We had always wanted to visit the Matakana Markets. Everyone raved about how good they were, so when we found ourselves staying nearby over the weekend, the timing couldn’t have been better.
We arrived around 8.30am and ended up parking along Matakana Valley Road, about a 600 metre walk into the village. But honestly, that walk turned out to be one of the highlights. On the way in, we passed homes with fruit stalls out front, fresh feijoas and lemons at great prices, along with local shops, a butcher (which we made sure to stop at on the way back and they had incredible lamb and mint sausages) and even a local brewery called 8 Wired Brewery. It was such a nice way to ease into the morning.
When we first arrived at the markets, we were a little confused. It felt smaller than expected… until we realised there are actually two sections.
The first area is more of an artisan and local goods section — fresh produce, handmade items, lotions, crafts and second-hand treasures. We thought we had seen it all and wandered off into the township… only to discover we had completely missed the second half.
And that’s where it really came alive.
The food and beverage section was buzzing. Everything felt local, fresh, and full of flavour, bakers, brewers and plenty of samples to try. The people behind each stall were just as special as what they were selling.
We met Cath from Turbo Tonics, who makes an incredible turmeric-based drink packed with goodness. We left with a bottle and now enjoy a daily dose. We also met Susan from Greenleas Handcrafts, who creates beautiful handmade quilts with classic Kiwiana themes. Such a thoughtful and unique gift idea.
There is some seriously talented mahi here, and it’s the kind of place where supporting local just feels right.
The village is just as enjoyable to wander through. There are great cafés, boutique shops and plenty of little spots to wander through. Make a stop at the local information centre to get a feel for what else is in the area.
And a funny one, there’s a building by the roundabout at the entrance to town that caught my eye. I stopped to take a photo thinking it was something special… turns out it was the public toilets. Still looked good though 😄
Worth Adding to Your Day
If you’ve got time, don’t just stop at the markets.
Head out to Tāwharanui Regional Park for stunning beaches, walks and a relaxed picnic spot. Or make your way to Leigh and snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve, where the fish are everywhere, close enough to amaze you and maybe freak you out just a little.
Tohu Tips
- Fuel / Petrol
- Fill up in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland before heading out or check the Gaspy app for the best prices along the way. Options become more limited once you head coastal.
- Supermarkets & Supplies
- Warkworth has a large New World supermarket for essentials. We stocked up at Pak’nSave in Albany on the way out, easy parking and a quick stop just off the motorway. We tend to prefer Pak’nSave as you don’t need a loyalty card to access the specials, which makes it simple when you’re on the road.
- Toll Road Tip
- If you turn off at Silverdale, you can avoid the toll road and take the coastal route through to Warkworth. It’s slightly more winding but far more scenic and an enjoyable drive. Along the way, you’ll pass local farms selling fresh produce on the roadside and small attractions you’d likely miss if you stayed on the highway.
- Parking & Traffic
- Ōrewa is a beautiful stop but it gets busy, especially on weekends. Finding a park can take time, so plan accordingly.
- Driving Tip
- The back coastal roads take a little longer but they’re worth it. Expect a more relaxed pace, great views and a much nicer drive overall.
Planning your own trip? Explore our campervan itineraries and travel guides to help you make the most of your journey.
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.”
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.