See & Do
Snells Beach is in the heart of the Mahaurangi Peninsula. On the doorstep is the rustic Bach town of Sandspit, the humming village of Matakana and the classic centre of Warkworth.
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While staying at the studio you can discover all there is on offer in this beautiful part of country. If you enjoy beaches, Omaha and Tawharanui are some of the most beautiful beaches in NZ. If you enjoy diving, try Goat Island Marine Reserve in Leigh. And if you fancy a day trip to Kawau Island you can catch a ferry from Sandspit.
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Below is more detail about some of the activities you can enjoy while you are here.
Sandspit
Sandspit is quaint little seaside bay dotted with iconic kiwi baches. The picturesque area is worth a visit for a picnic and a stroll along the beach to get a closer look at the bachs.
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Sandspit wharf is also the departure point for a day trip to Kawau Island.
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Sunrise Bed & Breakfast is just a 5 minute drive from Sandspit.
Kawau Island
No trip to the area would be the same without a day on Kawau Island. Departing from Sandspit the ferry will take you to the historic landing in Mansion House.
There are various walks starting at Mansion House bay that will take you to Lady's Bay, Coppermine Bay, Momona Point and Two House Bay (currently this track is closed).
You can finish your day with a tour of Sir George Grey's residence, grab a coffee and ice cream and spend some time jumping off the wharf.
Omaha
Omaha is a popular resort area that is known for it's beautiful white sandy beach, surfing and waterskiing.
After a few hours on the beach there are many other things to see and do. There is a golf course, tennis courts and walking tracks to keep you well entertained.
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Sunrise Bed & Breakfast is just a 15 minute drive to Omaha.
Tawharanui
Tawharanui is a favourite of many who have visited it's beautiful shores. Swim, snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters in Anchor Bay. Explore the caves and bathe in the mermaid pools as the tide goes out.
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The vast regional park also boasts many different walking tracks with spectacular views.
Goat Island
Goat Island Marine Reserve is the perfect place to explore the sea life of NZ waters. Grab some snorkel gear or diving gear or paddle a kayak, a clear yak or board the glass bottom boat.
The Marine Discovery Centre has state-of-the-art marine displays showcasing the our underwater world, and a tide pool tank full of marine creatures.
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The township of Leigh is also worth a visit including a trip to the iconic Leigh Sawmill.
Sculptureum
The Sculptureum is situated on Omaha Flats Road on the way to Omaha township. It houses art galleries and sculpture gardens. The art galleries contain pieces that will intrigue and bring out the art connoisseur in even the least arty of people. And the sculpture gardens are something that truely must be experienced to be believed.
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The Sculptureum website describes the place the best: "There are three sculpture gardens extending over 1.5 kms of flat paths bursting with sculptures, prehistoric rocks, live animals and reflective quotes all surrounded by colourful plantings that change with the seasons."
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While you are there, why not book a table at Rothko restaurant which is set in the Sculptureum gardens. It was voted in the Metro Top 50 Restaurants in Auckland in 2019.
Matakana Market
Matakana Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning and focuses on fresh and local artisan foods.
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From award-winning coffee to mouth-watering brunch dishes. Stock up on fresh produce and relax by the river while listening to live music and eating some of the delicacies on offer.
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While you are there, have a wander through the village and visit the boutique shops and galleries. Perhaps even catch an arthouse film in the charming cinema.
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Sunrise Bed & Breakfast is just a 10 minute drive from Matakana.
Matakana Country Club
Matakana Country Club boasts a wide range of activities including animal experiences, a miniature train ride, pony rides, a craft shop, art gallery, goldsmith, Bramble Cafe, Stables Restaurant and Smiths Bar.
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An easy place to spend a few hours.
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Sunrise Bed and Breakfast is just a 10 minute drive from Matakana.
Matakana
Oysters
If you are a fan of oysters, you can't go past Matakana Oysters at The Green Shed, 1217 Leigh Road, just past Matakana. You can eat onsite, or takeaway to eat later.
They are open most of the year but close at certain times for harvesting. Find them on FaceBook to make sure they are open when you are in the area.
Highfield Gardens Reserve
Nestled on the hill between Snells Beach and Algies Bay is Highfield Gardens Reserve, or more commonly known as the Donkey Reserve. This unique experience gives you the opportunity to hand-feed the local donkeys. Carrots are their favourite snack, so make sure you come prepared with a bag in hand.
Continuing up the hill past the donkeys is a beautiful lookout with sweeping views across Kawau Bay. You can see right over Snells Beach, across to Sandspit, all the bays that make up Tawharanui peninsula, Kawau island, Beehive island, Scandrett Regional Park and Algies Bay.
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Sunrise Bed & Breakfast is less than 5 minutes drive from Highfield Garden Reserve in Algies Bay.
Scandrett Regional Park
Scandrett Regional Park is made up of 100 acres of park lands. There are various easy walking tracks that circumnavigate the area and provide expansive views across Kawau Bay.
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The park includes the original heritage Scandrett family farm buildings dating from the 1880's. There is information about each building onsite. The buildings include the homestead, barn, boat shed, cow shed, implement shed, tractor shed and a hen house / calf shed. With a wealth of interesting historical information, Scandrett Regional Park is definitely worth a day trip while you are in the area.
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Sunrise Bed & Breakfast is just a 15 minute drive from Scandrett Regional Park
Parry Kauri Park Warkworth
The beautiful Parry Kauri Park is located in Warkworth. There you can take an easy stroll along one of the well-made boardwalks, through the native bush, to the lookout and kauri tree grove. You will be astounded as to how big some of the kauri trees get. In particular the McKinney and Simpson kauri trees which stand in full view of the car park. They are the largest trees of their kind to be seen on the east coast of New Zealand.
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The Warkworth and District Museum is also located at the site. It contains displays and information that gives an insight into the lives and pursuits of the pioneering families in the area. It includes beautifully presented colonial history displays, well thought out recreated rooms from the 1920's, clothing displays from the 1890's to the 1950's and many more rooms displaying the local history.
Sunrise Bed and Breakfast is a 10 minute drive to Warkworth.
Scotts Landing
Right at the end of the Mahurangi East peninsula you will come to Scotts Landing. Scotts Landing is the gateway to the Mahurangi Harbour. Here you will find the heritage Scott Homestead as well as Bailey Cottage and Ferguson House.
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A peaceful haven with a gently sloping sheltered beach. 100 year old trees provide shade and the only vehicles are boats. Once a year, Scotts Landing hosts the Mahurangi Cruising Club annual regatta prize giving and BBQ.
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At low tide, you can walk across the isthmus to Casnell Island.
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Sunrise Bed and Breakfast is a 15 minute drive from Scott's Landing
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Brick Bay Winery & Sculpture Park
Located convieneintly in Snells Beach, the Brick Bay Winery and Sculpture Park is a must-see.
Set in 200 acres of beautiful countryside, you can enjoy a wine or bite to eat in the architectural-award winning restaurant, in the midst of an idyllic landscape of farmed pasture and native bush.
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After your meal, explore the ever-changing sculpture trail which takes you across grassed areas and through the bush while enjoying the artistic sculptures throughout your walk.
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Sunrise Bed and Breakfast is a 2 minute drive from Brick Bay Winery and Sculpture Park.
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