Nestled in the lush, picturesque landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island, Matakana is a small town brimming with charm, artisanal flair, and natural beauty. Known for its weekend farmers' market, boutique wineries, and stunning beaches, Matakana is a beloved place to go for locals and visitors alike. Just an hour’s drive from Auckland, this quaint and charming village feels like a world away, with a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the best of Kiwi life.
Nestled in the lush, picturesque landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island, Matakana is a small town brimming with charm, artisanal flair, and natural beauty. Known for its weekend farmers' market, boutique wineries, and stunning beaches, Matakana is a beloved place to go for locals and visitors alike. Just an hour’s drive from Auckland, this quaint and charming village feels like a world away, with a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the best of Kiwi life.
Matakana is celebrated for its stunning blend of art, nature, and community. The town's farmers' market draws crowds from around the area and features stalls filled with fresh produce, artisanal cheese, local honey, and handmade goods. The markets also feature award-winning coffee, mouth-watering brunch dishes, and live local music by the riverside, with rustic treehouses and a natural playground for the kids!
Central Matakana
Visitors to Matakana can also enjoy nearby beaches like Omaha and Goat Island, vineyards producing world-class wines, and art galleries showcasing work from local artists who draw inspiration from the surrounding beauty. Not far from Matakana lies Great Barrier Island, a remote, rugged paradise known for its untouched landscapes, pristine beaches, and an unspoiled wilderness that offers an escape into nature’s raw beauty. This island, accessible by ferry or plane from Auckland, is renowned for its dark skies, making it an ideal destination for stargazing. Great Barrier Island’s deep commitment to conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable living aligns with the values found in Matakana and is an essential part of the New Zealand experience.
Great Barrier Island
Both places foster a deep connection to the land. This is seen in the many eco-conscious businesses that have emerged from these areas, including Matakana Botanicals and the Great Barrier Island Bee Co. Rooted in the rich, natural surroundings, these brands embody a commitment to wellness, sustainability, and artistry, capturing the essence of Matakana and its surroundings, including Great Barrier Island.
The Birth of Matakana Botanicals: Inspired by Local Beauty and Wellness
The home of Matakana Botanicals
Matakana Botanicals began as a small passion project inspired by the natural beauty of its namesake town. Originally called “Matakana Valley Perfumes,” the brand started by capturing the essence of the region through carefully crafted scents and wellness products. As it grew, the company rebranded as Matakana Botanicals to reflect its expanded range and dedication to botanical-based wellness.
Matakana Botanicals also brings the essence of Great Barrier Island into its product line. Their Great Barrier Island Bee Co products, which include hand and body lotions, bath and shower gels, lip balms, and hand and nail creams, incorporate natural ingredients like Manuka honey, kawakawa, and avocado oil. These formulations celebrate the abundance found in New Zealand’s flora and the pristine qualities of Great Barrier Island’s environment. The signature Manuka Honey Hand & Body Lotion is a unique formulation containing Manuka Honey, Royal Jelly, and Sweet Almond Oil, providing wonderful daily nourishment to soothe and repair your skin.
Manuka Honey also features prominently in their super emollient Bees Wax Body Butter. Containing Shea Butter, Beeswax, Olive Oil, and Manuka Honey, these beneficial ingredients will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, echoing the pure and untouched quality of Great Barrier Island’s natural world.
The Essence of Matakana in Every Product
Matakana Botanicals continues to operate with the values that define its home: a focus on sustainability, quality, and a deep connection to the land. The products are designed to bring the essence of Matakana—and the untouched beauty of Great Barrier Island—into daily life, inviting you to experience the tranquillity and vitality of New Zealand’s natural beauty no matter where you are.
Matakana Farmers Market
Whether you’re sipping wine at a Matakana vineyard, exploring the rugged beauty of Great Barrier Island, or enjoying the soothing scent of Matakana Botanicals in your home, the spirit of these remarkable places remains the same. Matakana and Great Barrier Island are more than destinations; they’re ways of life that Matakana Botanicals captures, sharing a special slice of New Zealand with the world.
