About Matakana Country Park
Matakana Country Park is a unique 50-acre (about 18-hectare) privately owned estate roughly one hour north of Auckland (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Nestled in the picturesque Matakana region, it combines rolling countryside with a mix of attractions. Founded by entrepreneur John Baker in the early 2000s (a vision born from strolling Vancouver’s Butchart Gardens) (www.ticketfairy.com ), the park began simply with a café, playground and rustic barn market (m.scoop.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Since then it has expanded spectacularly into a full tourism hub with restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
Signature features include The Stables restaurant (a classic barn-style dining hall) and adjacent Smith’s Bar (with a blacksmith décor) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The historic St Andrew’s Church (built in 1895) was even relocated onto the grounds and now hosts weddings (www.ticketfairy.com ). For families, there are the Brambles Cafe for breakfast, a large adventure playground, mini train rides, pony rides and outdoor games (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Art Matakana gallery, a craft shop and a goldsmith are on site for shopping. In short, the park blends relaxed rural charm with a wide range of activities (www.ticketfairy.com ) (m.scoop.co.nz ). It’s been called an “X Factor” legacy property and a tourism “asset to the district” in local press (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Events and Programming
Matakana Country Park is best known for its busy events calendar, especially in summer. Every year it hosts large outdoor festivals and concerts, as well as regular markets and community fairs. Major music events include the annual Hidden Valley electronic music festival (late summer) and rock/concert tours. For example, in early January 2023 the park featured stars like UB40, Jefferson Starship and Dragon (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ), and a "Summer Haze" festival with New Zealand bands like Shapeshifter, Fat Freddy’s Drop and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). The park also ran an outdoor electronic festival called Sonorous (e.g. Jan 2020 (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz )) and a Matakana Food & Beer Festival (a weekend of local food trucks, breweries and live music) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (matakanacoastapp.com ).
Regular events include bi-monthly Sunday farmer’s markets and seasonal Friday-night markets (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). These markets showcase local produce, crafts and street food. Sundays bring “Made by Locals” markets (e.g. holiday weekends shown in schedule (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz )), and special themed markets at Easter, Anzac Day and Christmas. On non-market evenings, the bar and sometimes smaller concerts or family nights are open. The park frequently collaborates with promoters (e.g. Red Rum Touring) to host high-profile lights-and-sound shows, typically in the long days of January when daylight extends late.
Most entertainment events are well-publicized in advance. For big festivals like Hidden Valley or summer concert tours (often R18, licensed events), lineups and dates are announced months ahead. Smaller boutique festivals (such as a food/drink fair) also appear on local events calendars. In practice you’ll find a steady mix: family-friendly fairs in school holidays, markets on weekends, and occasional large-scale concerts or EDM festivals in the height of summer.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for concerts and festivals at Matakana Country Park are typically sold through the event organizers or official ticket outlets. For example, Hidden Valley and A Summer’s Day concerts have their own websites or promoter pages. Watch for presale announcements (often via social media or email lists) to snag early-bird deals. Popular shows can sell out quickly, so buying as soon as tickets go on sale is important.
For local markets and casual events (Sunday/Friday markets, family days), no ticket is needed – entry is free. Attractions like the pony rides or train may charge a small fee on site. For ticketed events, there generally isn’t a walk-up box office, though some concerts (like Shapeshifter 2020) have offered limited Door Sales (aaaticketing.co.nz ). If an event does allow door tickets, it will be noted in the event info; otherwise assume tickets must be bought online in advance. Pricing varies: small local shows might be NZD 20–50, while major festival tickets can reach NZD 100 or more. Always check official channels for the precise price tiers and seating options before a show.
Seating and Layout
Matakana Country Park is primarily an outdoor venue for large events. At most concerts the audience stands or sits on the grass, with the stage set up at one end of a big field. There are no fixed seats in the open-air arena – it’s general admission (first-come, first-served). Fans can spread blankets or bring low folding chairs to enjoy shows. Sound and lighting are professional festival-grade, with speaker towers and lighting rigs by the stage, but the open sky means acoustics can vary with weather and direction.
There are a few permanent structures. The Woolshed (a large barn) is an indoor function hall used for weddings and corporate events; it can seat roughly 200 people (www.weddingsmatakana.co.nz ). The Stables restaurant (and sometimes its courtyard) can also host seated dinners or small functions. But pop-up events like festivals do not use these indoor halls – those big parties happen on the open fields. In practice, “best seats” at an outdoor show simply means being near the stage (for view and bass), unless you prefer side views or shade under trees further back.
In general, if a show offers VIP or reserved sections it will specify that (for example, a few festivals will sell a small raised VIP area near sound). Otherwise, choose your spot based on preference (up front for energy, back for space, near the bar if you want quick drinks). Because it’s a rural field, ground may be uneven – flat-soled shoes are smarter than heels. Be aware there are no balconies or balconies; everyone shares the open hillside.
Getting There and Parking
Address & Directions: Matakana Country Park’s official address is 1151 Leigh Road, RD5, Matakana 0985 (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). If you’re driving, take State Highway 1 north out of Auckland to Warkworth, then follow signs on local roads to Matakana (turn left on Leigh Road north of Warkworth). The park entrance will be signposted at 1151 Leigh Rd. Google Maps or GPS also recognize the address. Allow about 60–90 minutes from central Auckland depending on traffic.
Parking: The park offers a very large free car park on site (this is the same lot used for the Sunday markets). For most daytime events and markets, you can simply drive in and park in the main car park. On busy summer event days, parking crews may direct you to overflow lots or specific gates. For example, Hidden Valley festival uses several gates: Gate B on Omaha Flats Road is the main public parking/drop-off area (free), and Gate C is bus-only (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). General guidance: arrive early for big shows to secure a spot, or consider carpooling.
Public Transit: Matakana is rural, so public transport is limited. Auckland’s bus route 997 (Ritchies Transport) runs between Warkworth and Omaha via Matakana a few times on weekdays (though service is infrequent) (moovitapp.com ). There is no train service. One practical approach is to take a commuter coach to Warkworth (e.g. SkyBus or commuter buses from Auckland), then taxi or local bus 997 up to Matakana. For events ending late, you may need to pre-book a taxi or rideshare.
Rideshare/Taxi: Uber and taxis operate in Warkworth/Matakana but availability can be scarce, especially late at night. Often, fest organizers suggest travel via Warkworth. Designated drop-off/pickup areas are usually set up (e.g. Hidden Valley uses Gate A for taxis and Ubers) (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). If you drive, note the park will close its gates after the event, so plan a pickup time. Leaving immediately at midnight is common, but hiring a cab back in advance is wise.
Inside the Venue
Entry & Security: On non-event days, the park is open from 6am to late evening( (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz )) with no entry fee – you can walk around, eat at the cafe, visit shops, etc. For ticketed events, look for marked entrance gates. Expect security checks at the gate: bags may be searched and metal-detector wands may be used. Most concerts will clearly list "no re-entry" or other policies; large events often have coat-check areas (Hidden Valley noted coat-check for any large bags (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com )). Be sure to have your ticket/ID ready (R18 events require NZ photo ID) (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ).
Atmosphere: The vibe is country-casual. Even big rock or EDM concerts at Matakana have a relaxed, grassy-outdoors feel (ticket site reviewers mention a “relaxed country vibe” (www.ticketfairy.com )). On normal days it’s family-friendly and safe. At full-scale events the crowd is a mix of 20s-40s music fans who happily sit on the grass; later evening performances naturally draw an older audience. Overall it never feels like a cramped stadium – you’re surrounded by fields and trees. Just remember: it’s outdoors, so you share space with dust, grass and the weather.
Food & Drink: Permanent eateries on site mean you don’t need to wander far. Brambles Cafe (open 7am-3pm) serves coffee, breakfast and lunch (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). In the evenings, The Stables restaurant offers plated meals while Smith’s Bar has pub meals and drinks (Smith’s is open from noon and is a local favorite (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz )). During markets or festivals, many pop-up food trucks and drink stalls fill the grounds, offering local craft beer, trucker-style burgers, barbecue, ice cream, etc (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). Bars inside events serve drinks; check if you need to buy tokens or use cash. All-day water is usually available (even free water stations are provided at large fests (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com )).
Restrooms: Permanent toilets are by the cafe and near the playground. At large events, dozens of portable toilets and urinals are set up in a central area (Hidden Valley notes “a tonne of portaloos” near the back left) (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). Hand-sanitizer stations are usually provided at festival events. For those with mobility issues, accessible toilets should be available near the main buildings.
Other Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is not guaranteed – cell coverage is patchy out in the country. You’ll often see people snapping photos with cell phones or small cameras (professional camera gear is sometimes restricted). Merchandise stands typically appear at music events (the artist or festival merch). Coat/rain check and lost & found booths are common at big concerts. There's no general baggage storage aside from specialized event coat-check. If you need to charge a phone, cafes sometimes oblige if you ask at the counter.
Nearby Amenities
Dining and Drinks: Right next door are the park’s housese of food (Brambles, Stables, Smith’s) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). A few minutes’ drive away is Matakana Village, which has additional options: The Matakana Cinema (with a café/bar), Matakana Village Pub (aka The Village Bar & Eatery), Taps Brewery & Beer Garden, and Matakana Country Park's sister winery **Casita Miro** (for tapas and wine). There are also boutique eateries like Little Country Kitchen (bakery/deli) and Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant (a scenic winery dinner spot). For drinks, aside from Smith’s Bar on site, Matakana has charming wine shops and cafés. If attending an evening event, consider a casual dinner in Matakana beforehand, or plan to eat on site after the show.
Shopping & Services: Matakana town (via Leigh Road south) has a few supermarkets, a bottle shop (“bottle-o”), and petrol stations if you need supplies. Nearest bank ATM is in Matakana Village or Warkworth. If you arrive early, the Matakana Village farmers market (every Friday) and craft market (Saturdays) are adjacent draws. In town you’ll also find the Matakana movie preview theatre and boutique homeware shops. The coastal hamlets of Leigh and Snells Beach are 10–15 minutes further north for cafes and sea views.
Lodging: There’s no hotel on the park itself, but a number of accommodations within a short drive. Matakana Village has bed & breakfasts and cottages (e.g. Matakana Country Lodge, The Shops at Matakana with self-contained units). For a more secluded stay there are coastal retreats near Snells Beach or boutique vineyard lodges (book ahead in summer). Campervan parks are a bit farther off; for large festivals some guests bring tents (Hidden Valley has optional camping passes, see event site). Overall, expect to drive 5–15 minutes to your lodging. Late-night travel can be limited, so staying in nearby Matakana/Warkworth area is wise for events.
What Makes This Venue Special
Matakana Country Park stands out for its combination of rural ambience and variety. Unlike a city theater or stadium, it offers open skies and green scenery – on a clear day you might even catch views of distant islands while listening to live music. The setting is visually charming (barns, red church, gardens) which creates a festive atmosphere. Artists like performing here for a change of pace – it feels like a big private farm party rather than a cold concrete venue. Fans and families love it for the relaxed, friendly vibe (www.ticketfairy.com ): kids can play on the playground while parents enjoy local beers at Smith’s.
Historically, Matakana Country Park has helped put the Matakana area on the map. It’s a centerpiece of the local wine-and-food scene, and even TV talent shows have praised it. Economically, its large events bring thousands of visitors each year – for instance, Hidden Valley draws up to 10,000 people on New Year’s Eve (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). That surge supports nearby businesses (hotels, restaurants, shops in Warkworth, Leigh and Omaha). Culturally, it’s become a community hub: Sunday markets feature local growers and artisans, and school holiday activities (pony rides, train) serve families across Rodney. In short, Matakana Country Park matters because it mixes “country charm” with high-quality entertainment (www.ticketfairy.com ) (m.scoop.co.nz ). It’s both a beloved local gathering place and an eye-catching venue for big-name acts in a non-urban setting.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The park’s main paths, cafe, and restaurants are generally wheelchair-friendly. Access the Stables and Brambles via handicap ramps. However, note that the large concert field is grass, which can be bumpy for wheelchairs or strollers. If you need close parking, the venue does reserve spots near the main entrance for disabled guests. During events ask staff about any special seating or viewing arrangements (sometimes a small raised platform is provided for those with mobility needs).
What to Bring: Carry a valid photo ID (if you plan to drink at an event, you may only enter if 18+ and with NZ passport or driver’s licence (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com )). For outdoor shows, bring sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle (free water is available at big events (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com )). A warm layer is wise for evenings, and a raincoat or poncho if showers are forecast (they rarely cancel for light rain). Comfortable flat shoes are best. At markets, cash helps (though ATMs are often available on site) – many stall holders take card now, but smaller vendors may not. You are allowed to bring small snacks for kids and empty drink containers but not large beverages or alcohol.
Venue Policies: Check each event’s rules beforehand. Common policies: no outside alcohol (the park is fully licensed), no professional camera equipment, and strict “no re-entry” on a single ticket. Bag size limits might apply (per Hidden Valley: bags smaller than a large purse only) (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). All events enforce New Zealand’s health and safety rules: intoxicated patrons will be asked to leave (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). If you smoke, do so outside marked areas. Pets are allowed around the static park areas (always on a leash), but usually not at concerts or busy markets for safety reasons. Always follow staff instructions – the park handles many visitors, so there are clear rules posted at entries for permitted items.
Common Mistakes: Don’t underestimate travel time. On popular summer weekends, the road to Matakana can get busy, so aim to arrive early. It’s often worth arriving before an event starts to settle comfortably (especially markets, which kick off early). Also, don’t assume food trucks will have everything – bring cash or small change in case. And remember, Matakana is rural; if you need an item (diapers, medicine, etc.) it may be a 15-minute drive back to town to find it. Plan accordingly.
Age & Dress Code: The park itself has no minimum age for entry. However, individual events might be restricted: big music festivals at Matakana Country Park are usually 18+ (especially if alcohol is served) (aaaticketing.co.nz ). Family events (daytime markets, school holiday activities) welcome kids. Code for concerts is casual: jeans, shorts and T-shirts are typical. You might dress a bit smarter for dinner at The Stables (smart-casual) if visiting on a non-event day.
Insider Tips: Local lore: On Sunday mornings you might catch the miniature train or pony rides running before the crowd arrives. At markets, head straight to the coffee or bakery stalls first – the queues can get long. When leaving a big event late at night, consider waiting a few minutes after the headliner finishes; often the crowd thins out quickly, making for a smoother drive home. If you’re going to a big concert, see if there is a shuttle bus or coach trip booked from Auckland/Warkworth – some events sell those. Finally, enjoy the scenery: time your visit to allow a stroll around the grounds, where there are often little surprises (like a sculpture or a photo op) to discover.
How do I purchase tickets for events at Matakana Country Park?
Event tickets are sold through each event’s official outlets (websites or approved sellers). Commonly, you buy online in advance from the festival or promoter. There’s usually no regular box office at the park itself. For major festivals or concerts, tickets often sell fast, so watch the event’s announcements and presales. Some smaller shows may allow a few door sales at the venue (aaaticketing.co.nz ).
Can I buy a ticket at the door?
It depends on the event. Many large concerts and festivals sell out before showtime, but some will offer a limited number of door tickets if available. For example, the Shapeshifter concert in January 2020 explicitly noted “door sales are available” (aaaticketing.co.nz ). Always check the specific event page. If door tickets are an option, they’ll typically be sold at the entrance when gates open.
What are the parking options and costs?
Matakana Country Park has a very large on-site car park, and parking is normally free of charge. For regular daytime activities and markets, you can park right in the main lot. During big events, staff will direct you to either the main park lot or overflow areas. In any case there’s no public parking fee. Note that special events (e.g. Hidden Valley) sometimes use separate gates — for instance, Hidden Valley designates Gate B on Omaha Flats Road for general parking (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ).
How do I get to Matakana Country Park by public transport?
Public transport is limited in this rural area. The AT bus route 997 (operated by Ritchies) runs between Warkworth and Omaha via Matakana several times each weekday (see Auckland Transport schedules). There is no train. A realistic option is to take a bus or train to Warkworth and then catch a taxi or route 997 bus to Matakana. For late-night events, you may need to arrange a taxi or rideshare since buses usually don’t run late.
Where is the rideshare/taxi drop-off area?
Designated drop-off zones are set up for large events. For example, festival planners often use a specific gate (like Gate A on Omaha Flats Road) for Ubers and taxis (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). Check the event’s “plan your journey” info – they usually clarify which gate to use. If normal entry is open, a taxi can just use the main Leigh Road entrance at 1151 Leigh Rd.
Is the park friendly for wheelchairs or strollers?
The main facilities (cafe, restaurant, paths around the playground) are wheelchair accessible. There are ramps and flat paths around buildings. However, the large event area is a grass field, which can be uneven. For concerts or festivals, ask staff about any special viewing areas or accessible lanes. Wheelchair parking spots are usually reserved near the entrance on event days.
Are dogs allowed at Matakana Country Park?
On normal days, well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome in the general park area (it’s a big open estate). You may enjoy walks with your dog on the grounds outside of events. However, pets are not permitted at large events, concerts or markets due to safety and licensing rules. Service animals are always allowed. When in doubt, check with park staff or event organizers for any specific pet policy.
Is there a cloakroom or bag check?
For major events and festivals, yes. Coat-check and bag-check desks are often provided at the entrance gates. For example, Hidden Valley festival informed attendees that any large bags would need to be checked (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). Smaller crowd events might not have formal cloakrooms, so plan to carry valuables with you. On market days, there is no cloakroom – but vendors and cafes usually have minimal theft risk areas.
Are Saturday/Sunday markets free to enter?
Yes, entry to the regular Sunday or Friday markets at Matakana Country Park is free for everyone. These are community markets showcasing local produce, crafts and food. You only pay for the items or food you buy from stalls – there’s no admission fee. In fact, the wide parking area and leisurely market vibe are open access and popular with families (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ).
What can I eat or drink at the venue?
The park has established dining spots: Brambles Cafe (breakfast & lunch), The Stables Restaurant (dinner), and Smith’s Bar (pub food & drinks) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). During events, numerous food trucks and bars spring up offering local craft beer, wine and foods (barbecue, burgers, ice cream, etc). You are not allowed to bring your own alcohol, so drink purchases must be made inside from the vendors or park bars.
Where are the restrooms?
Permanent restrooms are located by the cafe and near the playground, as well as inside The Stables. At large events, many portable toilets are set up in a central location (Hidden Valley notes a big bank of portaloos at the back-left of the field) (www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com ). All toilets have hand sanitizer at events. On a normal visit, you can use the indoor toilets in Brambles or Smith’s for free if eating there.
Is there cell service or Wi-Fi?
Cell reception can be spotty on the open field due to the rural location. Coverage is OK near the cafe/restaurant building, but the crowds and location may overload networks during big events. Some festivals rent basic Wi-Fi for checking messages, but don’t rely on data. If connectivity is important, plan for limited service or share locations beforehand.
Is the park open every day of the year?
Yes. Matakana Country Park’s attractions and dining areas are open daily from early morning until late (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). During weekdays and weekends (off-event days), you can visit the playground, café, shops and equestrian areas without special admission. The opening hours for eateries are listed (e.g. Brambles 7am–3pm, Smith’s Bar noon–late) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ) (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). Only some events (like markets) run on specific dates; the park itself remains accessible year-round.
What is the dress code?
There’s no strict dress code. For concerts and festivals you can dress very casually – jeans, T-shirts, shorts are common, and comfortable shoes are wise. Since events are outdoors, consider weather: a jacket or poncho if it’s cool/rainy, and a hat/sunscreen if it’s sunny. On normal days, people tend to wear casual country attire. The Stables restaurant is slightly smart-casual (it’s a nice dining spot), but you don’t need formal wear anywhere on the property.
How far is Matakana Country Park from Auckland?
Matakana Country Park is about 60–90 minutes’ drive north of downtown Auckland. It sits one hour north of the city in the Matakana wine region (www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz ). Traffic on State Highway 1 or the local roads (especially on weekends or holidays) can extend travel time, so plan accordingly. There are no closer alternatives by train – driving or taking a regional bus to Warkworth and then local transport is the usual journey.
What happens if it rains during an event?
Matakana Country Park shows generally continue unless weather is severe. For outdoor venues, light rain doesn’t automatically cancel a concert. Stages are usually covered by canopies. However, fields can get muddy, so come prepared. If a festival is cancelled, check the ticket provider’s refund policy – some will refund or allow ticket transfer. On normal days, Brambles cafe will keep serving under cover and many markets persist in light drizzle.
