Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Matakohe
POP 400
Apart from the rural charms of this village, the key reason for visiting is the superb
Kauri
Museum
(
www.kaurimuseum.com
; 5 Church Rd; adult/child $25/8; 9am-5pm)
. The giant cross sections
of trees are astounding, but the entire industry is brought to life through video kiosks, arte-
facts, fabulous furniture and marquetry, and reproductions of a pioneer sawmill, boarding
house, gumdigger's hut and Victorian home. The Gum Room holds a weird and wonderful
collection of kauri gum, the amber substance that can be carved, sculpted and polished to
a jewel-like quality. The museum shop stocks mementoes crafted from kauri wood and
gum.
Facing the museum is the tiny kauri-built
Matakohe Pioneer Church
(1867), which served
both Methodists and Anglicans, and acted as the community's hall and school. Nearby,
you can wander through a historic
school house
(1878) and
post office/telephone exchange
(1909).
Sleeping & Eating
Matakohe Holiday Park
( 09-431 6431;
www.matakoheholidaypark.co.nz
;
66 Church Rd; site/unit from $38/65; )
This little
park has modern amenities, plenty of space and good views of Kaipara Harbour.
HOLIDAY PARK
$
Petite Provence
( 09-431 7552;
www.petiteprovence.co.nz
;
703c Tinopai Rd; s/d $120/160)
This attractive, French-in-
fluenced B&B is a popular weekender for Aucklanders, so it pays to book ahead. Excel-
lent dinners can be arranged for $45 per person.
B&B
$$
Matakohe House
( 09-431 7091;
www.matakohehouse.co.nz
;
24 Church Rd; d $160; )
This B&B occupies a pretty
villa with a cafe attached. The simply furnished rooms open out onto a verandah and offer
winning touches like complimentary port and chocolates.
B&B
$$
Getting There & Away
No scheduled buses run to Matakohe, but return day trips from Auckland to the Kauri
Museum are $149. See
www.kauri-museum.com
for tour bookings.
