BY CAR A 50 minute drive north of Auckland city. Take the northern motorway (SH1) to Warkworth. At the third set of traffic lights on SH1, turn right, then after 50m take the right fork to Sandspit/Snells Beach. After 8 km you will see the brown Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail sign. After 1 km, turn left into Arabella Lane, then down the second driveway on the left.
BY FOOT From Snells Beach or Algies Bay, walk along the beach north to Whisper Cove. Turning up through the settlement along Arabella Lane you will reach Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail at the top of the hill. From Sandspit, with a half-tide receding, walk around the rocks to Snells Beach, then up through Whisper Cove as described above.
BY BOAT Small craft can pull up on Snells Beach. Follow walking directions up through Whisper Cove. Larger vessels will dock at Sandspit, and use Matakabs (Ph 09 422 22 44) to make the last 5 minutes of the journey by taxi.
BY HELICOPTER We have a helicopter landing area above The Glass House. Let us know your approximate arrival time and we will provide navigational co-ordinates. We will meet and drive you down to The Glass House. Download these directions in PDF format
1) On Saturday mornings buy fresh produce, delicious food and coffee and soak up the atmosphere at the Matakana Farmers’ Market in Matakana Village.
2) Browse the diverse and eclectic collection of shops, galleries, bars and restaurants in the heart of Matakana Village.www.matakanavillage.co.nz
3) Catch the latest film in magnificent surrounds at the boutique Matakana Cinemas. Not to be missedwww.matakanacinemas.co.nz
4) Snorkel, scuba dive or explore by boat to discover some of the finest marine life in New Zealand at Goat Island Marine Reserve.
5) Magnificently sited on a peninsular jutting out into the ocean Tawharanui Regional Park boasts stunning beaches and walking tracks.
6) Experience a taste of history by taking the ferry from Sandspit to Kawau Island, former residence of Governor George Grey.