The festival described as ‘Auckland's freshest boutique music festival’, Sounds like Summer, has been postponed.Around 1,500 people were expected to attend the Sounds Like Summer Festival to be held in Omaha this weekend, but unfortunately the event has been put off in the wake of two more people testing positive for Covid-19 following their stint in managed isolation. The line-up included Kiwi reggae legends Black Seeds, The Beths, who were recently named New Zealand's Best Alternative Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards, along with Summer Thieves, Mini Simmons, Little Sunday, Hvia, Skye, Tito and plenty of other great Kiwi artists. "After consulting with the Ministry of Health as well as other interested groups, we felt it would be irresponsible to operate a festival and gathering of this size on the boundary of the Northland region," said spokesperson Jade Atkinson in a press release posted on the festival's social media pages.  The decision not to go ahead was largely influenced by having many of the festivalgoers coming locally, likely from areas which may have been visited by those people who have recently tested positive after their stay in managed isolation.Organisers have yet to announce alternative dates for the festival.

The Matakana App is proud to present our new Web App, which can be found here.The Web App shares all of the same features as the app, with sections for news, jobs, event guides, and more. It just allows you to view The Matakana App from a desktop computer, as well as your phone, Ipad or tablet, without downloading the actual app. It also allows all the content to be accessible via google searches.The app also has a new colour theme, Blue ocean.It will now be even easier to access and share all our community based content, and get all the latest news as soon as it comes out. Check out our Web App, and let us know what you think

On Sunday the 24th of January, a new Covid case in the community was announced. This case located in Northland is close to home, with the woman infected visiting stores in Mangawhai, Ruakaka, Helensville and Whangarei. In light of this, it is important to remember that just because New Zealand's management of Covid 19 has meant life is pretty close to normal for us, we cannot get complacent. Covid-19 is still very much an issue. This coming weekend is Auckland Anniversary weekend, and with plenty of events over the three-day holiday, there are likely to be a lot of visitors heading to the Matakana Coast to enjoy the time off. Use the NZ COVID Tracer app if you can. The app keeps New Zealand one step ahead of the virus: the more we scan the safer we’ll be.Turn on bluetooth tracing in your app, it keeps track of who you’ve been near, while maintaining everyone’s privacy. Combined with QR codes, they are important for contact tracing. If you are unable to access the app, sign in manually with a pen and paper at any businesses that you visit. The new highly transmissible Covid-19 strains have sent other countries into second and third lockdowns. Contact tracing allows the Ministry of Health to quickly identify anyone who may have come into contact with the virus and break the chain of transmission before it gets out of control. All Kiwis need to remember the importance of scanning.

Keep Fit Matakana has opened its doors, just in time to get in shape for the half of summer. Justin Fokema, the man behind the gym, has created a comfortable yet motivating space to achieve all your health and fitness goals. Keep Fit Matakana is located right in the village, in the space behind Jin Jin restaurant. Memberships start from just $8.00 for a weekender pass, perfect for those with holiday homes in the area, or those who work Monday to Friday. You can also buy concession cards and prepay in a lump sum to receive discounted rates. There is a great range of classes on offer, including Pilates, Yoga, HIIT, Mums N Bubs and more. They also have brand new strength machines and cardio equipment, a range of weights and free weights; no matter how you like to work out, Keep Fit Matakana has you covered. Ready to join? Give them a call on 027 3897079 or stop by and check out the gym at 44 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana.

Under the shade of the pohutukawas on each sunny Tuesday morning, you’ll find The Matakana App’s resident writer, Ruby, reading stories and singing songs at The Farmers Daughter in Omaha.At 10:00 a.m. every Tuesday, Ruby will be there to entertain the little ones, whisking them away to wonderland and other fantastical realms of the imagination. It's the perfect opportunity for mums, dads, and grandparents to sit down and enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee while the kids are happily occupied.The Farmers Daughter always has a mouthwatering selection of salads, sandwiches and cakes in their cabinet, so park up for a picnic on the grass and make the most of story time. Ruby has two years’ experience working in an early childhood centre, and she is currently working part time at Matakana Village preschool (when she's not writing for Matakana App, of course). 

Bookings for Creative Matakana have opened, but they are filling up fast.This week-long programme of artistic workshops is held in the second week of May each year, and includes courses held by experts in all mediums of art, including painting, sculpture, creative writing and textile work. Creative Matakana 2021 workshops are nearly half full already, so if you're dithering, dither no more.There are still spaces available for creative writing, stone sculpture, one of the cellphoneography days (learning to use your phone to its full potential), nature journaling with botanical painting, still life photography and choir singing.Several architecture days still have spaces, including a very cool one involving cooking lunch in a gorgeous Matakana home with global superchef Cory Campbell, a rare look behind the scenes at architect Noel Lane's work (Matakana Village and cinemas, Brick Bay and the Didsbury's Big House), and an architectural photography workshop with NZ's best home photographer, Simon Devitt.It's best to get in quick for the Friday Finale event too, with some of New Zealand's best women artists and curators in conversation at Brick Bay. Whether you are a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, Creative Matakana will be a blast. To see what courses are still available, visit here

Matakana’s iconic street food festival, Moveable Feast, is back for an unstoppable fifth summer season. They're bringing the best food trucks to the village again so you can sample the creativity of these talented, mobile foodies.Hosted at Barrelworks, the home of 8 Wired Brewing in Matakana, there will be a wide range of delicious ice cold beers on tap, along with varied food offerings from all the food trucks. The next Moveable Feast will be held this Saturday, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., so if you're feeling peckish, head along to see what tasty treats are on offer. Toasted As food truck will be there for their first visit to Matakana in over a year. They have some sensational beer-infused toastie specials for you this weekend - think beef cheeks braised in 8 WIRED BREWING iStout, and pulled pork shoulder braised in Blackberry Way, both with fresh sriracha mayo slaw and pickles, plus their three cheese blend on artisan sourdough. Yum! Singing brother and sister duo Jasper and Jane will be playing live, with their seamless harmonies and upbeat sets of well-known covers; the perfect soundtrack for this laid-back summer afternoon.There are two more moveable feasts scheduled for this summer season: one on the 6th of February, and the second on the 20th of February. 

Each year on New Year's Day, the New Year Honours List is published, acknowledging New Zealanders who have provided valuable voluntary service to the community or faithful services to the Crown or similar services within the public sector, whether in elected or appointed office. This year, there are four of our local Kiwis who received these prestigious awards. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said a theme of this year's New Year Honours was that the work of those recognised for improving lives continued. Ardern said the awards showcased amazing achievements despite the challenges of the year.Dr Timothy Michael Malloy of Warkworth was made an officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health.Gillian Mary Adshead and Kevin John Adshead of Warkworth were awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to conservation. Professor Emeritus Louise Frances Basford Nicholson of Snells Beach was made a companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit for services to neuroscience and education.The New Zealand New Year Honours List is a part of the British honours system, with New Year's Day, 1 January, being marked by naming new members of orders of chivalry and recipients of other official honours. The awards are presented in the name of Queen Elizabeth II. Honours have been awarded since at least 1890.

By now, we've all seen some snippets of the new Puhoi to Warkworth motorway that is currently under construction, but the NX2 group behind the project is giving the community the opportunity to get up close and personal and see how it is progressing. Have you ever wanted to get a closer look at the huge viaducts they’re building alongside State Highway 1 in Ōkahu and Pūhoi? Or maybe you’ve got some burning questions about the project that you’d like answered. NX2 have set a date for their Public Open Day, where visitors will experience a bus tour at the southern end of the project and have the chance to meet the talented team behind it.The Open Day is scheduled for Saturday 20 February, 2021. A total of 750 tickets will be released on a first-come first-served basis and tickets are limited to four per person. Plans are still being finalised and details about where people can get tickets online will be announced next week, so keep an eye on the https://nx2group.com/events page for more details. Tickets are available to all ages, and children 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.  The motorway is expected to open in May, 2022. The motorway was scheduled to open at the end of 2021, but the COVID -19 Alert Level 4 lockdown in April, 2020 meant nearly five weeks of the earthmoving season was lost. The Pūhoi to Warkworth project is a PPP (Private Public Partnership) between the government and a private consortium, the Northern Express Group (NX2). While the NX2 private-sector consortium will be responsible for financing, designing, building, maintaining and operating the motorway for up to 25 years, the motorway will remain a public asset.

WednesdayMatalab Coding, Warkworth Library, 10:30 a.mJoin a small group for this week's STEAM-Y Wednesday as kids can learn to code with the Matatalab Robots. The perfect school holiday activity to keep those clever little minds busy.Bookings are essentialThursday - Sunday mARTakana, Matakana Primary School, 6:00 p.mFor the 15th year dozens of talented artists have been invited to showcase their work in a four-day exhibition and fundraising sale that will delight and inspire you.Exhibitors include local favourites as well as artists from further afield whose work has never been shown at this exhibition. Artists are chosen with a view to having a variety of media and styles, and a wide range of prices. With more than 300 artworks, there's something to suit all tastes and budgets. Tickets are $20 and you can buy yours now here The Great Kiwi Summer Comedy Roadshow, The Matakana Village Pub, 7:30 p.mThe Great Kiwi Summer Comedy Roadshow is touring around NZ beach towns this January and February! Featuring some of the biggest stars of New Zealand Comedy including Brendhan Lovegrove (Pulp Comedy, 7 Days), Melanie Bracewell (7 Days, Have You Been Paying Attention), and Cori Gonzalez-Macuer as well as a host of other top New Zealand Comedy Talents. Join them at the Matakana Village Pub for one of the best live comedy shows you'll see all year! Tickets are only $25, get in quick before they sell out!FridayLevi Lights On Project, The Matakana Village Pub, 5:00 p.mBeatroots presents Levi Lights on Project tonight @ 5pm. Levi Lights on Project has that rare magic of being great interpreters of classics blended into their own sound. An enthralling performance with a surprising selection of songs from across genres and ages.It's Your place for Live music in 2021!SaturdayMoveable Feast, 8 Wired Barrelworks, 5:00 p.mMatakana’s iconic Street Food Festival is back for an unstoppable fifth summer season. They're bringing the best food trucks to the village again for you to sample the creativity of these talented, mobile foodies. Fun for the whole familyDaily J and No Cigar, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 6:00 p.mGet along to Leigh Sawmill on Saturday the 23rd of Jan for some Smokin' Hot Summer Tunes from Daily J & No Cigar! With Daily J's recent Debut Album -venus Ate Mars & No Cigar's latest EP - Radical Road, there's plenty of bangers you won't want to miss. They'll also have a DJ to keep you bopping along afterwards Tickets

The East Coast Motorcycles collection of businesses is growing. ECM Tattoo will be joining the already existing ECM Barbershop, and ECM Signs at 66 Matakana Road, just out of Warkworth.Owner Leigh Sheehan started up ECM Signs around 10 years ago. Then came the ECM Barbershop that he and his wife Kate opened almost four years ago, now somewhat of a local institution. On January 11, 2021, they opened the doors of their newest venture, ECM Tattoo.The Tattoo shop team consists of Leigh, Kate, and tattoo artist Ethan.Kate, also known as the happy hurricane, is the hype girl of the team keeping everyone light, bright and positive, always. She is who you will be interacting with on ECM Tattoo social media. Kate also works for Matakana Coffee Roasters, as well as being super-mum to three awesome kids.Leigh is the big boss, and the creator of the ECM brand. Owning a tattoo shop has always been a dream, so now he’s made it happen. Hard working and extremely family orientated, Leigh’s known for his respect and loyalty and lives by the phrases `hard work pays off’ and ‘never give up’.Ethan Gray is the resident tattooist. He is a skilled artist, confident and experienced in all styles of tattoo with realism being his passion and what he’s known for. He is funny, friendly, professional and loves what he does; evident in his enthusiasm during interactions and his general work ethic. Ethan is new to the area, and a proud dad of two gorgeous girls. “We are thrilled to have Ethan join the ECM team, so come have a chat, meet the main man, talk designs and get some ink”.To celebrate the opening of their new studio, ECM Tattoo are giving away a $50.00 tattoo voucher on their Facebook page, which you can find here. You can view some of their work @ECMTattoo on Instagram, which is also the main way the team connect with customers. If you have been dreaming about getting some new ink, have a chat to the team at ECM Tattoo and turn that dream into your reality. 

Visitors and residents of the Whangateau Harbour are being reminded that a total ban on harvesting cockles and pipi is still in place over the Whangateau Estuary.The reminder comes after multiple reports of people harvesting from the estuary have been reported on local Facebook pages. The Ministry of Primary Industries has confirmed that there is still a total ban in place for cockle and pipi harvesting. The shellfish beds have been closed since 2009 when there was a large die off of cockles due to two naturally occurring pathogens. Monitoring undertaken by the Whangateau Harbour Group and the University of Waikato indicated that over half of cockles at monitoring sites perished during this event, including 80% of large (over 30mm) cockles.If you see anybody obviously harvesting shellfish there, MPI have asked that you report them via their 800 4 POACHER phone line (0800 47 62 24) and they will endeavour to get one of their patrols to attend.Filter feeding shellfish clean the water as they feed. When shellfish beds are healthy, this action leaves the water in estuaries like Whangateau Harbour crystal clear. Harvesting bans allow shellfish populations to recover. In Whangateau Harbour, the effects of cockle harvesting have been compounded by the mass die-off, and the cockle population is still recovering 11 years on.It is clearly sign-posted that gathering of any shellfish is prohibited so stocks can be replenished.Penalties for breaking these rules can range from instant fines of $250 to $500, to court appearances and the possibility of losing fishing equipment, boats and vehicles on the spot.

Matakana Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings is one of Auckland’s top foodie destinations; always crammed with shoppers and visitors seeking fine food grown and made in the region.Two stalls at the market, Orata Oysters and Manaaki Whitebait Fritters have recently been awarded the title of ‘Iconic Auckland Eats’ after internationally respected food and wine writer and author/editor of nine cookbooks Lauraine Jacobs chose them as her top picks. \“My idea of a late breakfast down by the river that runs alongside the market is a combination of hot and cold. Grab a tray of freshly shucked oysters, farmed in the nearby Mahurangi Harbour, served with locally grown fresh lemons to squeeze, and combine that cold snack with a warm whitebait fritter, cooked to order. “Manaaki whitebait is New Zealand’s only farmed, truly sustainable whitebait and their generous fritter is tucked between two slices of buttered white bread sprinkled with plenty of salt and freshly ground pepper”, Lauraine said on why they were her top picks.Iconic Auckland Eats celebrates 100 dishes that can only be enjoyed in Auckland. From food trucks to fine dining and farmers’ markets, Iconic Eats can be found to suit any budget.Of the 100 unique Auckland dishes on the list, 50 were nominated by well-known Auckland food lovers, while the public nominated the second fifty.

Every summer, our local lifeguards are busy keeping swimmers safe at the beach. With numbers of visitors nearing the 1,000 mark some days, this is no small feat.The Christmas-New Year period was very busy at times, but quieter on other days due to weather conditions. January 4th was a stunning day with beautiful conditions and Omaha Beach had close to 1,000 visitors.The weather is forecast to be better over the next few weeks, and if it's fine, many are expected to head to the beach. Over the Christmas and New Year period, Omaha beach thankfully had no major incidents; only minor first aid was required for a few beach goers. There were, however, reports of multiple watercraft driving dangerously fast and too close to the shore. Dangerous use of jet skis near swimmers have presented a challenge to Surf Life Saving Northern Region lifeguards this summer.SLSNR Operations Manager Alan Gibson says it is fortunate no one has been injured by jet ski operators at the beaches “but if this sort of behaviour continues, it's only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs." He says guards had been working hard to educate and inform the public about speed issues.Lifeguards will continue to be on patrol at the Northern Region beaches for the next 16 weeks.

In November of 2020, Auckland Transport (AT) proposed new permanent speed limits for 26 roads in Auckland’s west and north, including some roads in Warkworth, Matakana and Tawharanui.Submissions of feedback from the community on these proposed changes close this Sunday, the 17th of January. Online feedback forms can be found here. The proposed changes are as follows:Warkworth Edwards Road, from 100km/h to 40km/hHepburn Creek Road, from 100km/h to 40km/hHodgart Road, from 100km/h to 40km/hWilson Road, from 50 km/h to 40 km/h MatakanaSections of Matakana Valley Road, from 100km/h to 60km/hSmith Road, Matakana, 100 km/h to 40km/h Ward Road, 100 km/h to 40km/hTawharanui PeninsulaSections of Baddeleys Beach Road, from 100km/h to 80km/hCampbell Road, from 50 km/h to 40 km/hClinton Road, from 50 km/h to 40 km/hHaywood Lane, from 100 km/h to 60 km/hKookaburra Drive, from 50 km/h to 40 km/hPigeon Place, from 50 km/h to 40 km/hTakatu Road, from 100 km/h to 80 km/hWhitmore Road, from 100 km/h to 60 km/hAll the proposed speed limit changes on are ‘self-explaining roads’. This means drivers already travel at a lower speed due to the road conditions, such as narrow, windy or hilly sections. These roads are classified as being at a high-risk of deaths or serious injuries, or they are close to high-risk roads. Auckland Transport is introducing safe and appropriate speeds across areas rather than individual roads. Once feedback submissions close, Auckland Transport will read and take into consideration every piece of feedback provided, and then consider whether the changes proposed should go ahead or be adjusted in any way. After this, they will publish a public feedback report which summarises all feedback and provides information on the next steps.If these proposed changes go ahead, they will come into effect on 31 May 2021.

This sweltering hot weather we have seen over the last few weeks is a great excuse to go and get a sweet, icy cold treat. Luckily for us, the Rodney area has a wealth of incredibly delicious ice cream shops to satisfy the craving. Not only are they customer approved, many are award winning, which just confirms the yumminess. Charlies’ liquorice gelato scooped up the gold at the 2018 New Zealand Ice Cream Award, and the strawberry gelato and black doris plum sorbetto both received a silver each.Charlies Gelato Garden is a favourite of both Rodney residents and tourists. A local institution, they make some incredible gelato, sorbetto and sell seasonal fresh produce grown on site. All of their award-winning ice cream is made the way the Italians do it: very small batches from scratch. With over 40 flavours available each day, there's an option for whatever you might be craving. A hit for the ten years, Charlies is definitely a place to check out. Over summer they also fire up a pizza oven in their beautiful gardens.OOB Organic ice cream at 89 Jones Road, between Matakana and Omaha, is the perfect stop off on your way to or from Omaha Beach. They make a fresh, certified organic berry and soft-serve blend (available in dairy-free too) or you can indulge in delicious organic ice cream and ice blocks in a selection of mouth-watering flavours. There are also punnets of freshly picked blueberries to take home.Puhoi Valley Cafe isn't just for fantastic cheeses: they also sell delicious, indulgent ice cream. At the recent 2020 NZ Ice Cream Awards, Puhoi Valley Ice Cream took out four silvers for their Puhoi Hokey, Matakana Roasted Coffee Affogato with Cashew Nut, Strawberry Sorbet and the Kids’ Choice Award for the Puhoi Valley Choc Hokey. If they don’t sound quite what you’re after and you’d prefer something a little more chocolately, Puhoi Valley Cafe's Puhoi Choc Bomb landed the Kids’ Choice Award at the 2019 NZ ice cream awards. It was ranked as "extra yummy" on the "yum to yuck scale", as voted by a group of 8- to 12-year-old guest judges. Everyone knows that kids can be the toughest critics, so theirs is the opinion to trust. In the 2017 awards, Puhoi Valley Cafe also cleaned up, winning five major awards. It took home the supreme award of boutique manufacturer for its chai latte ice cream, which also won the premium ice cream category.It's not summer without least one real fruit ice cream, and Tramcar Diner Matakana in Matakana Village is the place to go for this. With strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and cherry chocolate on the menu, they have you covered with some delicious options. With such a wealth of great local produce in the Rodney region, it's no surprise the ice cream is mouth-watering. While the sun shines over the summer, it gives us the best excuse I can think of for one of these delectable treats.

Our region is full of amazing people growing, making and selling some awesome products. In Rodney, we are fortunate to have loads of markets just a quick drive away, where we can spend a day perusing the stalls whilst supporting local businesses. Coatesville marketsThe Coatesville market is the perfect place to find fantastic foods and home-made New Zealand wares. Tinkers, tailors, traders, crafters and artists all sell their incredible products on the first Sunday of every month. The markets start at 9.00 a.m. Soak in the friendly atmosphere in the tranquil of the beautiful Coatesville Settlers Hall & Reserve.Orewa Beach Farmers MarketThe stallholders who attend this market bring glasshouse crops, wonderful fruits, a wide range of fresh vegetables and a range of other products including free-range eggs, organic produce, raw honey, fresh seafood, nuts and natural artisan products. There are also hot cuisines from Turkey, Japan and India, made on the spot, fresh French Pastries, a huge array of jams, pickles and pesto, Kombucha and herb teas, plus more stalls joining regularly. 8.00 a.m. - 12.30.00 every Sunday at Orewa Square, on the corner of the HBC Highway and Florence Ave.Matakana Village Farmers MarketsSlip into that Saturday morning feeling at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market, a true foodie’s heaven with a focus on fresh, sustainable and local artisan goods. From award-winning coffee, to mouth-watering brunch dishes, there’s plenty to sample and savour. Relax by the riverside to live local music while the kids explore the rustic treehouse and natural playground.Kaiwaka MarketsHeld on the second Sunday of every month at the Kaiwaka hall, you can score yourself some new and second-hand clothing, crafts, books, jewellery, art, plants, produce, and more. Mangawhai MarketsLocally produced award-winning olive oils, wines and coffee, fresh bread, pickles, chutneys, fresh produce, fish, candy, cakes cheese, clothes, jewellery and art are all on display. A visit to these markets is a friendly, social way to pass some time on a sunny Saturday morning while picking up all your vital supplies. Held at the Mangawhai Village hall every Saturday from 9.00 a.m.Puhoi MarketRain or shine, on the last Sunday of every month is the Puhoi Village Market @ The Pub The small, quirky, friendly Puhoi Village Market is open between 9.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. You can expect to find fresh local fruit and vegetables, eggs, coffee roasted in Puhoi, fresh juices, breads, chutneys and sauces, cakes and sweet treats, delicious vegan and gluten-free foods and a variety of flower, native and vegetable plants for the garden.

With the temperatures feeling hotter than ever, everyone is looking for a place to cool off. Here are some of the best, well known and not so known places, to take a dip.Warkworth Cement WorksWilson Road South, WarkworthSet against the awesome backdrop of the Wilson Cement Works ruins, this huge, freshwater swimming hole has been a popular spot for the locals for years and is the perfect spot to cool down on a hot day in Warkworth. If you are feeling brave, you can swim out and jump off the cliff on the opposite bank for a rush of adrenaline. The Wilson Cement Works ruins are now recognised as a heritage site.Pakiri BeachPakiri River RoadIf white sands and big surf are more your cup of tea, then Pakiri Beach is the one for you. With every kind of beach activity available, a beautiful regional park and plenty of places to stay, it's the perfect local getaway. The beach is ideal for swimming and surfing, and you can even try your hand at beach fishing.Anchor BayTakatu Road, Tawharanui PeninsulaAnchor Bay is an amazing white sandy beach near Tawharanui Regional Park and is a real slice of Kiwi paradise. The water in Anchor Bay is very clear and great for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The relatively calm waves make for a relaxing dip. With plenty of rockpools, low tide offers the opportunity to explore marine life, and you may even find a private pool big enough to chill out in all by yourself.Mathesons BayMathesons Bay Road, LeighThis pretty little beach is sheltered from the ocean by its protecting reef and island, so it a safe place to swim or paddle a kayak in most weather conditions. There is a swimming pontoon in the bay during the summer months. Matheson Bay is a popular spot for dive schools for their dive training. Sometimes orca come right into the bay and whales and dolphins can be spotted from the hill on the southwest side. There may also be a hidden waterfall and freshwater swimming spot if you're in the mood for an adventure.Nordic BeachLeighJust to the right of the Leigh cemetery, you can follow the stairs down to big rock pools and massive rocks for jumping off. Locals call it ‘The Nordic’ after a ship that sank out from Leigh Harbour in 1962. A great place for swimmers and thrill-seekers alike.Te Muri BeachMahurangi WestThis beautiful, well-kept secret is part of the Mahurangi West Park and can only be accessed on foot, unless you’re keen for a dip. It can be best summed up in the words of author Liz Light, who fell in love with Mahurangi West. “Te Muri is a paradise because it has no road access and all those people with picnic stuff and beach toys don’t come here. Also, the estuary can comfortably be crossed three hours either side of high tide, so planning is needed. It’s 400m down the hill to the estuary, which reduces to a shallow stream at low tide. We step-stone on to Te Muri and relish the wide, open freedom of a beach to ourselves. We swim and paddle in crystal shallows where shoals of little fish seem, at first, to be sun patterns in ripples.”Te Arai Te Arai Point RoadTe Arai offers pristine white sandy beaches at the end of picturesque rural roads. It's an area well known by surfers for consistent, safe conditions and it's an utterly gorgeous spot for a day at the beach. Although a little bit of a drive north of us, this stunning beach is definitely worth the trip. You can swim out amongst the surf or stay in the sheltered old quarry swimming hole. The clear blue water and epic rock formations provide a great backdrop for the perfect Instagram shot.Scotts LandingRidge Road, Mahurangi EastThis sheltered little beach is the perfect place for the whole family, with nice calm water for the little ones to splash about in. The beach is lined with some impressively huge macrocarpa trees; great for resting under or clambering around in. Scotts is a beautiful spot for a family to spend the day with a picnic.

We have three regional parks in our region: Pakiri, Tawharanui, and Scandrett. A regional park is an area of land preserved on account of its natural beauty, ecological importance, historical interest, recreational use or other reason, and they fall under the administration of local government.Our regional parks are all unique. Tawharanui boasts beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands. Pakiri is known for its amazing surf, 900 metres of sandy coastal foreshore and stands of inspiring mature coastal pōhutukawa trees. Scandrett is a well kept local secret, with A wonderful beach, regenerating coastal forest, and a group of historic farm buildings.Our regional parks are a great place to see some of the diverse natural landscapes and ecosystems that New Zealand is famous for. Stunning native flora and fauna grow and thrive here, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Conservation.Both Tawharanui and Pakiri have great campgrounds, so you can enjoy all that the parks have to offer over a couple of days. At Scandrett you can stay in a certified self contained vehicle. While camping in these beautiful locations, it is important that you take note and abide by all rules and requirements to ensure that they stay safe and untouched for others to enjoy.At any of the accommodation in regional parks, dogs and other pets are banned to avoid threat to any of the native wildlife. They are allowed in some areas strictly on-leash, but all of tawharanui regional park is dog free, as is pakiri beach as these areas are important breeding grounds for endangered species of birds and dogs are a threat.Fires are strictly forbidden at all regional parks.All Regional parks are rubbish free, as any unnatural waste can wreak havoc on the native animal and plant life, so anything that you take with you must leave with you as well.The regional parks make for a great day relaxing on a beach, walking through stunning native bush, or learning about the amazing native New Zealand species that reside there, so be sure to check them out this summer.