All the hype in Matakana is over the Farmers Market, but to be honest my favourite place to go on a…read moreSaturday morning is the Cream of Matakana. It's just down the road, still in the village, in what used to be a dairy factory. Today it's a gift store, and one of my favourites! They do unique art, jewellery, home wares, clothing and a great range of wooden toys. Its like ferreting in a treasure trove; I always end up leaving with something. On Saturdays they have a market outside; a selection of brick-a-brac, food, sunglasses and clothing. The quality of the stalls can vary, and there is a lot of junk but its fun looking through the antiques and scoring a bargain. If you haven't filled up at the farmers market, there is also DELICIOUS Hungarian style bread for sale. The hot cinnamon kind cooked on the rotisserie; scrummo.

Mooi mooi is a gorgeous little store tucked away at the back of Matakana. It was originally an…read moreonline shop and they sell a variety of things for the home. The children's section is very cute. Most of the clothing is the Sticky Fudge range; littler hipster hoodies for boys and floral prints for girls. It's good quality all-natural fabrics and averages about $30 an item. There are a few bits of furniture and the Wonki Ware kitchen range which I love. They also do a nice rage of bird and flower jewellery. Mooi Mooi has a natural but contemporary feel to it; lovely for gift buying or to pop into and have a browse

On site at the Matakana Country Park, The Craft Co-op is an adorable little store filled with hand…read morecrafted treasures. The hard work of over 70 people from around New Zealand is sold here and you can find loads of art, pottery, knitting and wood work. It's all individually created and unique, perfect for gifts. Its ideal shopping for special souvenirs, as it's not too tacky. They also have an excellent range of natural cosmetics and locally made soaps; the proper chunky kind with dried flowers poking out the side. They have an adorable kid's corner, with colourful clothes and costumes and a really nice range of kid's beaded jewellery. The Craft Co-op is perfect for Nanas; take her in there and afterwards have tea and a scone at the Speckled Hen café, perfect!

Quintessentially Kiwi is a superb display of the creativity we have in NZ. It's a gorgeous little…read moregift store filled with handmade jewellery, ceramics, wall art, sculpture and clothing. It carries work from designers all over New Zealand, and it's cool to see such a funky mix. I've found it the perfect store to buy house warming or engagement gifts in. I bought a cool set of ceramic heart wall panels and a funny little brass sheep. The jewellery is also really nice, although perhaps a little old for my taste, but great for mum or aunty. A lot of the stuff would be good for souvenirs or to send overseas; it's very kiwi but elegant and fun, not tacky and plastic.

Coast and Country is a gorgeous little gift and home store, perfectly themed for the area. It's a…read moregood place to go shopping for Mum or Nana; think candles, soaps, ornaments, vases and jewellery. They also have a few really nice pieces of furniture (but are unfortunately out of my price range). I always love the cushion covers (for when I one day buy a couch). The back part of the store has high quality kitchenware and funky utensils. They also have a few cool (but thankfully not tacky) Kiwiana items. They have loads in there (I've not even really begun to cover it) it's definitely worth a browse.

The BEST food we've had in the South Pacific thus far! This place is busy but you're able to find a…read moretable, they have a chocolate shop on one side and a cafeteria on the other, and please stop here! We ordered the CB Big Breakfast and it was very country style. The sausage is some of the best I've ever tasted and the bacon had such a great flavor! The vibe is very laid back and the staff is SO polite! What a breath of fresh air!

Excellent coffee and food The coffee at this popular cafe is…read moreexcellent - nice and strong! On Friday nights, Chocolate Brown does the catering at the Warkworth Bowls Club. We had a delicious grilled tarakihi and very good spinach and ricotta cannelloni with a fantastic vegetable buffet! This was a great and reasonably priced Friday night dinner!!