About Matakana Country Park
Matakana Country Park is a privately owned 50-acre estate in the Matakana region, about one hour north of Auckland (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). It was started by entrepreneur John Baker in the early 2000s (inspired by Vancouver’s Butchart Gardens) and has grown into a major tourism hub (m.scoop.co.nz ) (www.localmatters.co.nz ). Originally just a café, playground and barn, it now combines restaurants, shops and attractions on sprawling countryside. For example, The Stables restaurant (built in classic barn style) and the adjoining Smith’s Bar (blacksmith-themed) are centerpieces of the park (www.ausleisure.com.au ). The historic St Andrew’s Church (built 1895) also stands on the grounds and is used for weddings (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). Reviewers praise the park’s relaxed country vibe and family fun (play areas, pony rides, easygoing markets) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Local news even calls it an “X Factor” legacy property and a tourism “asset to the district” (www.localmatters.co.nz ) (www.ausleisure.com.au ). In short, Matakana Country Park is notable for blending rural charm with a wide range of activities (from art galleries and pony rides to big concerts), making it an iconic part of the local scene.
Events and Programming
Matakana Country Park hosts a busy mix of events. Each summer it becomes an outdoor concert and festival venue (often R18, licensed events) and during the year it runs lively markets and community fairs. For live music, the lineup has ranged across genres. In early 2023 the park turned into a mini-rock festival: on 2 January 2023 the “A Summer’s Day Live” tour featured reggae-rock legends UB40 (UK) with Jefferson Starship (US) and NZ rock band Dragon (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). Two days later the “Summer Haze” festival brought together NZ electronic band Shapeshifter, dub-soul group Fat Freddy’s Drop, prog-rockers King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and others (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Similarly, the Drum’n’Bass-heavy Hidden Valley Festival returns every December: its 2024 lineup included international DJs like Camo & Krooked, Interplanetary Criminal and local stars such as Issey Cross (www.ticketfairy.com ). The park’s 10th-anniversary Hidden Valley 2025 (Sat 27 Dec) features top names like Wilkinson (UK), K Motionz (UK) and NZ’s Chaos in the CBD (www.ticketfairy.com ). A brand-new festival “Sweet Home Aotearoa” (Saturday 3 Jan 2026) has just been announced by Six60: it will bring country/roots acts (Yelawolf, Tash Sultana, Tami Neilson, etc.) under the Matakana sun (matakanacoastapp.com ) (matakanacoastapp.com ).
Beyond big concerts, the park’s regular programming includes markets and community events. The Matakana Sunday Markets (usually on long weekends and holiday weeks) offer local produce, homewares and food trucks, along with family entertainment like pony rides, face-painting and a kids’ train (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). There are also Friday night food markets (at least monthly in summer) with food trucks, drinks and live local music (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). In recent years the park added one-day festivals: for instance the Matakana Food & Beer Festival (a day of craft beer, food and live entertainment) is held on-site (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). The three-stage Sonorous Festival (electronic/house music) has returned annually, showcasing international DJs on Matakana’s fields (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). Wedding and corporate events are also common – for example, the park’s own St Andrew’s Church and The Stables venue are popular for private celebrations (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (stablesmatakana.co.nz ). In all, Matakana Country Park’s events range from weekly markets to sold-out music festivals, making it a versatile year-round venue.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets to events at Matakana Country Park are generally sold by the event promoters, not at a central park box office. Major concerts and festivals use online ticketing companies (for example, in NZ these might include AAA Ticketing or Ticket Fairy). Because popular events often sell out, it’s wise to buy early—promoters may offer early-bird or presale allotments. As one example, a Hidden Valley drum ’n’ bass festival in December 2024 had ticket prices starting around NZ$133 (cheapest option) (www.ticketfairy.com ), and even offered payment plans. VIP upgrades (with perks like express lanes and exclusive viewing platforms (www.ticketfairy.com )) are sometimes available at the higher end. For smaller shows and markets, tickets (or shuttle passes) may be just $20–$60. In some cases limited door sales are possible; for instance, the Jan 2020 Shapeshifter event explicitly announced “DOOR SALES ARE AVAILABLE” (aaaticketing.co.nz ). To get tickets, visit the official event page or authorized ticket agencies and watch for announcements on social media. (Avoid unofficial sellers or scalpers.) Payment fees vary, and some festivals only allow a few tickets per person. Overall, expect GA tickets in the ~$50–150 range depending on the act, with VIP/tables costing more, while entry to regular markets is either free or a token fee for kids’ activities (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ).
Seating and Layout
The Country Park is mostly an open-air field venue, so seating is very flexible. For large concerts and festivals, stages are erected on the grass and audiences generally stand in general admission (GA) areas. There are no fixed theatre seats – just lawn or fenced-off GA space. If VIP tickets are offered, these may include reserved sections or raised viewing platforms; for example, Hidden Valley’s VIP pass provides a separate entry lane, private bar facilities and a viewing platform for a clear stage view (www.ticketfairy.com ). In general, front-of-stage areas give the most immersive sound and view, but they can be crowded and loud. Many prefer a bit farther back for better sightlines and balance. Weather permitting, lawn areas beyond the VIP zone may have picnic-style spaces. In contrast, The Stables indoor events (weddings or conferences) have formal seating: as a guideline The Stables can seat about 120 people indoors (or 200 standing), and up to 500 if tables are set out onto the courtyard lawns (stablesmatakana.co.nz ). For any event, the park’s grassy terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended. (Note: since concerts are outdoors, acoustics are “arena-style” – without walls the PA system is very loud up front and projects far back. Earplugs can help if you’re sensitive to bass. Also, rain or sun affect comfort. Many concertgoers mention bringing a hat and sunscreen or a light jacket.)
Getting There and Parking
Matakana Country Park’s address is RD5/1151 Leigh Road, Matakana 0985 (Auckland) (matakanacoastapp.com ). It’s a rural location – roughly a 1 hour 15 minute drive north from central Auckland under normal traffic (www.aaaticketing.co.nz ). (During holiday seasons the trip can double due to holiday traffic (www.aaaticketing.co.nz ).) On-site parking is abundant and free; as the park’s own website notes, it offers “plenty of parking” on site (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). For big events, guides will direct cars to large grass lots and staff will help organize flow. If driving, plan to arrive early, especially on summer weekends – lines of cars on Leigh Road are common. Rideshare drop-offs are usually at the main Leigh Rd entrance, unless event organizers specify a side gate (for example, some music events use “Gate 2” via Omaha Flats Road for campers (aaaticketing.co.nz )). There is no regular city bus service to the park. However, special event shuttles are often provided for major shows. For instance, a recent event offered charter buses from central Auckland (Quay St near the Ferry Building at 1:30pm and 2:30pm departures (www.aaaticketing.co.nz )) and from nearby towns. These shuttle buses return on demand after the show ends (www.aaaticketing.co.nz ). In practice, most visitors either drive or use pre-arranged charter buses to reach the venue.
Inside the Venue
Matakana Country Park offers a family-friendly farm atmosphere. In normal park hours (morning cafes, Sunday markets), you enter freely as it’s an open estate. During ticketed events (concerts/festivals), there will be ticket gates and security checks. Licensed R18 events require photo ID at entry (aaaticketing.co.nz ). You can expect a casual country atmosphere – think outdoor seating, BBQ scents from food trucks, and people in summer attire. Inside, the park has a range of amenities. Food and drink options include Bramble Café for breakfast, the sit-down Stables Restaurant for meals, and Smith’s Bar for drinks (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). At markets and shows many food trucks and stalls appear – one reviewer praised the “tasty food” at the market but did note some items were pricey (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Restrooms are located in the main buildings, and for large events portable toilets (including accessible ones) are provided around the site. There is no formal coat-check or lockers, so it’s best to carry only what you need. Electric vehicle charging is not advertised, so assume none is available. For families, the park’s permanent playground, pony rides and train operate on market days. The park also houses craft retail (Art Matakana gallery, craft co-op and John Crockett Goldsmith) so visitors can browse shops during a visit. Keep in mind it’s a licensed venue: outside alcohol or glass bottles are not permitted during concerts (as one event notice warned, “Do NOT bring alcohol, cooking equipment, pets…” (aaaticketing.co.nz )). Finally, phone reception is generally good on the open hilltop, but Wi-Fi coverage is minimal; if you need connectivity, be prepared to use mobile data.
Nearby Amenities
While at Matakana Country Park you’ll have on-site dining (café, restaurant, bar) and shopping. If you want other restaurants or hotels, you’ll head to nearby Matakana village (about 5–8km away) or Warkworth (10–15km to the north). Matakana village offers bistros, wine bars and Kiwi pubs (e.g. Brick Bay Winery Restaurant, The Matakana Pub) which are popular pre-show dining spots. Accommodation options nearby include boutique lodges and motels in Matakana and Warkworth. For example, the Salty Dog Inn in Warkworth (about 8km away) and the Bridge House Lodge (10km) are highly rated local stays (www.expedia.co.nz ). Closer in Matakana, Woodhouse Mountain Lodge and other B&Bs cater to weekend visitors. For those with campervans, the park itself maintains 11 powered sites amid the vineyards. These cost $35 per person per night (kids under 5 stay free) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ), and during large events a flat $50pp rate applies (with on-site security) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). In town you’ll find basic services: petrol stations, a supermarket, and a liquor store for take-away bottles. Matakana also has a local post office/wool shed complex with shops. Late-night rideshares can be scarce, so many visitors artfully schedule return transport or stay nearby.
What Makes This Venue Special
Several things set Matakana Country Park apart. First, its setting: rolling fields and vineyards create a laid-back rural backdrop unlike city venues. The combination of a working farm feel with modern events is unique. Signature architectural features like The Stables barn-restaurant (originally RD6) and the adjacent Smith’s Bar (designed as a blacksmith’s forge) capture a historic country charm (www.ausleisure.com.au ). Even a 19th-century church is on the property, which adds character (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). Culturally, the park has become an institution: it gave a home to the Matakana craft co-op that’s been running (on and off) since the 1980s (www.localmatters.co.nz ), and its weekly markets are beloved local traditions. Economically, it’s a big draw – news reports describe it as “one of the biggest tourism and event operations” in Auckland’s hinterland (www.ausleisure.com.au ) (www.localmatters.co.nz ). Reviewers often remark on the park’s “friendly, free-spirited vibe”: for example, a visitor wrote it was a “great morning out” with fun markets and even the kids’ train, despite noting the playground needed a bit of upkeep (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). In short, Matakana Country Park is special because it blends authentic country hospitality with live entertainment. Artists like on-the-rise bands and global DJs enjoy its intimate open-air atmosphere, and audiences get a Kiwi “country gets together” feel with every visit.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue strives to be inclusive. Main entrances (Stables, cafe) are wheelchair-accessible, and accessible toilets are provided in the main buildings. However, much of the park is outdoors on grass or gravel, so wheels can be bumpy; bring appropriate aids if needed. Service animals typically follow companion rules, but pets are not allowed during concerts or major events. Arrival: Plan to arrive 1–2 hours before start to park and get settled. Traffic on Leigh Road can be heavy for big events. Use the event’s shuttle buses if available, or carpool. What to bring: For concerts, bring photo ID and your ticket (printed or on phone). Baseball-caps, sunscreen and water are wise in summer; bring a light jacket or poncho if rain is forecast. Pack light – large backpacks may be searched or restricted at entry. Baseball hats or skirts are common; dress comfortably for the weather and standing up. Earplugs are recommended for loud shows. Food & Drink: While you can buy meals and snacks on-site, reviewers warn festival food can be expensive (e.g. a $10 fritter) (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ). Bringing sealed water bottles is usually fine, but outside liquor or coolers are prohibited by law (licensed venues only sell alcohol). Policies: Events are alcohol-licensed (R18), so no minors even with parents, and smoking is only in designated outdoor zones. Remember the rules posted by promoters – one event poster emphatically asks visitors to *not* bring alcohol, fires, pets or sound systems (aaaticketing.co.nz ). Cameras for personal use are allowed, but professional gear typically requires permission. Coding: There’s no formal dress code – casual is OK. However, it gets dusty at concerts so avoid wearing your best white shirt! FAQ-ready answers: Guests commonly ask about tickets and parking: in general, buy tickets in advance from the official outlets to guarantee a spot, and use the ample free on-site parking - the venue does offer a campervan park and even limited camping for events (R18 and ticketed) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (aaaticketing.co.nz ). Above all, check each event’s info page (for dates, door times, and special rules) and plan accordingly. With those preparations, you’ll enjoy all that Matakana Country Park has to offer.
What is the address of Matakana Country Park?
The park’s entrance is at RD5/1151 Leigh Road, Matakana (Rodney District), New Zealand. This location is about an hour’s drive north from Auckland city (matakanacoastapp.com ).
How do I get to Matakana Country Park by public transportation?
There is no direct public bus to the park. The most practical way is by car or event shuttle. It’s a roughly 1h15 drive from Auckland Central (longer in holiday traffic (www.aaaticketing.co.nz )). For major concerts, organizers often run charter buses (for example from Auckland’s Ferry Building) at set times (www.aaaticketing.co.nz ). You may also get a taxi or ride-share to the park’s main entrance. Once here, follow on-site signs to the event area.
Is there parking available at the venue, and is it free?
Yes – Matakana Country Park has ample on-site parking on grass lots, which is generally free for visitors and ticket holders (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). For big events, traffic staff will direct you to designated parking areas. Parking passes are usually not needed, but arrive early to secure a spot. After the event, return buses or cars exit via the same parking areas. Ride-share drop-offs are typically at the Leigh Road gate unless otherwise instructed.
What transportation services are available for events?
For large concerts, the promoters often arrange shuttle buses from key points. For example, an event listing showed buses from Auckland CBD (Customs Street) departing around 1:30pm and 2:30pm (www.aaaticketing.co.nz ), and return shuttles leaving on demand after the show (www.aaaticketing.co.nz ). Similar buses may run from Mangawhai, Warkworth or Leigh on big-event days. Always check the specific event announcement – many include bus routes and times. If no shuttle is provided, you’ll need to drive or arrange a carpool.
How can I buy tickets for an event at Matakana Country Park?
Tickets are sold through the event promoters and official ticketing partners (e.g. AAA Ticketing, Ticket Fairy, etc.), not directly at the park’s office. Check the event’s official website or social media for the authorized seller. For example, the Matakana Summer Haze festival used Ticket Fairy for sales, and early bird or presale tickets may be offered. It’s recommended to buy tickets well in advance, as popular shows often sell out.
What are the typical ticket prices?
Prices vary widely by event. Family-friendly markets are usually free. Small concerts or shows might range from NZ$20 to $50. Large festivals at Matakana often range from around $80 up to $150 or more for general admission. For example, Hidden Valley Festival 2025 had a starting ticket price of about NZ$133 (www.ticketfairy.com ). VIP, table or multi-day packages cost extra. Always check the event page for price tiers and fees.
When do tickets usually go on sale and sell out?
Major summer events often put tickets on sale a few months in advance (sometimes with a limited presale). Popular shows can sell out quickly, so watch for announcements early in the season. Some festivals and clubs also offer door sales on event day if they don’t sell out online – for example, a recent Shapeshifter show explicitly noted “Door Sales Are Available” (aaaticketing.co.nz ). However, don’t rely on that. Signing up for event mailing lists or following local promoters on social media is the best way to get notified when tickets go live.
Does Matakana Country Park have assigned seating or general admission?
For most concerts and festivals at the park, seating is general admission (standing on the lawn). There are no fixed rows or seat numbers. Some events offer a limited VIP area with reserved spots (often elevated for better viewing) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The indoor Stables venue has formal seating charts, but that’s used for private functions. In open-air shows, you can stand or sit anywhere in the GA field once inside. (Dailies like markets are walk-around style with no seating.)
What items are not allowed inside the venue?
Concerts and events at the park follow typical licensed-venue rules. You cannot bring outside alcohol, glass bottles or fireworks. As one official notice put it, visitors should “please DO NOT bring alcohol, cooking equipment (no fires), stereos & pets” (aaaticketing.co.nz ). Large backpacks may be subject to search. Laser pointers and professional camera gear are usually prohibited without permission. (For family days and markets, rules are more relaxed, but always check the specific event’s policy before you pack.)
What are the age restrictions at Matakana Country Park?
It depends on the event. The park itself is open to all ages, especially for family-friendly activities (e.g. Sunday markets with playgrounds). However, nearly all music concerts and festivals here are licensed R18 events – meaning no one under 18 is allowed even with a guardian (aaaticketing.co.nz ). Always check the event listing. If children are permitted (e.g. daytime public shows), it will be explicitly stated. In short, assume a big concert is 18+ unless told otherwise.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, to an extent. The main indoor facilities (Stables Restaurant, Smith’s Bar and Bramble Café) have ramp or step-free access and accessible restrooms. There are marked disabled parking spaces close to these buildings. However, large parts of the festival grounds are open fields. Wheelchairs may find grass and gravel paths challenging. Portable accessible toilets are usually provided at major events. If you need assistance, most events will have staff or first-aid points. It’s best to contact the organizer in advance if you have specific needs.
Are outside food or drinks allowed?
Not typically for concerts. All licensed beverages must be purchased on site. Outside food (snacks, minimal items, or special dietary items) is usually allowed, but outside alcohol or large coolers are banned by law. The venue provides multiple food and drink vendors, so you can buy meals and soft drinks once inside. (Reviewers note that the food is often fresh and tasty, though some waved the food truck items can be pricey (www.tripadvisor.co.nz ).)
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are welcome in the overall park grounds, and in fact at the campervan park dogs stay free (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). However, during concerts and official ticketed events animals are not permitted (even NR18 rules forbid pets) (aaaticketing.co.nz ). Guide dogs are generally allowed since the venue is public, but always check with event management. In summary: pets on leash outside on normal days are fine, but leave pets at home for big shows.
Are there food and drink options inside the park?
Yes. The park has its own eateries. Bramble Café serves coffee and breakfast fare in the morning, and the Stables Restaurant offers sit-down lunch and dinner (with a bar) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). Smith’s Bar is a pub next door for drinks and casual bites. When markets or festivals are on, food trucks set up around the park selling snacks, burgers, pizzas, etc. For drinks, all alcoholic beverages at concerts must be bought at the licensed bars (no BYO). There are drinking water stations and portable toilets available at large events.
Is Wi-Fi available at Matakana Country Park?
Public Wi-Fi is generally not provided throughout the park. The Stables Restaurant and cafes may have guest Wi-Fi for customers, but coverage can be spotty outdoors. Mobile phone coverage is usually good in the open fields (NZ telcos have rural coverage), so it’s best to rely on cellular data at events.
Are the Sunday Markets indoors or outdoors?
The Sunday Markets at Matakana Country Park are open-air and run on the lawns and car-park fields around the main complex (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). There are covered pagodas and marquees for some stallholders, but much of it is completely outdoors. Come prepared for sun or rain on these market days. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly (with pony rides and children’s activities as mentioned in FAQs), so most visitors wander around the gardens and green spaces during the market.
When do gates open for concerts and festivals?
Gate opening times vary by event, but typically gates open in the afternoon (often 1–3pm) on the day of a concert. For example, a recent Hidden Valley festival announced doors open at 3:00pm (www.ticketfairy.com ), and a New Year Shapeshifter show opened at 4:00pm (aaaticketing.co.nz ). It’s wise to arrive early to park and get through security. Always check the specific event info for exact door times.
Can I camp overnight at Matakana Country Park during events?
Yes, the park offers limited on-site camping for concert-goers (with a separate camping ticket). For instance, a past event had a one-night camping pass at $40 per person (aaaticketing.co.nz ). Facilities like toilets and water are provided. Outside of events, there is a small motorhome park with 11 powered sites. It charges around NZ$35 per person per night (children under 5 free) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). During large events the rate goes up (about $50pp) to cover security and amenities (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). Be aware that campervans must book ahead and space is limited.
Can I bring my own folding chair or picnic blanket?
Folding chairs, picnic blankets and the like are generally allowed at outdoor concerts unless otherwise stated. Many people bring their own low chairs or rugs to sit on in GA areas. However, keep valuable items secure. For VIP or seated tickets (if offered), seating might be provided. There is no official coat-check, though. If it’s wet, ground can be muddy, so a blanket can help. Always double-check the event’s terms – some festivals might disallow large chairs for safety/space reasons.
