Farm, Sand, and Soul: Ultimate Matakana & Scandrett Park Reset: 1 - 3 day itinerary
- Sarah-Jane Lee
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Reset is easy when nature provides the answer. The emerald green of Scandrett, Regional Park is where you can hike through historic sheep paddocks and dive into clear, calm bay all in one afternoon. This ultimate reset offers a lush slice of Kiwi coastal heritage just a short hop from a world-class flat white in Matakana. It’s easy to put your mobile on mute when nature provides such a perfect "farm-to-beach" digital detox.
Scandrett is your reset button on the Mahurangi & Matakana city escape loop trail. You bridge the gap between the historic village of Puhoi and the modern luxury of a Matakana farm stay. It provides the "soul" of the trip.
This 3-day itinerary turns your visit to Scandrett Regional Park into a complete "City Escape" by blending coastal history with the best farm stays and artisan treats of the Matakana Coast.
Day 1: Heritage Hikes & Hidden Gems
Morning: The Road North. Leave Auckland and make your first stop at Puhoi (approx. 40 mins). Grab some world-famous cheese from the Puhoi Valley Cheese Factory for your picnic basket.
Lunch: Scandrett Regional Park. Head to the end of the peninsula. Set up a picnic under the shade of the ancient Pohutukawa trees.
Afternoon: Historic Tracks. * Walk the Mullet Point Loop for views over Kawau Bay.
Explore the 19th-century farm buildings and "peep" into the historic homestead windows.
Evening: Check-in. Head to your chosen farm stay, just 15–20 minutes away. Relax in an outdoor bath or watch the sunset over the paddocks.
Day 2: Market Vibes & Animal Encounters
Morning: Matakana Village. If it’s Saturday, the Farmers' Market is non-negotiable (8 am – 1 pm). Stock up on artisan breads, smoked salmon, and local honey.
Afternoon: Highfield Donkey Sanctuary. Just 10 minutes from Scandrett, visit Highfield Garden Reserve. It’s free to enter, and the friendly resident donkeys are a hit for a "hee-haw" greeting.
Late Afternoon: Art in Nature. Stroll through the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail in Snells Beach. The 2km walk features 60+ sculptures in a native bush setting.
Evening: Farm Life. Return to your farm stay. Most hosts allow guests to help feed the animals (like the Valais Blacknose sheep at Primrose Hill) around dusk.
Day 3: Coastal Wonders & Slow Return
Morning: Tāwharanui Regional Park. Drive to the tip of the neighbouring peninsula. This open sanctuary is a "mainland island" where you can see rare birds like the Takahe and swim at the pristine Anchor Bay.
Lunch: The Smoko Room. Stop at Sawmill Brewery on your way back for a flight of craft beers and a locally sourced "farm-to-table" platter.
Afternoon: Sweet Treats. One final stop at Charlie’s Gelato for a scoop (or three) before the easy 1-hour drive back to Auckland.
Top Farm Stays for Your Escape
Stay | Why it fits the theme | Animal "Must-See" |
Primrose Hill Farm | Boutique & Photogenic | Wally & Wee Jimmy (Miniature Highland Cows) |
Omakana | Coastal farm immersion | Rolling hills with grazing Cattle & Sheep |
Matakana Country Lodge | Traditional farm hospitality | Resident Pig and fresh chicken eggs |
The Heart of Scandrett Regional Park: Where History Meets the Tide
Scandrett Regional Park isn't just a scenic spot; it is a meticulously preserved 19th-century farmstead. The Scandrett family farmed this land from 1863 until 1998, and walking through the gates feels like stepping back into a simpler, saltier era.
The Historic Farm Zone
The cluster of buildings near the beach is the park's crown jewel. You can walk among the original homestead (built in 1885), the old concrete cowshed, and the stables.
The Architecture: The buildings are rare examples of early concrete construction using "shingle" from the beach.
The Orchard: Wander through the remnant citrus and heritage fruit trees. In the right season, the scent of blossoms mixes with the sea air.
The "Peep" Windows: The homestead is often closed to the public, but the windows are kept clean so visitors can peer inside at the period furniture and old-fashioned kitchen—a massive hit with curious kids.
The Coastal Forest & Wildlife
Beyond the grass, the park is a sanctuary for native New Zealand species.
Regenerating Bush: The hillsides are thick with Kānuka and Pōhutukawa. In December, the entire coastline turns a vibrant "Kiwi Christmas" red.
Bird Watching: Keep an eye out for the rare NZ Dotterel nesting on the sand. You’ll also likely hear the chime of Tui and see Fantails (Pīwakawaka) darting along the Orchard Track.
Mullet Point: This headland offers a strategic vantage point. From here, you can see across to Kawau Island, where the historic Mansion House sits. It’s a great spot for whale or dolphin spotting if you have binoculars!
The "Hidden" Beach: Scandretts Bay
The beach itself is tucked away and feels incredibly private compared to nearby Omaha or Snells Beach.
The Reefs: At low tide, the rocky reefs at either end of the bay are exposed. These are some of the best rock pools in the region for spotting crabs, small fish, and anemones.
Sheltered Swimming: Because it faces into Kawau Bay, the water is generally much calmer than the open ocean, making it the perfect "parent-approved" swimming spot for toddlers.
"Quick Facts - Scandrett Regional Park"
Arrival Tip: The road in is unsealed for the last stretch. It’s easy for a standard rental car, but it adds to that "off the beaten path" feeling.
Sustainability: The park operates on a "Leave No Trace" policy. There are no rubbish bins, so be prepared to take your picnic scraps home with you.
The Cowshed Info Hub: Don’t skip the old cowshed! It’s been converted into an information center with historic photos and maps that explain the rigours of 19th-century life in this remote outpost. As you stroll through the buildings a quiet voice narrates a day at the farm.
Stay Overnight: Scandrett Regional Park
While there is no traditional tent campground inside Scandrett Regional Park, you have several unique ways to stay:
The Historic Baches: Stay in one of three iconic 1950s waterfront baches. They offer a "true Kiwi" experience but are incredibly popular. The backs are often booked months in advance via the Auckland Council website.
Certified Self-Contained (SCC) Vehicles: If you have a certified campervan or motorhome, you can stay overnight in designated parking areas.
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