In 1864, bricks were manufactured on a site very close to where Morris & James now stands. The bricks were sent by cutter to be sold in Auckland.
Matakana Village today has shops, a school and service industries which cater to the local farming, horticulture and tourism sectors, including the Matakana Village Farmers' Market which runs every Saturday from
9 till 1.
Stretching from Puhoi to Pakiri, the Matakana Coast Wine Country not only has a coastline that features deserted bays studded with small islands and wonderful recreational reserves but some of the finest wines, arts, crafts and visitor attractions in rural New Zealand. And less than one hour's drive north of Auckland.
The small village of Matakana on the banks of the Matakana River has an interesting history. These days there is a burgeoning wine industry in the area and no less than 12 vineyards currently offer wine tasting and sales creating a wonderful wine trail for the area and a must for visitors to the area.
Pakiri Beach provides an opportunity to experience isolation with its miles of unpopulated surf beach and pristine white sands, Omaha Beach is a popular swimming and surfing spot in summer.
The magnificent Tawharenui Regional Park has been declared an open sanctuary with its own predator fence to keep pest animals out so that endangered species including Kiwi, Bellbirds, Stitchbirds and Tuatara can be breed in safety in the park. This farm park is the northern most coastal park in the region and lies astride the Takatu Peninsula, which juts out into the Hauraki Gulf. Pastures fall away to rugged reefs, shingled bays and white sand beaches. Farm trails and a specially sign posted ecology trail provide an invitation to walk the coastline and forest and take in the spectacular views.
The world renowned Goat Island Marine Reserve was New Zealand's first marine reserve and a place divers flock to in summer to experience the abundant marine and fish life. It is also a popular picnic spot.
Historic Kawau Island, the former home of Sir George Grey, one of New Zealand's earliest Governors, can be visited by taking the ferry from Sandspit. The beautifully restored Mansion House, Governor Grey's residence, is open to visitors and there are walking tracks around the island, including one to an old copper mine.
In the southern part of the district is Mahurangi Regional Park, which includes several bays and coastal features about the mouth of the historic Mahurangi Harbour and occupies part of three peninsulas. This is a wilderness area where archeological sites, walks and magnificent sea views are part of the park’s attraction.
The largest town in the area is Warkworth, a picturesque town on the banks of the Mahurangi River with wonderful shops, cafes, galleries and services. The Warkworth Visitor Information Centre is in the center of town, tel. 425 9081.
For wonderful accommodation and things to see and do in the area visit www.matakanacoast.com