Discover our local area, day outings and our favourite eateries
Whether you enjoy staying close to home and exploring the beautiful offerings of our sanctuary estate, or you are feeling adventurous and curious about what this region has to offer, there are many options available for you to choose from.
On The Farm
As you walk from your cabin towards our therapy rooms, you might come across Meika and Luna - our lovely cows. And if you're interested in meeting our chickens who lay fresh eggs every day, you can visit their coop and share your food scraps with them (but please don't give them chicken scraps).
We also offer some calming and leisurely farm and bush walks around our property that we can guide you to, however, if you are looking for a bit of cardio exercise, our driveway is 2 kilometers long and has a good steady incline on the way back up! There's nothing like being in nature to balance and calm our mind and body, and to remind us to be grateful for the little things.
Outside the Sanctuary gates
Sightseeing, scenic walks and local eateries
The Corner Stone Café – Nice and close to home we have the Corner Stone Café, just a few minutes drive from our gate. Serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, The Corner Stone is a favourite with locals and travellers alike.
Karangahake Gorge – a peaceful and picturesque river area with waterfalls, and a selection of bushwalking tracks that is only approximately a 40-minute drive from our sanctuary.
Falls Retreat - A hidden gem found in the gorge, if you are a committed foodie, this unforgettable dining destination is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and booking is required. The menu showcases local, organic and seasonal produce that is prepared from scratch, and there are gardens to explore, outdoor games and a children's playground.
Waihi Beach - a further 20-minute drive from the Karangahake Gorge (so you can do both on the same day) is beautiful Wahi Beach. Charming and with an array of interesting shops and eateries to explore, the northern part of the beach is stunning with white sand and more often than not, surf; while if you are after a gentler swimming experience drive south a bit to Bowentown and Anzac Bay where you can fish, paddleboard, kayak or follow the grassy track to sheltered Shelly Bay.
If you fancy a bush walk to a more private beach, head to the northernmost part of Waihi Beach and head over the hill to Orokawa Bay.
Dining at Waihi Beach – one of our favourites is Flat White Café. This beachfront restaurant boasts panoramic ocean views and is open seven days a week 361 days of the year (closed two days in winter and Christmas and Boxing Day).
Matamata - One hour's drive south from the Sanctuary is Matamata, where the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set is located. Bookings are essential for this unique and enchanting experience.
Wairere Falls - a mere 10-minute drive out of Matamata, this spectacular destination is the highest waterfall on the North Island. You’ll need good walking shoes and there are a couple of track options depending if you walk to the bottom of the falls or keep walking a further 45 minutes to the top. The round-trip can take a few hours – so be prepared; there are however several spots to stop and rest and cool your feet if desired.
Eating out in Matamata - We recommend Osteria, an Italian restaurant run by the Zoraja family, that serves hearty, flavourful cuisine with hospitality and recipes passed down from generations. Locally supplied quality meats and home-grown produce are complemented by specially imported Italian wines, as well as a selection of beers and cocktails.
Coromandel Loop - If you're after a full-day outing, it’s hard to beat the Coromandel Loop. This picturesque day trip takes you through some of New Zealand's most stunning beaches, bush, coastal scenery and townships. There are numerous villages to stop and explore boasting dozens of unique cafes and eclectic shops and galleries. The loop road is a favourite with motorcyclists with its jaw-dropping scenery and curving highways.
There is a range of adventure activities to enjoy around the Coromandel loop, including zip-lining and kayaking, so please let us know if you would like information about any of these.
Pukekhoe & Bombays - The town of Pukehohe is an easy 35-minute drive away and is good for a potter around the shops. There are several lovely restaurants and eateries to choose from, one of our favourites is The Monarch or if you like a bit of Asian Fusion check out Blue Ox Babe menu here
If you’re after a fine dining experience, located in the Bombays before turning off to Pukekhoe is Bracu set in the 70 acre olive plantation is an elegant and contemporary dining space, with award-winning seasonal cuisine, prepared with the freshest locally-sourced and estate-grown ingredients.
The Hunua Ranges - 40 minutes north, this area offers some attractive walks and waterfall options
and for a gorgeous lunch and maybe a wee sip on a sunny day the Sir John Hill Winery is the perfect place to call into.
For a casual café lunch in Clevedon township you cannot beat The Corner or for a bit of beer tasting and some tasty eats you cannot go wrong with Hauller Tau
The Clevedon Markets – if you love the market atmosphere and a bit of retail therapy, try the Clevedon markets on Sunday morning.
Thames – 25 minutes away is our local historic town Thames - perfect for a potter around the shops and a bite to eat. The Saturday morning markets are always a highlight with a great variety of stalls and goodies.
We recommend Melbourne Café for lunch, although there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from.
Kaiaua - For really authentic, casual, old-style kiwi pub “grub” then head down the road from our place (about 25 minutes) to the Bay View Hotel at Kaiaua. They have a spacious beer garden and do a fantastic steak, fresh fish, chips and local scallops. Across the road is the attractive, peaceful rocky beach and there’s often plenty to look at as the area is known for its bird watching all along the coast.
A walk through the Waharua Regional Park - just a 10-minute drive from Kaiaua - is always a relaxing stroll, with some more rigorous tramps available.
Hauraki Rail Trail - The laid-back Hauraki Rail Trail, part of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand is a great bike ride for all ages and abilities. With its gentle terrain and abundance of cafes and restaurants along the way, it is one of the easiest and most satisfying trails on the North Island.
This vast, scenic ride follows the Shorebird Coast, taking you through lush countryside, a bush-clad gorge, and quaint townships. You'll explore the history of the gold rush and railway in the Karangahake Gorge, and experience the warmth of local hospitality. There are options to explore the Coromandel further, as well as heading south to Matamata to the Hobbiton movie set.