Why Matakana is Auckland's favourite day trip
If you ask Aucklanders where they escape for a relaxing day, one destination comes up time and time again.
Matakana.
Less than an hour north of the city, this boutique wine region has become one of New Zealand's most loved weekend destinations.
It isn't just about wineries.
Or beaches.
Or great food.
It's the combination of all of them.
Within a relatively small area you can wander a famous farmers' market, enjoy award-winning wine, discover world-class sculpture, eat exceptional local food, relax on white-sand beaches and finish the afternoon overlooking rolling vineyards.
That's why so many visitors return again and again.
How far is Matakana from Auckland?
From Auckland CBD, the drive is approximately 60 kilometres and usually takes 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic.
The journey itself is straightforward via State Highway 1 before turning east toward Matakana.
If you're travelling on a Saturday, allow additional time as the Farmers' Market attracts visitors from across the region.
Is one day enough?
Yes—but only just.
One day is enough to experience the highlights.
Many visitors enjoy:
Coffee in Matakana Village
Browsing the Farmers' Market
Wine tasting
Lunch at a vineyard
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Omaha Beach
Boutique shopping
If you have a full weekend, you'll uncover even more hidden gems, regional parks and coastal walks.
The perfect one-day itinerary
8:00 am – Leave Auckland
An early departure avoids motorway traffic and allows you to arrive before the busiest crowds.
The countryside begins to change almost immediately after leaving the city.
Rolling farmland replaces urban streets, setting the tone for a much slower pace.
9:00 am – Explore Matakana Village
Start your day where the region comes to life.
The village is compact, walkable and full of character.
Browse:
Boutique homewares
Local art galleries
Bookshops
Artisan food stores
Specialty retailers
Stop for a quality coffee before continuing your adventure.
Saturday? Don't miss the Farmers' Market
If you're visiting on a Saturday, this is essential.
The Matakana Farmers' Market has become one of New Zealand's best-known food markets.
Expect:
Fresh sourdough
Artisan cheese
Local honey
Seasonal fruit
Gourmet pastries
Fresh flowers
Handmade gifts
Street food
Live music
Arriving early gives you the best experience.
11:00 am – Your first winery
Matakana's vineyards each have their own personality.
Popular choices include:
Brick Bay
Perfect for combining boutique wine with the famous Sculpture Trail.
Heron's Flight
Ideal for visitors wanting something different, specialising in Italian grape varieties.
Matakana Estate
Excellent for larger groups and those wanting a broad introduction to the region.
Don't try to visit every winery.
Two quality experiences are far more enjoyable than rushing through five.
12:30 pm – Lunch overlooking the vines
One of the highlights of Matakana is the opportunity to enjoy lunch surrounded by vineyards.
Whether you choose The Glass House at Brick Bay or another local venue, allow yourself time to slow down.
The region rewards visitors who aren't in a hurry.
2:00 pm – Choose your afternoon adventure
One of Matakana's strengths is variety.
Depending on your interests, consider:
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Walk through native bush discovering more than 50 contemporary sculptures.
Sculptureum
A world-class private museum featuring art, sculpture and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Omaha Beach
One of Auckland's most beautiful beaches.
Ideal for:
Swimming
Walking
Ice cream
Relaxing
Photography
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Perfect if you enjoy wildlife, native birds and spectacular coastal scenery.
Goat Island Marine Reserve
A favourite for snorkelling, kayaking and marine life.
If you love food...
Matakana is one of New Zealand's best food destinations.
You'll discover:
Artisan bakeries
Boutique chocolatiers
Local olive oils
Award-winning cafés
Fine dining
Vineyard restaurants
Gourmet delis
Boutique breweries
Many visitors leave with a car full of local produce.
If you're travelling as a couple
Matakana was almost designed for romantic weekends.
A perfect couple's itinerary includes:
Coffee together
Wine tasting
Long vineyard lunch
Beach walk
Sunset overlooking the countryside
Simple.
Relaxed.
Unforgettable.
If you're travelling with children
Many families are surprised how much there is to do.
Children often enjoy:
The Farmers' Market
Sculptureum
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Omaha Beach
Goat Island
Ice cream in the village
Native birdlife
Open spaces
Not every stop needs to revolve around wine.
The biggest mistake visitors make
Trying to do too much.
Matakana isn't a destination to race through.
The best memories usually come from sitting longer over lunch, talking to winemakers, wandering galleries or discovering a quiet beach you hadn't planned to visit.
Leave space in your itinerary.
Why guided tours are becoming more popular
Wine tasting naturally raises one obvious issue.
Someone has to drive.
That's one reason professionally hosted day tours continue to grow in popularity.
Everyone can enjoy tastings equally.
Nobody worries about navigation.
The journey becomes part of the experience.
Instead of watching the road, you watch the countryside.
Vintage Views Insider Tip
We're currently developing the Matakana Wine Country Discovery, a hosted premium day trip aboard our beautifully restored 1960s London Routemaster.
Rather than simply transporting guests between wineries, the experience is designed to showcase the very best of the Matakana Coast—village life, boutique vineyards, exceptional food and spectacular scenery—with plenty of time to genuinely enjoy each stop.
For those who appreciate character, history and a slower pace of travel, it promises to be one of Auckland's most unique day tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matakana worth visiting?
Absolutely. Its combination of wineries, food, beaches, art and relaxed atmosphere makes it one of New Zealand's best day-trip destinations.
How long should I spend there?
A full day is ideal, although many visitors return for a weekend after their first trip.
Can I visit without drinking wine?
Yes. Beaches, art galleries, Sculptureum, markets, cafés and regional parks offer plenty for non-drinkers.
Is Matakana good in winter?
Very much so. Winter brings quieter wineries, cosy restaurants and beautiful countryside without the summer crowds.
Is Saturday the best day?
If you want to experience the Farmers' Market, yes.
If you prefer fewer people, consider visiting on a weekday.
How many wineries should I visit?
Two or three is generally ideal.
It allows enough time to enjoy each experience without rushing.
Can I do Matakana without a car?
A guided tour or organised transport is the easiest option, particularly if you intend to visit multiple wineries.
Is Matakana family friendly?
Yes. The region offers activities suitable for couples, families, groups and solo travellers.