For those looking for something truly special, our Bluestone Concierge can recommend unique, kiwi experiences that take advantage of everything our stunning local area has to offer. Whether it’s a chef for a gourmet BBQ, a rejuvenating massage, or a surf instructor for some family fun - we can help curate an unforgettable experience.
Bluestone Fun and Bliss
Grab a sunlounge for a happy day relaxing by our gorgeous infinity pool. Settle under an umbrella with a cool drink and a good book for some well-deserved time out. When you are ready take a dip in the hot tub followed by a refreshing plunge in the crystal aqua water.
POOLSIDE
TENNIS AND BASKETBALL
Hidden from view and surrounded by native bush and birds, have a hit on our full sized astro turf tennis court complete with basketball hoop at one end for some extra fun.
LEISURELY LAWN GAMES
Challenge your friends and family to a game of croquet or petanque on one of our beautiful lawns at Bluestone. We have soccer nets and frisbees for some family fun and a bocce court for a more leisurely speed. Follow up with a dip in the pool to cool off and a gourmet BBQ with Matakana’s delicious local produce to end the perfect day.
We love a game night at Bluestone and encourage our guests to create special memories playing one of our many indoor games. From a game of pool to scrabble and jenga there is something for everyone. Make sure you have prizes for the winners… and perhaps the losers..
GAME ON
Find peace in your mind, body and soul through guided meditation, pilates, yoga and exploring the unique health properties of New Zealand plants.
Set in the peaceful grounds of Bluestone, Georgia, our wellness guru can work with you to find calm through meditation and breathwork.
She can also take you on a native bush walk to search for plants and flowers that have been used by the Maori as medicinal remedies for centuries. Along the way experience the unforgettable beauty and sounds of New Zealand’s unique birdlife. Back at Bluestone, Georgia will teach you the art of making Cacao and lead you in the ancient ritual of a healing ceremony.
WELLNESS
We have been told by many of our international visitors that their massage by Belinda is the best they have ever had. Her onsite massages are incredible and range from deep tissue to a massage face lift and everything inbetween. All using beautiful natural New Zealand products.
MASSAGE
Tawharanui Peninsula is a bird and wildlife sanctuary, with sightings of rare native birds a daily occurrence. Grab some binoculars and go for a walk along the property, or even to Tawharanui Regional Park where you can go on a guided Kiwi Bird tour.
BIRD WATCHING
Get a taste of Matakana and immerse yourself in the area’s culture with our curated recommendations for exclusive dining experiences. From quaint little hideaways to world class establishments, you won’t be disappointed when it comes to discovering what this picturesque region has to offer!
EATING IN AND OUT
EATING IN
From a catered, self-cooked barbeque to a beautiful dinner party, our local cooks, chefs and caterers can create exceptional dining experiences at Bluestone using delicious local produce and our famous New Zealand wines.
In true laidback Kiwi style, Bluestone dining is best experienced bare foot with a glass of wine in hand, lounging around in bean bags for nibbles before sharing a fabulous farm to table meal around the dinner table. Later you can adjourn to our aptly named Revolution Fire Pit where you can sit under a southern sky blanket of stars, planning the next revolution!
THE MATAKANA VILLAGE PUB
In the heart of the village is Matakana’s gastro pub with hearty food made with a high-end twist. Enjoy lunch or dinner in a a sun-filled courtyard, or a cold drink in the historic bar. For the best fish ‘n’ chips you have ever had (locally line caught of course) head down to this classic pub.
ROTHKO
For a more ‘up market’ dining experience that embodies the fresh flavors of the season, Rothko is the perfect choice for a long lunch or dinner. Set amongst the Sculptureum gardens, Rothko is open for lunch 11am-4pm Thursday to Sunday and dinner 5pm-10pm.
BRICK BAY
A visit to this stunning winery and sculpture trail is a must. Peruse the enormous NZ designed sculptures along a native bush trail with a glass of locally sourced wine in hand and retreat to the high-end restaurant for some fabulous fare when you’re done.
THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER
Organic and fresh produce turned into incredible meals is the motto for this rustic eatery, and it is sure not to disappoint. A stone’s throw from the white sands of Omaha Beach, enjoy a coffee or brunch overlooking raised herb gardens and Omaha Estuary before or after a picturesque walk along this iconic beach.
THE SAWMILL BREWERY
The Sawmill, with its bespoke brewery in the middle of the venue and carefully curated grazing plates, this eatery has become a favourite by discerning locals and visitors. Sit outside on the wooden picnic tables or inside in the casual rustic charm of the restaurant and enjoy classic kiwi favourites.
THE VINTRY
The Vintry is a cozy wine bar situated by Matakana’s boutique art house cinema, providing a warm and vibrant atmosphere to sit back and unwind at the end of your day. They specialise in locally grown Matakana Wines, all located within a 14km radius of The Vintry’s doorstep.
RAVISH
From a little coffee kiosk just off Matakana Rd, between Matakana Village and Warkworth, you’ll find the best coffee in town. Their sweet and savory treats and cakes will have you experiencing the fare that Kiwis grew up eating.
OBV WINERY
Find Kiwi meets old European charm in the OBV Wine cellar, where you can enjoy a handcrafted wine and learn its flavours and design, just a short drive from Bluestone Estate. Lunch with wine and a stunning view out towards Omaha will have you not wanting to leave!
CHARLIES GELATO
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!”
With 40 different ice cream (gelato and sorbetto) flavours to pick from, all made here in Matakana you will struggle to decide! Most of the ingredients are sourced from the fruit garden on the property and when combined with our famous NZ dairy milk, the ice cream is sublime. While you are waiting have a browse through The Knitting Truck for beautiful NZ yarns and patterns.
MATAKANA COAST WINE TRAIL
Discover the full flavours and stunning vineyards of the renowned Matakana wineries. Now home to more than 65 hectares of boutique vineyards planted with one of the most diverse selections of grape varietals in the country, the Matakana region produces beautiful wines to tempt every palate. Most are family-owned and welcome visitors to the cellar door (some by appointment only), where you can experience the philosophy of the winery and meet the winemakers who bring such passion, curiosity and dedication to their terroir.
MATAKANA EXPERIENCES
Go home with a story when you experience the amazing Matakana Coast and its abundance of things to do. From its fabulous markets and lively art and music scene to the sandy white beaches and perfect boarding waves, you will be delighted with all that is on offer right on Bluestone’s doorstep. Perfect for adults and children alike the challenge is choosing what to do!
MATAKANA MARKET
Every Saturday Morning, the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market roars ahead as a true remove organic foodie heaven. Enjoy a coffee and a whitebait fritter sitting next to the stream before heading to the craft market next door for local artisan and boutique crafts.
MORRIS AND JAMES
Visit the iconic Morris and James pottery showroom and take home a piece of New Zealand. Featuring one-off kiwiana pottery creations you will love the colour these pieces will bring to your life. Stop for a while in the rustic café and enjoy the calm of this peaceful place.
MATAKANA COUNTRY PARK
Perfect for families with young children, go ahead and have some family fun at this 50 acre park. Have your little ones play on the giant buzzy bee while exotic chickens wander through the playground. Older kids can have a go at riding horses, and there is even a rustic cafe where parents can rejuvenate with a flat white before the obligatory miniature train ride.
The Matakana Art Gallery provides for some parent diversion and the Sunday Market is the perfect opportunity to pick up some very cool New Zealand crafts.
SCULPTUREUM
Sculpture galore is rife in Matakana with this world-class tourist attraction on our doorstep. With six art galleries, three sculpture-filled gardens, a vineyard, and Rothko their high-end restaurant there is something for everyone at Sculptureum.
GOLF
Listen to the sound of crashing waves and native birds as you play a round of golf. Our two local courses are magnificent. The sand-based links of Omaha Beach Golf Course is a hidden treasure while North Course at Te Arai Links boasts the largest putting green in the world. The 2 acre putting playground is perfectly located in front of the very cool Ricks Pizza Barn – great for after game fun, food and relaxation (open October 23)
Visit the Te Arai Links website
Visit the Omaha Beach Golf Club website
LEARN TO FOILBOARD WITH BLUE ADVENTURES
Have a go at something new with Blue Adventures who will have you foil boarding, paddle boarding, kite surfing or wake boarding in no time. Omaha Beach is a spectacular white sand beach with the perfect conditions for learning. Take the Bluestone umbrella, beach chairs and a picnic with you for a lazy beach day afterwards.
PUHOI RIVER KAYAKS
Get back to nature with a fun adventure for your team, family, or friends with a leisurely, safe un-guided paddle along the Puhoi River which meanders 8km from the Bohemian village of Puhoi through to the scenic Wenderholm Regional Park. Have a drink at the classic, rustic Puhoi pub afterwards before heading back to Bluestone.
OMAIO
Experience a spine tingling traditional Maori welcome, just 5 minutes from Bluestone. After your welcome, Liz, your host will take you for a leisurely 45-minute stroll through her incredible New Zealand native bush garden fused with exotic plants. Omaio is a ‘Garden of International Significance’ and is an absolute treat for those who love the tranquility and beauty of nature.
SLOW BLOOMS
Slow Blooms is a special garden based in Matakana where you can pick your own cut flowers and herbs for cooking and healing - all grown sustainably,
following permaculture ethics.
SURFING
Grab some surf boards and body boards and hit the local surf spots. We can connect you with a local surf instructor if you want to learn.
MAORI CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
For the ultimate, spine tingling, cultural experience, take part in a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, and cultural performance at Te Hana Te Ao Marama Cultural Centre. Travel into times of the old with a guided Maori Village tour providing a unique insight into pre colonization Maori life within a papakainga and pa (a fortified village).
HELI FISHING
Experience the ultimate in fishing and one of the most exhilarating wilderness fishing expeditions on offer. Skyworks Helicopters will fly you to some of the most spectacular locations in the Hauraki Gulf where you will be dropped off for an epic spot of fishing. The experienced pilots (aka fishing guides) know the best fishing spots, which are rotated so that no single spot is over-fished. Take home a tall story of your trip down under.
KIWI NESS TOURS
Join our local Kiwi tour guide for a fantastic evening looking for New Zealand’s famous flightless Kiwi bird. Armed with an infrared torches your guide will have you explore the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary, which is the perfect habitat for Kiwi and other native NZ birds such as the Kereru, Tui, and Native Owl.
Step into Bluestone’s backyard and experience beautiful, natural New Zealand on the Matakana Coast, right on Bluestone’s doorstep.
With miles of untouched coastline, boutique wineries and galleries, the famous farmers’ markets and arguably the most beautiful white sand beaches in New Zealand you will fall in love with New Zealand and our laid-back lifestyle.
EXPLORE AND SIGHT-SEE
TAWHARANUI REGIONAL PARK
Located amongst farmland and stunning native bush where the Tui’s sing, indulge in the magnificent landscape of this renowned coastal park. Take off your shoes, bask in the sun and swim at one of NZ’s most beautiful beaches. Picnic on the beach under the protective canopy of an ancient Pohutukawa tree. If you are feeling energetic, hike the trails of the staggering coastline.
MOUNT TAMAHUNGA
Feeling fit? Hike to the top of Mt Tamahunga through regenerating native bush and experience the awe of the views at the summit. Mt Tamahunga is a sacred peak of iconic importance to the local Maori tribe and is of particular spiritual, cultural and historical importance. This track is part of the Te Araroa - The Long Pathway where we tread softly and respectfully.
KAWAU ISLAND
Hire a skippered boat or take the ferry or water taxi to Kawau Island, one of the largest islands that make up the Hauraki Gulf. Here find rich NZ history at Governor Grey House where this eccentric Governor lived in the 1800s. Enjoy an ice cream from the island kiosk and follow up with a nap under a tree by the beach.
SCOTTS LANDING
At Scotts Landing you will find a quiet sanctuary, a little jetty, often with someone fishing off it, and plenty of history. The beach is great for swimming at high tide and at low tide you can walk around the point. Although this is an Oyster coast, so bring your rock pool shoes.
GOAT ISLAND MARINE RESERVE, LEIGH
Snorkel with giant snapper and experience true marine abundance New Zealand’s oldest protected marine reserve. If snorkeling is not your thing you can paddle a kayak, or board the glass bottom boat. The Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre is well worth a visit for all ages. Drop by the beautiful Pakiri beach while you are in the area or have lunch at a local café
SKYWORK HELICOPTERS SCENIC FLIGHTS
Bluestone’s front lawn converts to a heli pad when you take a scenic flight with Skyworks. An experienced pilot will fly you over the area’s spectacular coastline and Hauraki Gulf Islands where New Zealand’s beautiful waters will take your breath away. After your flight you will be dropped back at Bluestone where a cold champagne or boutique beer awaits!
OMAHA BEACH
Omaha beach is a magnificent stretch of white sand and pristine water where one can walk to the heart’s content.