Brick Bay is one of New Zealand's most unique destinations
Some wineries are famous for their wine.
Some attractions are famous for their art.
Some restaurants are destinations in their own right.
Brick Bay is all three.
Located just outside Matakana, Brick Bay has become one of New Zealand's most distinctive visitor experiences, bringing together boutique wine, contemporary sculpture, native bush, lakes, outstanding food and beautifully restored landscapes into a single destination.
Whether you're visiting for lunch, enjoying a wine tasting, walking the Sculpture Trail or simply escaping Auckland for the day, Brick Bay rewards visitors who allow themselves time to slow down.
It isn't somewhere you rush through.
It's somewhere you experience.
Where is Brick Bay?
Brick Bay is located at 17 Arabella Lane, Snells Beach, just a few minutes from Matakana Village and around a 50–60 minute drive north of Auckland.
That makes it an ideal addition to almost any Matakana itinerary.
Many visitors combine it with:
Matakana Village
The Farmers' Market
Boutique wineries
Omaha Beach
Point Wells
Sculptureum
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Why is Brick Bay so special?
Brick Bay is much more than a winery.
Over almost four decades the property has evolved into a destination where art, conservation, food and wine exist together. The vineyard was planted in the 1990s, the Sculpture Trail opened in 2004 and The Glass House restaurant followed in 2007.
Instead of arriving, tasting one wine and leaving, most guests spend several hours here.
The atmosphere encourages exploration.
Walk a trail.
Pause beside a lake.
Enjoy lunch.
Taste a wine.
Return through native bush.
Discover another sculpture.
Few destinations near Auckland offer such a complete experience.
The famous Sculpture Trail
The Sculpture Trail is Brick Bay's signature attraction.
A 2-kilometre walking trail winds through native forest, wetlands, vineyards and open pasture, featuring more than 50 large-scale contemporary sculptures by New Zealand artists. The exhibition changes over time, so repeat visits often reveal something new.
Unlike a traditional gallery, the landscape becomes part of every artwork.
The changing seasons, weather and light all influence how visitors experience each sculpture.
It is art without walls.
How long does the Sculpture Trail take?
Most visitors should allow:
Around one hour for the trail itself.
Longer if you enjoy photography or reading the interpretation.
Half a day if combining the trail with lunch and wine tasting.
There is no need to rush.
In fact, Brick Bay is probably best experienced slowly.
The Glass House Restaurant
One of the highlights of any visit is The Glass House.
Cantilevered over a lake, the restaurant showcases seasonal New Zealand cuisine and is open daily, with extended Saturday evening dining. Advance bookings are recommended, particularly on weekends.
Large glass walls blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, creating one of the most memorable dining settings in the Matakana region.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying lunch after the Sculpture Trail, it's easy to understand why many visitors describe the restaurant as a destination in its own right.
Brick Bay wines
Brick Bay produces small-batch wines that reflect the coastal climate and soils of the Matakana region.
Visitors can enjoy boutique wines in the restaurant or as part of a tasting experience, with varieties including Pinot Gris, Rosé and Bordeaux-style reds.
Rather than chasing high production volumes, the focus is on quality and expression of place.
Is Brick Bay suitable for families?
Absolutely.
Although many people associate Brick Bay with wine, families will also find:
The Sculpture Trail
Native birdlife
Open green spaces
A sandpit and swings near the restaurant
Children's menu
Family-friendly atmosphere
During some school holiday periods, special family promotions are also run.
Accessibility
The Glass House restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
The Sculpture Trail, however, includes uneven surfaces, stairs and boardwalks and is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and allow about an hour for the trail.
Can you bring your dog?
Yes.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the Sculpture Trail and in the outdoor dining areas of The Glass House. Outdoor dining should be requested when booking.
Photography
Brick Bay is one of the most photogenic locations in the Matakana region.
Excellent opportunities include:
Contemporary sculptures
The Glass House
Reflections across the lake
Native bush
Vineyards
Seasonal colours
Architectural details
For photographers, overcast conditions often produce excellent light through the forest and around the sculpture trail.
A perfect Brick Bay itinerary
10:00 am — Arrive as Brick Bay opens.
10:15 am — Walk the Sculpture Trail.
11:30 am — Enjoy a wine tasting.
12:30 pm — Lunch at The Glass House.
2:00 pm — Continue to Matakana Village or Omaha Beach.
This relaxed pace allows visitors to experience everything without feeling hurried.
Why Brick Bay pairs perfectly with Vintage Views
When we launch our Matakana Wine Country Discovery, Brick Bay is exactly the sort of destination we want guests to experience.
The combination of scenic countryside, boutique wine, contemporary art and exceptional dining perfectly reflects what makes the Matakana region so special.
Rather than worrying about driving between venues, guests will be able to enjoy the journey aboard our beautifully restored 1960s London Routemaster before spending quality time exploring Brick Bay at a relaxed pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brick Bay worth visiting?
Absolutely. It combines a boutique winery, a nationally recognised sculpture trail, native bush, excellent dining and contemporary architecture in one destination.
How long does the Sculpture Trail take?
Allow about one hour for the walk, plus additional time if you're dining or tasting wine.
Is Brick Bay suitable for children?
Yes. Families are welcome, and facilities include children's activities near the restaurant.
Can I visit without eating?
Yes. Visitors can simply walk the Sculpture Trail, enjoy the scenery or visit for wine.
Is booking required?
Bookings aren't required for the Sculpture Trail, but they are strongly recommended for The Glass House restaurant, especially on weekends.
Is Brick Bay wheelchair accessible?
The restaurant is accessible, but the Sculpture Trail is not due to its terrain.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, provided dogs are on a lead and remain in the approved areas.
How far is Brick Bay from Auckland?
Around 50–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Continue Exploring Matakana
Continue your journey with our complete guides to:
The Best Wineries in Matakana
Matakana Village
Matakana Farmers' Market
Sculptureum
Omaha Beach
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Goat Island Marine Reserve
The Perfect Matakana Day Trip
Matakana Wedding Venues
Brick Bay is more than just another stop on the map. It captures everything that makes the Matakana Coast memorable—creativity, craftsmanship, outstanding food and wine, and a landscape that invites you to slow down and enjoy every moment.