Seasons & Weather

Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring 

there’s so much to do on the Matakana Coast 

Summer – December to February 

The weather is warm and the days are long, so grab the sunscreen and your favourite board – it’s time to hit the beach. 

With temperatures of 22 to 28°C and seasonal humidity, the coast is the place to be. Young families will love the warm toddler-friendly waters at Snells Beach, Buckleton Beach and Brick Bay, while surfers should check the swells at Omaha, Pakiri and Tāwharanui. 

If the tide is high, head down to Ti Point or Point Wells for a sport of wharf jumping, followed by some first class fish ‘n’ chips at Leigh Eats or the Point Wells Store. Stop for an ice cream at Charlie’s Gelato Garden, or ride the cycleway to the Omaha Organic Blueberries for real fruit ice cream in the orchard. 

The long summer evenings are perfect for picnics, sunset boogie boarding, or kiwi spotting at Tāwharanui Regional Park. Summertime is also concert time, so check out our events page for the latest gigs, festivals and live music in the vines. 

Wear – The Matakana Coast has a relaxed summer vibe – bring your swimsuits, sun hats and beachy clothes and sandals. It can get cool in the evenings, so bring something warm for those late nights stargazing by the outdoor fire. 

Taste – Blueberries, plums, cherry tomatoes, capsicums, leafy greens and dressings made with local herbs. Refreshing rosé, feijoa wine, summer kombucha and sour beers infused with Raspberry or passionfruit. Fresh fish ‘n’ chips and wood-fired pizzas. 

Autumn – March to May 

As the weather cools to 15 – 20°C, take a stroll along the river in historic Pūhoi Village for gorgeous leafy vistas, followed by a spot of high tea.

Visit Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail where the world-class sculptures are set against a backdrop of vibrant red, russet and golden leaves, then enjoy a seasonal lunch and a glass of award-winning wine in the light-filled Glass House restaurant, cantilevered over the shimmering lake.  

Autumn is a great time to get your creativity on, so check out the workshops at Foundation Gallery & Arts Hub in Leigh or Creative Matakana, or stop by the Knitting Truck for beautiful wool and original patterns. 

Check our events page for local harvest festivals and events, or pop along to the local farmers markets to stock up on fresh breads and colourful squashes for hearty autumn soups.  

Wear – It’s still warm enough for t-shirts, but you’ll need a cosy jumper too. Good walking shoes and a raincoat are a must – and swimsuits if you’re brave enough. 

Taste – Sweet figs, squashes, local nut butters, infused honeys and artisanal chocolate. Sourdough, olive oil and bacon butties.

 

 

Winter – June to August 

The Matakana Coast benefits from mild temperate winters, with occasional frosts and morning fog in the inland valleys. With daily mid-winter highs hovering around 10 to 15°C, you’ll still feel the rejuvenating warmth of the sun.

With sturdy walking shoes and a raincoat on hand, winter is a great time to head out on the coastal trails at Tāwharanui or stroll along a deserted beach at Pākiri. Kids love exploring the old jail, school house and hospital ward at the Warkworth Museum, and watching bees at work at The Honey Centre, followed by pizza by the fire at the Bridgehouse or the Rusty Pelican. 

For water lovers with a decent wetsuit, the crisp, clear and still winter mornings offer perfect paddle boarding over the mirror-glass waters in the Whangateau Harbour or Kawau Bay. 

If you’re in need of some pampering, pop into a luxurious day spa for a relaxing treatment. Warm up with a glass of local red wine or whisky by the fire at The Vintry, then catch an arthouse film at the boutique Matakana Cinemas. 

Wear – Layers are the key to winter dressing. Bring a good coat and sturdy walking shoes as in winter the terrain can get muddy. 

Taste – Mandarins, authentic Thai curry, ribeye steak, chocolate stout, rich sangiovese, manuka-infused whisky and honey bourbon. 

Spring – September to November 

You’ll know it’s springtime on the Matakana Coast by the blush of cherry blossoms cascading over Matakana Village and the Omaha Flats. With temperatures between 16 and 23° C, expect cool mornings and evenings, warm days and changeable weather. 

Now is the perfect time to visit the farmers’ markets, for abundant produce and fragrant spring flowers. From late September pop into Charlie’s Gelato Garden for mouth watering strawberries, then slip next door to Slow Blooms to pick your own spring bouquet. 

Enjoy a round of golf at Omaha, Warkworth or Wellsford, or take the kids to feed the lambs at Brick Bay Vineyard or Sheepworld. Take a lazy drive through the Whangaripo Valley to Pākiri Beach, looking out for newborn lambs, bright sprigs of daffodils and fast flowing waterfalls all along the way. 

Wear – Spring weather can be changeable, so bring t-shirts and warm layers too. Good walking shoes and a raincoat are a must, but pack your swimsuit too – the water is warming up.

Taste – Asparagus, new potatoes, juicy strawberries and whitebait fritters. Crisp pinot gris and pale ale.