From Auckland north first a stop by: Orewa and the small shopping community of Silverdale.

Orewa has one of the finest beaches in the country. If you want to see one of the area's marina development go out the Whangaparaoa Peninsula to Gulf Harbour. Also a chance to stop at the Shakespear Regional Park.
For the top restaurant in the entire region go to Manly on the Peninsula and try the Sparx. You may have to book for evenings though as it is extremely popular.

      Nex t north is the Warkworth area.There are over thirty wineries. Our pick is Heron's Flight

for their tasty Sangiovese wine.I am a little bit prejudice as I was there talking with the owner David Hoskins in 1993 and he excitedly revealed his plans for the planting of the Italian grape as we looked down over a barren hillside now completely covered with the Sangiovese vines. So glad it has become a success. Plenty of galleries in the area also with our pick the Arts Desire Gallery

Matakana can brag about two of the best cafes...period. One is the Patisserie and the other the Black Dog who roast their own coffee. The settlement of Leigh has one of the best restaurants in the Sawmill Cafe.

There is a real bonus on past Leigh and a not to be missed trip  the back way to Wellsford.  There is the
Pakiri Beach Holiday Park  to stay at. Great place to enjoy a special part of New Zealand most tourists never experience. If you like scubs diving they are by the Goat Island Marine Reserve that is packed with fish to see.A great place to use as a base for this area so you can enjoy the fresh baked goods at Matakana and visit some of the wineries and galleries in the area.