Get Tipsy with Kirsty McKay in Matakana
Kirsty McKay and Mike Sutherland in the brewery at Matakana
Sawmill is an independent brewery just outside Matakana Village, about 45 minutes’ drive north of Auckland CBD. The brewery has established in 2004, and Kirsty McKay and Mike Sutherland became owner-operators in 2009. In 2016 they moved the brewery from its original site up the road in Leigh and opened Smoko Room, a taproom and eatery within the brewery that has become a lively hub for the local community and for visitors seeking a genuine local hospitality experience.
Sawmill is New Zealand’s first B-Corp certified brewery, and has a mission statement of protecting and preserve our shared resources – land, sea, soil and water – written into its DNA.
Kirsty get tipsy with us in Matakana, sharing her tips for the region’s best:
Best coffee
There is a lot to choose from here – go to Leigh Eats for a super relaxed community feel, Ravish for the baking alongside the coffee, and a super cool pop up this summer called six one five, next to Green with Envy. The Matakana Roastery is also a really stylish little spot with great Portuguese tarts alongside the coffee.
Best for picnic supplies
Stop at Matakana Smokehouse next to Ravish (corner of Sharp Road) for smoked fish and a myriad of other goods from their store, then hit Goose or Ringawera for bread (both in the village), the roadside stalls for tomatoes and greens, Daily Organics for the best kombucha, Make sure you pick up the incredible smoked honeycomb from Honey by the Sea. And hit the Matakana Market on Saturdays (early) for dozens of other locally made goods and local produce. Charlies gelato on the way home!
Best swimming spot away from the throngs
Pink beach, walk around one bay to the south from Omaha, peace!
Special occasion dinner spot – and what are you ordering?
I’d go to Brick Bay, its beautiful; you can take a walk, amazing wine and extraordinary vision by the Disbury family. Also visit OBV for the pinot gris and the views.
Any fab hospitality personalities that stand out?
Kate Arbuthnot who runs the Matakana Market – boundless energy, vision and passion for local food and supporting local business.
Accommodation gems
The Green Tent. Very cool and walking distance from the Village.
Cute or quirky retail spots worth seeking out
Green with Envy – they have their own waterfall! All the roadside honesty stalls. Umi, next door to Matakana Smokehouse is beautiful. Keep an eye out for Frolic Ceramics’ open days too, it’s a stunning studio. Don’t miss the art we have in the Smoko Room – it’s all for sale and from well known New Zealand artists based in Mahurangi.
Summarise Matakana in a nutshell, for those who've never been
Full of interesting stores and food, independent, a gateway to a beautiful stretch of coastline.
