For decades, the sleepy farming district of Matakana, one hour north of Auckland, was off the radar, but now it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in great Kiwi food and wine.
Matakana’s Saturday morning farmers’ market kicks off around 09:00, and the busy riverside market is a great place to grab local artisan chocolate, specialty meats and freshly pressed olive oil. Once you’ve got armfuls of goodies, take a break and have an alfresco breakfast beside the river. Nearby Hyperion Wines (09 422 9375, www.hyperion-wines.co.nz) produces wines with grapes from two local vineyards. With a compact winery in an old cowshed you’d expect rustic, everyday tipples, but the Hyperion range is complex and elegant. Ascension Vineyard (09 422 9601, www.ascensionvineyard.co.nz) operates on a larger scale, and the lush estate with its echoes of Tuscany is a great spot for a Mediterranean-style lunch. Another good lunch stop is the Leigh Sawmill Cafe, where you’ll find local wines, or a selection of its own microbrews if you can’t make your mind up. In summer, the beaches here provide the opportunity to waste the rest of the afternoon in the best possible way. Matheson’s Bay is a pleasant tree-lined cove that’s safe for families, and Tawharanui is a wilder surf beach with a dramatic rocky coastline. For more information on Matakana and surrounding areas, check out www.matakana.wine.com and www.matakana.com.

Check out www.matakanawine.com and www.matakanacoast.com to plan your assault.