Weekend Getaway

New Zealand’s North Island merits exploration in every direction. With a 4-day weekend to fill, we chose to head to the Northland and the Bay of Islands. Beyond Auckland, our first stop was the village of Matakana – the heart of the coastal wine country. We made time for one tasting stop at Hyperion - a boutique winery. The knowledgeable vintner poured us several good tastes, but we left with an excellent 2008 Chardonnay and a superb 2005 Cabernet/Merlot/Malbec.




We found the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market to be a cut above typical markets and is indeed “a collaboration of organics and sustainability.” Locally produced cheeses, olive oils, breads, and buffalo bleu cheese, were among the attractions.











Our first night was spent in Leigh – home to Goat Island and lovely beaches, including the relaxing Matheson Bay. We stayed at the Island View Bed and Breakfast where our gracious hosts Tom and Sheila Rutherford helped us map our northern route to the Bay of Islands. Before heading out Saturday morning, we took in a quick coastal walk.