About Matakana

Sugarloaf Lodge is in the heart of the Matakana Coast.

The area's wine country has several acclaimed wineries, many such as Ascension Wine Estate with cafés and restaurants serving an excellent choice of snacks and full meals, accompanied by the vineyard's wines, or just a coffee. On a Saturday morning you must visit the Matakana Farmers Market, with its stalls selling local produce, and Country Park Market which has an eclectic mix of plants, produce, art and horse riding, and the enjoyable environment of RD6 Restaurant for morning coffee, a drink, lunch or dinner.

Next to Country Park is the turning to Omaha and Tawharanui. Omaha Beach is a holiday resort with a wonderful two mile (three kilometre) white sand safe swimming beach with a surf club and public beach access, less than ten minutes beyond Matakana. At low tide you can walk to Tawharanui along the coast line towards the south.

Tawharanui Regional Park lies at the end of the Takatu Peninsula with birdwatching, safe swimming, beach walks, holiday camp and signposted walks which take from 30 minutes to three hours.

Slightly further afield, 15 minutes further north, lies the fishing village of Leigh with its well-protected harbour. Leigh boasts the best fish and chips in the area. Or check out the funky Leigh Sawmill Café and Restaurant, on the way to Goat Island Marine Reserve, where you can view the underwater marine life from a glass bottom boat or snorkel and mask. Over the hill from Leigh is Pakiri Beach which attracts surfies from miles around and where horse rides and treks are available for all riding standards.

Warkworth is the nearest town 10 minutes away from Matakana in a picturesque location on the Mahurangi River with a full range of shops, cafés and restaurants. Golfers can enjoy Warkworth Golf Club and Omaha Golf Club, both 18-hole courses of distinctive character and superb views.

For further information on the Matakana area, click here for a more comprehensive description on http://www.matakanacoast.com/.