Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
Warkworth i-SITE
(
09-425 9081;
www.warkworthnz.com
; 1 Baxter St;
8.30am-5pm Mon-
Fri, 9am-3pm Sat & Sun)
Getting There & Away
vices both pass through town, en route between Auckland and the Bay of Islands.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Matakana & Around
Around 15 years ago, Matakana was a nondescript rural village with a handful of herit-
age buildings and an old-fashioned country pub. Now the locals watch bemused as Auck-
land's chattering classes idle away the hours in stylish wine bars and cafes. The striking
Matakana Cinemas
( 09-422 9833;
www.matakanacinemas.co.nz
;
2 Matakana Valley Rd)
complex has a domed roof reminiscent of an Ottoman bathhouse, and an excellent
f arm-
The reason for this growth is the area's boutique wineries, which are developing a
name for pinot gris, merlot, syrah and a host of obscure varietals. Local vineyards are de-
tailed in the free
Matakana Coast Wine Country
(www.matakanacoast.com) and
Matakana Wine Trail
(
www.matakanawine.com
) brochures. Both are available from the
Matakana Information Centre in the foyer of the cinema.
Sights & Activities
Tawharanui Regional Park
BEACH
( 09-366 2000;
www.arc.govt.nz
;
Takatu Rd)
A partly unsealed road leads to this 588-hec-
tare reserve at the end of a peninsula. This special place is an open sanctuary for native
birds, protected by a pest-proof fence, while the northern coast is a marine park (bring a
snorkel). There are plenty of walking tracks (1½ to four hours) but the main attraction is
Anchor Bay
, one of the region's finest white-sand beaches. Camping is allowed at two
basic sites near the beach (adult/child $13/6) and there's a six-person bach for hire
($145).
