Matakana Coast Wine Country accommodation from AU$135

Settled in the 1840s, Matakana Village features old-fashioned buildings turned into cosy spots for a coffee or bite to eat, with tree-lined streets and amazing New Zealand-style mountain views on the horizon. You can also check out the cinema or do some boutique shopping – just watch out for the ‘killer eels’ which, according to a famous directions sign in town, supposedly lurk between the river walk and the ATM. Here on a Saturday morning? The Matakana Farmers Market is an absolute must, where you can listen to live musicians while shopping for healthy, home-made food.

Auckland is surrounded by beaches, and Matakana has some fantastic seaside spots like Omaha Beach. The name means ‘place of pleasure’ in Maori, which should give you a clue what to expect. Connected to the car park by a long boardwalk, it’s ideal for swimming and long walks, with headland views of hillsides and homes. The suburb of Leigh combines the best of both worlds, with lovely scenic places to swim like Matheson’s Bay and great places to hang out and catch a live band.

Matakana and the coast’s other suburbs have plenty of dining options for food fans – everything from wood-fired pizza to fresh seafood and three-course lunches can be found here. Art lovers can see ceramics being made at Morris & James Gallery or check out the works at one of the other art galleries. If you came here for the wine, take a tour of a local vineyard and try a local drop (or some eats) in the middle of a lush valley. Take a self-directed tour around the Matakana Wine Trail if you really want to figure out what to get a bottle of.

Killer views, killer food, killer wine and killer eels. Wot more could you want? Book your Matakana Coast accommodation and a flight to Auckland with us, because your list of reasons to visit this city just got even longer.