Discover Winter On The Matakana Coast

Just an hour north of Auckland, the Matakana Coast transforms into a hidden gem in Winter. With its blend of world-class art experiences, boutique wineries, gourmet food and stunning coastal landscapes, it’s the perfect escape for those looking to slow down, savour the moment, and experience something new.

Why Visit in Winter?

Winter on the Matakana Coast brings milder temperatures and fewer crowds, creating the ideal environment for a more relaxed, intimate getaway. From June to August, temperatures average around 10°C–15°C, making it pleasant for coastal walks, scenic drives and cosy indoor experiences. It’s a time to soak up the region’s charm without the hustle of peak season and this winter, there’s more happening than ever.

Must-Do Experiences This Winter

Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail – Now Open for Saturday Dinner 🍷

Enjoy a relaxed evening with exquisite seasonal fare and locally grown wines. Brick Bay’s Glass House Restaurant is now open for Saturday dinners (5:30–9:00pm), offering a warm, stylish setting perfect for a mid-winter evening out. Don’t forget to stroll through the Sculpture Trail before dusk for an enchanting twilight experience. We recommend you allow at least 1 hour to enjoy the 2km Sculpture Trail which is suitable for most ages, fitness abilities and is manageable with off-road push-chairs, although backpacks and walking shoes are recommended. The trail surfaces are grass, bark mulch, pebbles and wooden boardwalks with undulating terrain that winds through a valley. There are several sets of easily negotiated stairs and viewing benches are located at regular intervals along the trail, however, due to the stairs the trail is not wheelchair accessible. Dogs are permitted, provided they are on a lead as there is livestock and abundant native birdlife. You’ll get to experience over 60 artworks throughout the walk and please note, the last trail entry is at 4pm leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the exhibits before it gets dark.

Sculptureum – Picasso and More, Open 7 Days 🎨

Art lovers won’t want to miss the new exhibits at Sculptureum. Boasting six art galleries, three sculpture-filled gardens and a design store where you can purchase incredible creations by local artists, new artworks include 8 striking Picasso portraits reproduced under licence from the Picasso Estate. These rare pieces produced by a leading fabric manufacturer in France are a bold, colourful addition to an already extraordinary collection. Sculptureum is open seven days a week, making it an easy addition to your Winter itinerary.

Rothko x Serai Fire & Feast Collaboration Dinner 🔥

As a special treat this Winter, Rothko Restaurant in collaboration with Serai (Melbourne) brings you ‘Rothko x Serai Fire & Feast Collaboration Dinner‘. This one night only, event is finally here after years of anticipation and guests can expect bold, flame-driven flavours, modern takes on tradition, and a powerful expression of Filipino soul, served in a shared dining experience that brings together two kitchens, three chefs, and years of passion. There are limited spaces available so get your tickets before they sell out!

Sawmill Brewery – Winter Brews, Cosy Vibes 🍺

A local institution, Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room is the perfect spot to warm up with a craft beer flight and delicious, hearty food. The multi-award winning brewery has over 15 beers on tap and the menu celebrates local farmers and growers with ingredients being ethically sourced from seasonally available produce including cheeses, olive oil, kaimoana, beef, bread, olives, fruit and vegetables largely being sourced from the surrounding Matakana Coast region. Please note Winter hours of operation are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly. Come and enjoy the rustic and welcoming atmosphere, especially when paired with a locally brewed stout or hazy IPA.

Morris and James – Harvest Sale 🏺

From 17 May to 2 June, don’t miss the Harvest Sale at Morris and James Matakana. Open 7 days during this period, it’s your chance to score one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces from this iconic local studio. It’s the perfect spot to pick up an artisan souvenir or a unique gift with:

– 15 – 25% OFF Plain Glaze Pots
– 10 – 20% OFF Hand Decorated Pots
– 15 – 20% OFF Second-grade Pots
– 20% OFF Sculptural Pieces, Wall Follies & Terracotta
– 10 – 25% OFF Wall Panels & Platters
– Yellow Dot Specials: Keep an eye out for even deeper discounts marked in-store!

Local artist, Andy Richards will also be performing live music on Saturday 17th May and Sunday 1st June so you can enjoy her easy-listening covers while you shop.

Winter Entertainment: Music, Comedy & More at The Stables 🎵

Matakana Coast’s vibrant entertainment scene continues through the cooler months. Grab dinner in the village or head over to The Stables for a night of laughs or legendary tunes with a stellar lineup of live music and comedy:

– Fri 16 May – Stand-Up Comedy Night
– Fri 23 May – Rocket Man: Elton John Tribute Show
– Sat 7 June – Queen Tribute Show
– Sat 14 June – The Peacekeepers
– Sat 23 August – Landslide: Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks Tribute

New This Winter: Electric Go-Karts at Matakana Country Park 🏎️

Feeling adventurous with the need for speed? Matakana Country Park now offers brand new EcoVolt GT electric go-karts! Designed and manufactured in London with the assistance of Formula 1 engineers, these electric go-karts deliver exceptional performance, endurance and precision on the track with explosive acceleration reaching speeds above 50km/h. The track is every weekend from 10am – 5pm and weekdays for private group bookings of 1–10 people so long as you contact them at lease 3-days in advance.  These high-performance karts are built for champions and they’re the perfect family (kids must be +12yrs).

Plan Your Winter Escape

Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, music fan, nature enthusiast, thrill seeker or just need a change of pace, the Matakana Coast offers an unforgettable Winter escape just a short drive from Auckland. International visitors will love the mix of culture and countryside, while locals can enjoy a refreshing staycation close to home.

To organise your winter escape, visit our Plan page to find out more information on how to get here, recommended itineraries and information on accessible travel within the Matakana Coast.