Story by Tegan
Retro Roots, Forest Feels
Adventure in Auckland, NZ
A weekend escape to Matakana was just what the doctor ordered - even if that order came with a side of classic Auckland weather theatrics, with four seasons in one day being the theme for my time away.
But as I wound my way through the bush and towering trees, high up the hill and into the clouds themselves - I realised that this escape was perfect regardless of what mood the sky was in.
A gleaming retro Airstream perched among the trees, lovingly preserved and impossibly charming. Inside is everything you need wrapped into one cosy package - a surprisingly spacious haven with clever storage, a kitchenette, seating area, dining table, comfortable bed, complete with soft linens, towels, and lush robes.
Just outside the door, an undercover outdoor kitchen and BBQ makes cooking a breeze no matter what the sky is dreaming up.
The forest hums around you as you move through the space; from cosy airstream to beanbag loungers by the fire, a hammock swaying alongside the trees, the outdoor shower and cedar hot tub with steam curling into the air, complete with a composting toilet in its own cabin next door - you have it all in this little hilltop world.
Whether I was basking in the afternoon sun reading books in the hammock, gazing at the fire with flames licking the breeze, watching downpours from the dry comfort of the covered picnic table, listening to the calls of tūī, kereru, swallows and ruru, or enjoying rainfall on my skin while enveloped in the warmth of the cedar tub as sunsets shifted into starry skies - I breathed it all in.
But when you tear yourself away from the retreat and descend the hill, the local area has so much to offer as well. Matakana and it’s surrounds with their familiar treasures - the infamous Matakana Markets are a complete vibe, or a food for the soul stroll along Omaha Beach with the white sand squeaking beneath your feet, down to real food delights at nearby The Farmers Daughter, with its local flavours and impeccable setting.
So if you’re looking for a reset; a slice of Aotearoa where retro vibes sync in harmony with the whenua (land) and ngahere (forest/bush), in an area bursting with opportunity for adventure, where every season- sometimes all in one day - makes the experience richer; look no further.
But as I wound my way through the bush and towering trees, high up the hill and into the clouds themselves - I realised that this escape was perfect regardless of what mood the sky was in.
A gleaming retro Airstream perched among the trees, lovingly preserved and impossibly charming. Inside is everything you need wrapped into one cosy package - a surprisingly spacious haven with clever storage, a kitchenette, seating area, dining table, comfortable bed, complete with soft linens, towels, and lush robes.
Just outside the door, an undercover outdoor kitchen and BBQ makes cooking a breeze no matter what the sky is dreaming up.
The forest hums around you as you move through the space; from cosy airstream to beanbag loungers by the fire, a hammock swaying alongside the trees, the outdoor shower and cedar hot tub with steam curling into the air, complete with a composting toilet in its own cabin next door - you have it all in this little hilltop world.
Whether I was basking in the afternoon sun reading books in the hammock, gazing at the fire with flames licking the breeze, watching downpours from the dry comfort of the covered picnic table, listening to the calls of tūī, kereru, swallows and ruru, or enjoying rainfall on my skin while enveloped in the warmth of the cedar tub as sunsets shifted into starry skies - I breathed it all in.
But when you tear yourself away from the retreat and descend the hill, the local area has so much to offer as well. Matakana and it’s surrounds with their familiar treasures - the infamous Matakana Markets are a complete vibe, or a food for the soul stroll along Omaha Beach with the white sand squeaking beneath your feet, down to real food delights at nearby The Farmers Daughter, with its local flavours and impeccable setting.
So if you’re looking for a reset; a slice of Aotearoa where retro vibes sync in harmony with the whenua (land) and ngahere (forest/bush), in an area bursting with opportunity for adventure, where every season- sometimes all in one day - makes the experience richer; look no further.
Things We Did
- Beach
- Event
- Restaurant
- Forest
- Experience
- Starry sky
Even in the rain, Omaha Beach is a standout beauty - with its rolling blue waves that crash onto its squeaky white sand shore which stretches on forever, its a firm favourite for good reason!
The Matakana Village Farmers Market is wildly popular for good reason - it's a whole vibe; from its countless quality stalls, live music, playgrounds, unique setting alongside the river with eager ducks and tuna (eels) trying their luck - there's certainly something for everyone!
The Farmers Daughter is an absolute gem - located en-route to Omaha Beach it is set in beautiful grounds overlooking the water, with a view of their very own produce gardens where you might even spot the chef popping down to gather ingredients which will end up on your plate shortly after. And what a plate it will be, with beautifully presented (and tasting!) dishes of quality kai.
The kaitiaki (guardians) of the land on which the Matakana Retreat stands have lovingly designed the Rongo Pathway walk together with a local Rongoa practitioner. While short (5-10 mins), the walk takes you through a stunning sanctuary on part of the regenerative farm, where you can bathe your senses in the surrounding nature.
Nothing beats an oudoor tub surrounded by nature - whether its in the afternoon sun, with the cool rain settling on your cheeks, or under the glow of a million stars while the ruru call.
You can't beat the night sky in a location like this - far enough away from city lights, right up the top of the hill, with yawning trees and calling night birds to keep you company. If you're lucky, you might even hear or spot a Kiwi, with some being released in the area!
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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