Matakana Art & Horse Riding Experience

An hour north and a world away from Auckland is the Matakana coast. Matakana is where Aucklanders go to escape the bustle of the city. Driving north, we cross the Harbour Bridge, leave the city behind and watch the scenery become increasingly rural, as the city suburbs yield to farms, countryside and coastline. It's a place to enjoy unique sculpture, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication. Matakana coast and country is definitely a weekend wonderland.

Our first visit to the Honey Centre makes a diverting pit stop, with its free honey tasting and glass-fronted hives. The Honey Centre, has New Zealand’s largest display of live bees and a huge range of native honeys to taste and buy. Discover the medicinal and beautifying powers of unique Manuka honey, browse skincare and giftware.

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Imagine the wind in your face, the sun on your skin and just the sound of the hoof beats of an unpopulated coast side.  Inspire your soul, refresh your mind, and exercise the body to horse trekking with us. Glorious country setting farmland, native rainforest with views to the islands beyond. Here you can experience the best horse riding on horses suited for first time novices to experienced riders, with friendly guides trained to help you have a safe and fabulous time on horseback.

You can experience the freedom of this special place on horseback. It can be both tranquil and exhilarating! Whatever suits you!  A safe and exciting ride for novices and children. Be refreshed and rejuvenated and leave feeling empowered, invigorated, and wanting more!

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Sculptureum is a place to be inspired by nature and human creativity. An art experience that is internationally unique. Over 400 works of art fill three sculpture gardens and six galleries. A destination that has been ten years in the making is designed to unlock the imagination, fuel creativity and ignite the mind. The gardens burst with colourful plantings that change with the seasons. Imposing prehistoric rocks rise up alongside panels that display reflections in writing on Gardens, Inspiration, Wisdom, Art and Music. There is just over 2km of beautifully manicured paths and while summer is the most colourful time of year to experience Sculptureum, each season reveals something new to admire. Complete your experience with a meal at the restaurant (optional) at your expense.

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Our art, food and wine experience can never be complete without a sweet treat. We finish on a sweet note at an award winning boutique chocolate maker on the way. Calling all chocolate lovers to this Chocolate cafe and Chocolate shop! You’ll feel like you are stepping into a vintage sweet shop full of delightful surprises.  Enjoy one of our complimentary chocolate tastings while you watch our Chocolatiers at work. Sample the many hand-crafted chocolates made from quality ingredients, and choose gifts to take home.