Explore the area
From the Kawau Island ferry at our doorstep to the Matakana market, wineries and white-sand beaches — there's plenty to fill your days.
We're right in the heart of the Matakana Coast — and the Sandspit wharf, just a few minutes from the park, is the departure point for Kawau Island. Here are some of our favourite things to see and do nearby. Times, timetables and prices change with the seasons, so it's worth checking with each operator before you head off — and our reception team is always happy to point you in the right direction.
Sandspit Wharf (about five minutes from the park) is the gateway to Kawau Island, one of the Hauraki Gulf's most special spots. Kawau Cruises run the famous Royal Mail Run, departing Sandspit daily (usually around 10.30am) to follow the mail-delivery route around the island's bays — one of the longest mail runs by boat in the Southern Hemisphere. Keep an eye out for little penguins and dolphins along the way.
Most trips stop at Mansion House, Governor Sir George Grey's beautifully restored 1800s home, surrounded by subtropical gardens where wallabies, weka and peacocks roam. You can swim at sandy Lady's Bay, wander the DOC bush walks (from 15 minutes to a couple of hours), see the historic copper-mine ruins, or grab a coffee at the seasonal café. Scheduled ferries and on-demand water taxis make it easy to go for the day or longer.
About 15 minutes away, the Matakana Village Farmers' Market runs every Saturday, 8am–1pm, year-round. Set beside the river, it's a foodie favourite — award-winning coffee, brunch, fresh produce and artisan treats, with live music and a treehouse playground for the kids. It's a zero-waste market, so bring a basket or bags.
The village itself is full of boutique shops, galleries and cafés, plus the lovely Matakana Cinemas (including the flower-filled Paradiso theatre). Close by you'll find the Sculptureum (art gardens, galleries and farm-to-table dining) and Matakana Country Park with its playground and animals.
Matakana is a well-known boutique wine region. Taste your way around local vineyards such as Matakana Estate, or walk the Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail — an outdoor art walk that finishes with a wine in the glass pavilion. Craft-beer fans should seek out Sawmill Brewery and 8 Wired. You'll find plenty of cafés, restaurants and country pubs dotted through Matakana, Warkworth and Snells Beach.
