Award Winners on the Matakana Coast
MATAKANA MEMO by Liz Bays | Matakana Tours
From boutique wineries to marine reserves, a sculpture trail, conservation projects and even handmade chocolates, there’s always so much going on in the Matakana region. Passionate about all things food, wine, health and environment, I’m Liz – and I write the Matakana Memo blog to help visitors discover the very best of my beloved backyard.
Here in Warkworth we’re lucky to be surrounded by an incredible array of award winning local businesses, so while you might be drawn to our region for the famous Matakana Wine Trail, one of the many stunning beaches or regional parks, or just a day trip to the Matakana farmers’ market, there is plenty more to explore that you might not have heard of before. Here’s our round up of our favourite businesses that put Warkworth on the map.
Tahi Bar
Tahi Bar is the place to be over the weekend. This year it’s been crowned New Zealand’s Best Entertainment Venue, and it’s not the first time, having already won the title back in 2024. A visit to the Matakana region wouldn’t be complete without visiting to find out why! Featuring live bands every Saturday night and a more relaxed set on Sunday afternoons, paired with their changing selection of locally made wines, beers and ciders on tap, it’s easy to see why us locals keep going back.
8 Wired
With so many vineyards in the region, visitors to Warkworth can often overlook – or simply not know about – the breweries in the area. However, both 8 Wired and Sawmill (below) have earned their status as some of the best breweries in the country. Not only have 8 Wired been crowned Overall Champion NZ Brewing Company twice, they also have an impressive collection of awards for their beers, including the ever popular Wild Feijoa pale ale, a smoked porter, scotch ale and imperial stout, showcasing their unique variety of flavours. Visit their taproom on the Matakana village main street and soak up the atmosphere in this locals’ favourite spot. We recommend a tasting paddle so you can sample as many beers as possible.
Sawmill Brewery
Since Sawmill started brewing their craft beer here in the Matakana coast, they’ve been collecting awards like my legs collect sandfly bites in the summer. As the only brewery that is a certified B Corp in the country, their dedication to sustainability and creating a positive impact on local communities makes them a real inspiration for the industry. Not only have they won the Brewing Sustainability Award an incredible six times, they are in fact the only brewery to have won this award since its inception in 2019. It’s not only their environmental efforts that have been rewarded, with many of their pilsners, pale ales, porters and lagers being awarded over the years by the prestigious NZ Beer Awards. Drop by their onsite restaurant Smoko Room to enjoy a range of their beers and sample seasonal delicacies.
Charlie’s Gelato
While travelling around the region you’ll notice that the name Charlie’s Gelato in a lot of places: if pausing for an ice cream by Omaha beach, when visiting Matakana Cinema, or enjoying the gardens of the Sculptureum. But to truly enjoy Charlie’s Gelato at its finest it’s best to visit their own garden and café, between Warkworth and Matakana. Here you’ll find a wider range of their mouth-watering flavours, from the traditional to the experimental. With so many flavours having been awarded bronze, silver or gold you’re sure to love whichever you pick. It’s not just the gelato flavours that Charlie’s has been recognised for either, with the company being awarded gold medals for their sustainability efforts too. Enjoying gelato never felt so good!
Bam Boo
As the 2026 winners of the Junction Eateries South Award, we’re delighted that Bam Boo is getting the recognition it deserves. Their Asian-inspired menu is bursting full of classic favourites such as Pad Thai and Thai Green Curry, alongside some lesser-known chef specials you may not have tried before. With their array of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options there truly is something for everyone. Vibrant on the inside with beautiful views overlooking the river outside, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day discovering the delights that the Matakana coast has to offer.
Warkworth Butchery
Found in the heart of Warkworth’s main street, Warkworth Butchery is proud to produce what has officially been awarded NZ’s best bacon. Owner Rob Lees won Master Butcher on his first attempt in 2020 and the awards have been rolling in since. It’s well worth a visit to see the range of flavours of sausages alone, and they have a food truck outside selling hot dogs so you can taste them with none of the fuss of cooking yourself. Even with all the accolades the butchery has earned, their prices rival those of the supermarkets. We guarantee you won’t leave the shop empty handed, but if you’re worried how the meat will fare on your journey back home, you can always order from their handy online shop.
Katya Maker
Within view of our lodge, Katya Maker has a picturesque spot beside the Mahurangi River. Recently crowned the Best Retail South in the Junction Awards, this designer boutique is the place to go for women’s fashion and accessories. Whether you’re looking for a new statement piece for your wardrobe, your new favourite pair of jeans or a handbag or pair of shoes to complete your look, the team at Katya Maker will go above and beyond to assist you to find what you need. With its mix of on trend items specially imported from around the globe and pre-loved vintage pieces handpicked by Katya herself, you won’t leave empty handed.
Warkworth Lodge
For eight years now, our lodge has been winning Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award, putting us in the top 10% of hotels worldwide. We’re very proud to be consistently ranked so highly, especially as the rating comes from our guests themselves. We love welcoming visitors from all around the world and showing them why our corner of New Zealand is well worth a visit. From our spacious villa ensuites to family friendly units, we have a range of accommodation options to suit every visitor, and guests are free to use our fully equipped kitchen, barbeque, swimming pool and spa pool as they wish. Come and see why our guests enjoy their stay here so much and let us help you feel welcome to the Matakana Coast.
- Liz