Part #5 – Matakana/Warkworth Take 2
On the way from Hamilton to Matakana – we will drop by Auckland International Airport where we will pick up Ross and Carolyn and an extra car. We will then drive just over an hour to Matakana Village.
With miles of untouched coastline, boutique wineries and galleries, the famous farmers’ markets and arguably the most beautiful white sand beaches within easy reach of Auckland City, there’s so much to discover on the Matakana Coast. It has been described as the Tuscany of New Zealand. Artisan food and wine, pristine beaches and a thriving art scene, there’s something for everyone. From the ocean to the hills, there’s so much to do on the Matakana Coast.
We are in for a treat, spending 4 nights/3 days here.
This brings me to the Trip’s catch phrase. “Just get on with it” best said in a South African accent – “Just get awn with it!” After listening to the Podcast – you will get the reference.
I highly recommend that you listen to this podcast, which is a true story about a family from Matakana – you never know we may even meet them.
Kiwi-born Ollie Wards chronicles how his brother’s whirlwind romance with a charismatic Californian con woman ultimately cost his family more than a million dollars.
With kooky plot twists to rival a Hollywood movie, the seven-episode series follows Ollie from sleepy suburban New Zealand on an international investigation spanning Hawaii, the UK and the US. The world of Lezlie Manukian is full of wild dreams, a lavish lifestyle, big loves and broken promises in exotic locations — a hall of mirrors, equal parts fantasy and real.
It soon becomes clear to Ollie that his family’s story is just one piece of a bigger jigsaw — and the only way he can put the puzzle together is by tracking down Lezlie herself.
We will play the beautiful Gulf Harbour Golf Course – which has interesting holes and views to die for.
After this glorious course we will travel back to Matakana and visit the Sculptureum or the Brick Bay Winery Sculpture Trail. This is a treat. The sculpture trail meanders past picturesque waterlily filled lakes, hillside vineyard, and farmland with sheep and lambs grazing. The trail then enters New Zealand native bush abundant with majestic towering trees: Kahikatea, Totara, Puriri, Nikau palms, and a precious Kauri forest. Well worth a visit.
The Sculptureum – is a MUST do, this is something you need to just “get awn with”. They have a restaurant, Art Gallery and Sculpture Gardens. See some of the photos below
We will also play Wainui Golf Club which is an 18-hole championship course set in an iconic New Zealand rural back drop. The course is cut through rolling hills, natural water ways and is framed by 80-year-old statement pines and precise bunkering.
Caz and Sue will leave us here and return to Auckland/Sydney and Queenstown. They will take the small hire car with them.