Verve catches up with some of Matakana’s locals as they discuss their love for the idyllic neighbourhood.
Alicia Herbert
Why did you move to Matakana?
My parents moved to Matakana about 10 years ago, so it became our weekend escape. Fast forward to 2020 and we were about to have our first child so decided to move to Matakana to be closer to my parents. It was supposed to be for eight to 12months, and it’s now been three years!
How has the move been?
We’ve never looked back! After our eight-month trial, we decided to buy a house and make the move permanent. It’s given me the opportunity to work from home and create my own clothing brand, Dear Mumma Maternity.
What do you most love about it?
We love the community and village feel. We have met so many likeminded families and couples with the same goal to switch that work life balance and enjoy more family time. We’re so lucky to have amazing local shops like the Bach and Two Boutique who stock top fashion brands. There are so many beautiful restaurants like The Farmers Daughter and Smoko Room at the sawmill. And we love having Omaha beach on our doorstep.
Anything you regret?
Not moving earlier!
What do you miss about Auckland?
I don’t miss the traffic and roadworks. Entertaining kids in winter is tougher up here, however, as the area grows and with the new motorway opening, we may see more activities and businesses opening for kids’ entertainment.
Tom & Kat Webber
Why did you move to Matakana?
We wanted to escape the city and had always dreamed of a spot that was still accessible to Auckland, but with an awesome laid-back lifestyle. After seriously considering Waiheke and Queenstown, we fell in love with Matakana: the beaches, the wineries, and the community.
How has the move been?
We moved during covid, so the first few months were a bit tricky. Once we settled in though, we didn’t look back. We initially thought we might move back to the city one day, but those thoughts are completely gone now. We couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
What do you most love about it?
Matakana is a really special place. We often say we can’t believe we get to call this home. The community is unbelievable. The lifestyle for our kids – aged four and one – is like going back in time; biking between neighbours’ houses, beach every day, climbing trees, and running barefoot and fancy free. We have met so many incredible people and have been so quickly welcomed into the community, with friends popping in and helping out when we need a hand. There’s always something to do or someone to celebrate.
Anything you regret?
Not moving here sooner!
What do you miss about Auckland ?
Honestly not much really. Maybe only that it’s a little tricky with young kids in winter as there are not many indoor activities. We often will pop down on a really rainy day and explore Auckland, it’s so accessible – we have the best of both worlds living here.
Sophie Carew
Why did you move to Matakana?
I loved visiting Matakana from a young age, and could always see myself living here. After a serious car accident in 2011 whilst working in Australia, the energy of living in a busy city no longer appealed to me. I felt a need to be closer to the ocean, and nature was much more aligned to the lifestyle I wanted to live.
How has the move been?
I moved over eight years ago, and it’s been one of the best decisions I ever made. It was actually a dream of mine to own a wellness centre here one day – incredibly this came to fruition when six months ago, the opportunity to take over Bali Garden was presented to me.
What do you most love about it?
Matakana is a very special place with so much on offer: stunning scenery, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, nature and sculpture walks, vineyards, local breweries, a boutique cinema, and a popular farmers’ market. I feel extremely grateful to live here. There are so many incredible beaches right on our doorstep, like Pakiri, Tawharanui, and Omaha. I love being able to go surfing whenever there’s a wave and not having to battle crowds or traffic. There’s a greater sense of community here in Matakana compared to when I lived in the city.
Anything you regret?
Nothing, zero regrets.
What do you miss about Auckland?
There’s actually not a lot that I miss about city life, however, I do miss the variety of restaurants and being able to spontaneously meet up with family and friends.
Ella Ashton
Why did you move to Matakana?
My husband and I made the decision to move to Matakana to prioritise a better life for us as individuals and for our family – one centred around nature, community, a slower pace, and quality time. It has exceeded expectations in all areas!
How has the move been?
Exciting! I felt the move was easy, but it was my husband who did all the heavy lifting, and he will be happy not to move house again any time soon. It felt surreal to have our first night here and four months in we still comment each week that it feels like we are on holiday and about to go home. We feel so grateful that this is now our home.
What do you most love about it?
We absolutely adore it here. I love it even more than I thought I would. The access to nature and community is what we value the most — we spend our weekends exploring at the beach or walking through paddocks filled with animals and birds or planting our garden or planning our vegetable patch. Our children are in heaven and so are we! We feel like we are living our dream life.
What has pleasantly surprised us the most is the community and connections we’ve made. Everyone has been so welcoming and inclusive, and the people here have an enthusiasm for life. There is always an invite for coffee, a drink at the local pub, golf games or surfing trips, book clubs, and dinner parties. We have met so many great families that we see multiple times a week.
Anything you regret?
Nothing at all — we couldn’t be happier!
What do you miss about Auckland?
We have great friends in the city who we wish we saw more of, but we have had many special visitors since we moved, and I know there will be more to come, especially as the temperature rises! As the seasons change Matakana just gets better and better.
