Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Blue Adventures
WATER SPORTS
( 022 630 5705;
www.blueadventures.co.nz
; lessons per hour $60-75)
Based in Matakana, but
offering kitesurfing, paddle boarding and wakeboarding lessons, and tours from Auck-
land to Mangawhai. Also jetboat tours (per person $75 to $300) along the Matakana
coast.
Matakana Cycle Hire
BICYCLE RENTAL
( 09-423 0076;
www.matakanabicyclerental.co.nz
;
951 Matakana Rd; half-/full-day hire $30/40,
tours from $60)
Bike hire to explore local vineyards and beaches.
Omaha Beach
BEACH
The nearest swimming beach to Matakana, Omaha has a long stretch of white sand, good
surf and ritzy holiday homes.
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
PARK
(
www.brickbaysculpture.co.nz
; Arabella Lane, Snells Beach; adult/child $12/8; 10am-5pm)
After
taking an hour-long artistic ramble through the beautiful grounds of Brick Bay Wines, re-
cuperate with a wine tasting at the architecturally impressive cafe.
Morris & James
ARTS & CRAFTS
(
www.morrisandjames.co.nz
; 48 Tongue Farm Rd; 9am-5pm)
Watch the potters at
work during the free daily tour (11.30am) or just call in to check out the colourful fin-
ished products and the courtyard cafe.
Sleeping
Sandspit Holiday Park
HOLIDAY PARK $
( 09-425 8610;
www.sandspitholidaypark.co.nz
;
1334 Sandspit Rd; sites from $17, units $70-120;
)
A camping ground masquerading as a pioneer village, this place incorporates his-
toric buildings and faux shopfronts into its facilities. It's right by the water at Sandspit.
Matakana Country Lodge
B&B $$$
$$$
( 09-422 3553;
www.matakanacountry.co.nz
;
149 Anderson Rd; r $275-375; )
It's only
five minutes from Matakana by way of an unsealed road and a long driveway, but this
lodge offers tranquillity in bucketloads and expansive views over the countryside. The
three guest rooms have the run of the entire villa, including the kitchen, pool and spa.
