Mataia Homestead is located between three townships - Helensville, Warkworth and Wellsford.
Warkworth 25-30 minutes east of Mataia
Warkworth township is located on the Mahurangi River and is the gateway town to the Matakana wine country and beaches. A great information centre has lots of details on local attractions. All the basic amenities can be found including supermarkets and banking and some great cafes and restaurants. Matakana is host to a popular farmers market every Saturday morning. There is also a three-screen cinema in Matakana and some excellent vineyards and restaurants.
Kaukapakapa 15 minutes south of Mataia
Kaukapakapa village is a good ice-cream stop! Consisting of a primary school, dairy/liquor store, pub and petrol station. You will pass through Kaukapakapa on your way to Mataia from Auckland.
Helensville 30-35 minutes south of Mataia
Helensville is located at the base of the Kaipara Harbour. You can find all the basic amenities at Helensville as well as some good cafes and restaurants. There is also a train service that connects Helensville to Auckland with trains running regularly. Check www.maxx.co.nz for timetable details. Nearby Parikai has a good hot pool and fun-slide park. Or head up the South Head road and visit the Macadamia Nut farm and cafe. A bit further south you can go mountain bike riding at Woodhill Forest or visit the tree-tops adventure rope park.
Wellsford 20-25 minutes north of Mataia
Wellsford is a small farming town on the main highway north. There is a good 18 hole golf course and all the basic amenities can be found in the town.
Kayaking
Kayaks are available for your use on request. Launch from half-way down the Mataia creek and paddle out to the Kaipara Harbour and round the sheltered mouth of the Mataia creek. Or head up the Hoteo River to the base of Mt Auckland and back.
Fishing
Fishing on the Kaipara Harbour is an experience not to be missed! Several charter boats operate out of the Hoteo River, about a 5 minute drive from the homestead. You could also try chucking a line out of your kayak!
Hiking / walking
The 1300 hectare farm has some fantastic walks - from 1 hour strolls to all day hikes. Maps are provided at the house.
Mt Auckland / Atuanui: A DOC walk which starts on the Kaipara Hills Road or off State Highway 16 - both about a 5 minute drive from the homestead. Approximately 3 hours return, the view from the top is well worth the trip.
Atiu Creek Regional Park: 30 minutes drive north of Mataia, Atiu Creek was acquired by the Auckland Regional Council in 2007. It is home to the NZ dabchick, brown teal and the North Island brown kiwi.
Golf
Wellsford Golf and Squash Club - A rural 18 hole course, open from 7am until dark, 7 days a week.
There are carts, clubs etc for hire. Green fee players are welcome.
Warkworth Golf Club - An 18 hole course on park-like grounds. Visitors and groups are more
than welcome. Club hireage, trundlers and motorised carts available.
South Head Golf Club - A championship course with spectacular views. 15kms north of Parakai (just out of Helensville). A very popular course.
Helensville Golf Club - An 18 hole, par 71 course located just south of Kaukapakapa.
