Biking & Cycling

Explore the Matakana Coast on two wheels

If you are seeking a truly unique way to experience the Matakana Coast while soaking up the scenery and immersing yourself in nature, riding the Matakana Cycle Trail is a great day out.

Located less than an hour’s drive north of Auckland via the new expressway, there are approximately 24km of cycle trail to explore. With various route options available, you’ll get to enjoy some of the region’s highlights, including boutique wineries and cellar doors, outdoor art exhibits, sculpture trails, local attractions, delicious eateries and of course white-sand beaches – all of it by bike!

The Route

Managed by the Matakana Cycle Trail Trust, the trail runs from the heart of Matakana Village to Omaha, with an optional detour to Point Wells. Weaving through farmland, native bush and quiet coastal communities, the trail combines off-road shared paths, dedicated cycle lanes and quiet local roads. Although it is predominantly flat and suitable for cyclists of all levels, it does have some short, steep sections and is mostly gravel, so we recommend you ride a mountain bike or E-bike (leave the road bike at home).

Expect a relaxed hour in the saddle (one-way), or far longer once you start stopping along to enjoy the many local experiences along the trail.

If you want to hire an E-Bike, start at Matakana Country Park, where E-Bike Hire Matakana has a great selection ready to go.

Distance (One-way)

  • Matakana Village to Omaha 8km (45 mins)
  • Matakana Village to Point Wells 7km (35 mins)
  • Point Wells to Omaha Beach 4.1 km (20 mins)
  • Matakana Country Park to Point Wells 3.2km (15 mins)

Download the official trail map | Trail open daily, 7am–10pm

What to Expect Along the Way

This trail is as much about what’s beside the path as what’s beneath your wheels. Wineries, artisan cafés, and roadside produce stalls appear at just the right moments and eight ceramic sculptural markers, each featuring stylised topographic maps of the surrounding landscape and give you a reason to pause, look around and appreciate where you are.

Highlights include:

  • Matakana Village – Begin at the village hub. Catch a session at the Matakana Cinema, grab a bite at the Rusty Pelican, or load up on fresh provisions at the famous Saturday Farmers’ Markets (8am–1pm).
  • Matakana Country Park – From delicious food and drinks at Smiths, to adrenaline-filled activities like Action Ninja World or E-volt Electric Go-Karts.
  • Plume Café, Hyperion Wine, Omaha Bay Vineyard, Takatu Lodge & Vineyard, and Jones Road Cider – The trail is essentially a wine trail with a bike path attached. Top up the cellar at your leisure.
  • Sculptureum – Three sculpture-filled gardens, six galleries, a vineyard event space, and the Rothko restaurant and bar. Over 100 sculptures and a decade in the making — it’s unmissable.
  • Omaha Beach Golf Course – An 18-hole links-style course beside the Omaha Estuary, if you fancy swapping pedals for clubs.
  • Omaha Beach – The trail’s natural finale: white sand, surf, and open sky. Swim, paddleboard, or simply stretch out and let the sea do the rest.
  • Point Wells – A quiet, characterful detour that rewards those who take it.

Getting Here

If you’re driving from Auckland city centre, take State Highway 1 north out of the city, then follow the signs to Warkworth and Matakana. The drive typically takes around an hour, offering beautiful views of the countryside and coast along the way. Alternatively, if you don’t have your own transport, buses run regularly from central Auckland to Warkworth, where you can catch a local bus or taxi to Matakana Village.

If you are driving from further north, learn more here.

Ready to Ride

A helmet is mandatory in New Zealand. Come prepared with sunscreen, water, snacks and layers for changeable coastal weather. With this many reasons to linger, you could easily stay a night or two and make a full weekend of it.