Getting Here

Escape to the Matakana Coast, for your perfect day trip, weekend escape, fun family holiday or romantic getaway. Less than 1 hour north of Auckland and a world away.

Discover the Matakana Coast, less than one hour north of Auckland and a world away. 

The Matakana Coast is perfectly positioned for an easy day trip from Auckland, a lazy weekend away or an overnight stop on your way to and from the beautiful north. 

Driving from Auckland to the Matakana Coast 

Depending on where you are located in Auckland, find your closest motorway access and dead north on State Highway 1. Continue past the Silverdale and Orewa exits and through the Johnstone’s Hill tunnel. Once on the other side of the tunnel, you have officially entered the Matakana Coast! You’ll find turnoffs for Puhoi on your left and a little further up the road on the right, Mahurangi West which are both great destinations to explore with the family.  

If driving to Matakana township or the other great destinations further north in the Matakana Coast region, continue heading North on State Highway 1 towards Warkworth via the new motorway. At Warkworth, the motorway ends and you will arrive at a roundabout. Turn right towards the town centre and then left onto Matakana Road where you will wind your way through pristine countryside, wineries and townships including Matakana and Snells Beach to the east, Kaipara to the west, or carry on up SH1 to reach Wellsford and Te Hana. 

For an alternate off-the-beaten track route from the west of Auckland, follow State Highway 16 along the Kaipara Coast, turning right at Woodcocks Road to access Warkworth, or continuing on SH16 to Wellsford.

Driving from Northland to the Matakana Coast 

Head south on State Highway 1 until you reach Te Hana, with its distinctive Maori cultural village, Te Hana Te Ao Marama. 

When you reach Wellsford, continue south on SH1 to Warkworth, the gateway Kaipara, Puhoi, Matakana and Snells Beach. 

For an alternate scenic route to Pakiri, Leigh and Matakana, turn left at Wellsford onto Matheson Road and follow the road through the Whangaripo Valley. There is no cellphone service in much of the valley, so be sure to check the map before you go. The final sections of the road to Leigh are unsealed with tight corners, so exercise caution if towing. 

BY AIR

Arrive in style with Skywork Helicopters on a panoramic flight from Auckland to Warkworth or Matakana – ask Skywork for an estimate. Or combine your celebratory lunch destination or romantic accommodation with an 18 minute or longer spectacular scenic flight.

BY BUS

Buses from Auckland and Whangarei regularly stop in Wellsford and Warkworth. Please check individual bus company timetables for details.