|
An hour north of Auckland,
situated in the rolling countryside of Matakana with its beaches,
cafes and vineyards is something new. Matakana Country Park is a
recent development to the landscape and has been developed by John
Baker to give something back to the people. In fact as you drive
in you will see a sign that says "Joy to the
People".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The park is about 4 kms past
the Matakana village, and is an ideal place to take children of
any age too. There is something here for everyone as the park
boasts a cafe/restaurant, animal park, very large playground, horse
rides, art gallery, pottery and soon a car museum!
Visit on Saturday and enjoy the
farmers market with local produce and crafts. This is
one of two farmers markets in Matakana. This one is more suitable
for parents with children as there is a playground to keep
the kids busy.
We were impressed with the restaurant;
they were more than happy to make us takeaway coffee, so we could
sit outside and watch the children play in the playground (which
is on the other side of the driveway and parking area).
The playground is very large
and has two covered play towers, plus heaps of playhouses. John
purchased the playhouses from the Variety, The Children's Charity
and children can enjoy a pirate ship, lighthouse, Nemo the fish
and many more fantastic playhouses.
The restaurant, RD 6, is open
seven days a week and the food is well presented and very tasty.
For those who visit don't be surprised if you bump into Ray
Columbus, Ray, his son and his wife are the faces behind RD
6! RD 6 is more than happy to have children eat on its
premises and has a tasty children's menu. We
also like the fact that our children were given their
drinks straight away, allowing us to relax.
The art gallery is
great and is recommended for viewing. The displays
regularly vary and the gallery is comprised of two
areas:
|
-
- free
monthly newsletter
- If
you are looking for ideas and
- places
to visit around New Zealand
- then
subscribe to our
- FREE
Monthly Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a viewing room which is upstairs in the
"barn" and the ground floor show room.
Next to the restaurant
is the local potter whose work ranges from bowls to outdoor
fireplaces. What we liked about this is that you are actually
in his work studio, and you can observe him making the
pottery if you are there.
Horses feature quite
a bit here; there is a training track next to the
restaurant. Drink a cool beer and watch the horses trot
around the track. Or if you want, to book in a horse ride.
Currently under
construction is the car museum. We will keep you posted on
his development and when it will be open for viewing.
|
-
Web sites to visit:
-
Warkworth and surrounding district.
- www.kidsfriendlynz.com/
- Warkworth
Information Centre
- www.warkworth-information.co.nz
- Morris
and James Pottery
-
http://www.morrisandjames.co.nz
|
|
