We stayed at a nice bed & breakfast inn next to this museum (got a discount for that)…read more This museum has dozens of displays about the local kauri trees, life during the Victorian times in this area, hundreds of pieces of kauri wood and its gum, etc. You could spend 1-4 hours depending on how much you want to learn. Tickets are good for two consecutive days. Their gift shop was excellent. Friendly employees.

Learned so much about the Kauri trees and gum that I was unaware of. Beautifully presented.read more

Piece is a contemporary art gallery tucked underneath Matakana Cinema. Every time I walk passed…read morethere seem to be brilliant new creations in the window. They have amazing recycled glass light fixtures and wall hangings. The jewellery is really unique and made in different and interesting mediums. They do beautiful exhibitions in ceramics and glass from a range of NZ artists. Recently they had the vase exhibition; who would have thought vases could be so interesting, there were some real funky items. Although there's no way I can afford any of it, I would love to have one of these fun creative pieces in my home, something to aspire to I guess!

Good food with good ambience. Nice size portions and good selection of beers. Outdoor or indoor…read moredining.

Only game in town on New Year's Day. 15% holiday surcharge. Jam packed for lunch. No wait…read morethough. Lots of seating inside and outdoors. Nice courtyard in back. Kids area next to courtyard -- swings and small boat that kids can climb on. Recommend keeping close eye on younger kids and toddlers due to driveway and random broken glass on ground. SERVICE: friendly, attentive FOOD: 3.5/5 French toast - generous portion. light, thick. good. Fried fish with salad - $30. generous portion. fresh. very good. Corn fritters - only disappointment. way too greasy. salad underneath fritters soggy from oil, making it unappetizing. Fluffy - not fluffy enough, so toddler ended up with warm milk down front of shirt.

This was such a nice property to explore. The sculptures are very unique and love the opportunity…read moreto learn about each one and the inspiration behind them. The property is quite large with really nice walking paths on the trail and even optional trails included. It's really a good value for your money. The lady selling the tickets was friendly and helpful in knowing it was our first time visiting. There was even a great chance of rain and we were given complimentary large umbrellas to use on the trail.

A worthwhile adventure that requires 1-1.5 hours and able to climb small incline and some steps…read more $12 admission, but $10 for seniors, and less for kids. Lovely setting, well marked, and good sculpture.

2nd day they opened after holidays. Food was beautifully presented and tasty. Lovely settings in…read morefarmlands though interior similar in basic NZ clubhouse with a bar.

I'll be honest, tough to get a last minute reservation, but good if you get one outside when it's…read moreexpected to be bad weather but not so bad!

Lunch for the four of us was in their covered atrium; a large glass enclosed dining room, with…read moresliding doors and curtained ceilings. Very pleasant surroundings, with vineyards and ponds around us. Service was not at all professional.... a very casual and lackadaisical affair. A server presented the menus, and waited for us to order, without giving us a chance to review the menu. We requested that she return, and yet, though they were not busy, it took a very long time before another server came over to take our order, who we had to flag down. When yet a 3rd server then brought our chilled rose ($32/bottle), she poured a taste, and then left, leaving one of us to finish pouring glasses for us all. No chilled decanter, or ice bucket was ever brought, and the chilled wine was left on the table to warm up to room temperature!!! I certainly expected better wine service from a winery!!! Food was very good. Two of us had the chicken salad (small portion of poached chicken), served with quinoa, cos lettuce, feta and sliced carrots & zucchini (courgettes), $18 (see photo). A Grado cheese salad w/ beetroot and nuts ($18), and the lamb Kofta (3 spiced pan fried lamb balls) w/ accompanying hummus and yoghurt ($19.50) for the other two diners. All exclaimed pleasure with their meals. For dessert, we had chocolate espresso puff ($4.50), citron orange tart ($6.50), and the sweet, chocolate orange cake ($6.50). All were devoured with glee. A pleasant enough luncheon with good food and drink amidst a nice environment, except for the sub-standard service.

Wonderful winery near Matakana and Warkworth with the owner / winemaker on site. We loved our short…read moretime here tasing their different wines which are made with Sangiovese Italian grapes. We opted for a tasting plus purchased some cheese and crostini for a snack. David was a joy to speak with and had a lot of great insight on places to go and things to do in the area. If you're in New Zealand, don't miss this spot!

This Vineyard takes you to somewhere in Europe, maybe Italy, Spain or France with its European…read morestyle building. I had thought this place might be a bit posh, but its not really, its very relaxing and casual. The food is very delicious and lots of lovely places to sit with different views of the vineyard, they also have a child's play area which is great for us with little ones. And of course what we came here for, the wine, I loved the Ascension Methode Traditionnelle, now I don't know all that wine talk but it has some lovely flavours and was just delicious on a summer's day. This is also a beautiful location for a wedding with the vineyards at the back, you could really get some stunning photos that you would cherish for ever (and maybe say you got married in Europe).

Have been here a couple of times for a work functions. The staff were very efficient and helpful…read more Food was very good and the wine was flowing of course. Took a wine tour including the vines was very informative and loved trying the various samples. Would love to visit during one of the concerts.