Auckland & Beyond - Matakana & Art Escape

ByLuxury Adventures

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Auckland & Beyond - Matakana & Art Escape

At Luxury Adventures, we believe in experiencing our recommendations first hand. Recently, our Auckland-based Travel Assistant, Georgia, had the pleasure of embarking on Auckland and Beyond’s Matakana Art & Wine Escape tour.

The Journey Begins

The experience commenced with a convenient pick-up from a central Auckland location. Our driver, David, was incredibly knowledgeable about the local areas, wines, and New Zealand’s rich history. His passion for his job and attention to each guest’s needs truly made the trip special. The journey to Matakana village was comfortable and enjoyable, thanks to the spacious and modern luxury Mercedes-Benz fleet used by Auckland & Beyond Tours.

Sweet Start: Honest Chocolat

Our first stop was at Honest Chocolat, where we indulged in a delightful chocolate tasting. We had the chance to taste some of the finest local artisan chocolates while watching the chocolatiers create marshmallows treats from their instore viewing window. The experience was both educational and delicious, offering a unique insight into the world of premium chocolate.

A Cinematic Experience: Matakana Cinema

Next, we visited the charming Matakana Cinema. The cinema room, adorned with a ceiling filled with beautiful roses, set a perfect atmosphere for watching a short film about the history of Matakana village. This immersive experience provided a fascinating glimpse into the village’s past, enriching our appreciation of its present-day charm.

Artistic Exploration: Morris & James Pottery

Our tour continued with a visit to the nearby Morris & James Pottery centre, known for artwork with vibrant colours and unique designs. Here, we browsed through a stunning collection of pottery art, each piece reflecting the skill and creativity of local artists.

Sculptural Delight: Sculptureum

We then headed to Sculptureum, a contemporary complex that combines sculpture gardens, art galleries, and a vineyard. The name “Sculptureum” is derived from “Sculpture” and “Museum,” and it truly lived up to its name. We explored the expansive sculpture gardens, marvelling at the diverse range of art displayed in a stunning natural environment.

Gourmet Lunch: Brick Bay Winery

Our next destination was Brick Bay Winery, where we enjoyed a beautiful lunch featuring the freshest seasonal cuisine inspired by local produce, orchards and gardens and exquisite wines. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. After lunch, we embarked on the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, a scenic walk that took about an hour. The trail offered numerous photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy a dynamic exhibition of large-scale sculptures set amidst native bush, wildlife, and ponds bursting with waterlilies.

Wine Tasting: Heron’s Flight Vineyard

The final stop of our tour was Heron’s Flight Vineyard, Winery & Tasting Room, Matakana’s original cellar door. David, the owner, guided us through a wine tasting, sharing captivating stories about the family business’s history and the unique qualities of Matakana wines. Heron’s Flight are proud to produce wine utilising Italian grapes – Sangiovese and Dolcetto for the past 35 years. It was fascinating to hear about their passion and dedication. I couldn’t resist taking home a bottle of Dolcetto Rosato 2023 and Volare Sangiovese 2021.

Conclusion

After a day filled with art, wine, and culinary delights, we headed back to Auckland City. Matakana is a beautiful town, rich in culture, exceptional wines, and amazing food. The warmth and hospitality of its people make it a truly special destination.

About Auckland & Beyond Tours

Auckland & Beyond Tours is a family-owned and operated tour company based in Auckland, New Zealand. They offer small group tours, private day tours, multi-day private tours, and shore excursions to New Zealand’s most iconic attractions. Their dedication to providing personalised, high-quality experiences is evident in every detail of their tours. Thank you to Peter and the team at Auckland and Beyond for an amazing experience!