FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Our small Matakana Coast based, family business run by Liz & Geoff Bays, with the help of Operations Manager Philippa Hunt. We launched in 2008, driven by our passion for connecting visitors with the locals and their stories, allowing time to absorb the stunningly scenic rural and coastal backdrop. We invite you to come along and explore our backyard.
We have provided answers to frequently asked questions below and we welcome you contacting us directly anytime by phone or email.
There are many tours to choose from, where do I start?
Step 1 First select the tours section/page most suitable:
-Little and local tours: created for visitors enjoying a short stay in local accommodation who wish to enjoy a quick introduction to the Matakana Coast.
Local central pick-up points - seat on coach tickets - shared tours
-Classic Tours: created for visitors who wish to enjoy a generous all-inclusive full day tour of the Matakana Coast delights.
Door to door service - small group or private tours - all-inclusive
- Neche/Bespoke group tours: created for groups with an agenda… hens wishing for light activity to bond over, Corporate groups celebrating milestones, rewarding customers and team members, Themed tours for historians, golfers, Hikers, Tweeters and more
Door to door service - small to large private groups - bespoke all-inclusive itineraries - Optional goodie bags and theming
- Guide and Transport only: created for small private groups and family groups who prefer pay as you go experiences. Assistance provided for itinerary building. Relying on the day availability and guide knowledge to match interests to experiences available.
Door to door service - private tour - no inclusions - cost brackets up to 6 passenger, up to10 passengers, up to 20 passengers, up to 40 passengers.
Step 2 Research the tour options in that section/page and book or enquire accordingly.
Step 3 If you still don’t find the experience you’re looking for or find availability issues… get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
The Wine and Food tour is very popular… What vineyards do we visit?
With nearly 20 local vineyards to choose from it is a hard choice. Our wine and food tour visits 3 vineyards. We select depending on the date, the size of the groups, itinerary variety, and other factors. We generally avoid disclosing which vineyards we visit, as it can change at the last minute. Contact us if you require more information or have a special request.
How do you decide on what stops for our bespoke itinerary?
At Matakana Tours we take pride in listening carefully to what you want to experience and using our local knowledge to match your wish-list. We take care of your every need such as: itinerary creation, reservations, tariffs, timelines. So you can totally relax and absorb the experience to the fullest.
We’re also clear and transparent on all costings, so you know what is included and what is not and there are no surprises on the day. Contact us now for your own carefully crafted bespoke itinerary that is sure to satisfy.
Bespoke tours… What experiences can we choose from?
Search the site for ideas or contact us now for a full list of experiences to choose from. We will create an all-inclusive bespoke itinerary to suit your interests.
The Matakana Coast is full of diverse activities to enjoy.
We have a particular abundance of:
Nature: New Zealand’s oldest Marine reserve, over 30 white sand beaches from waves to still water, Local sheep and beef farms, stunning scenery.
Soft Adventure: Kayaking rivers, 6 golf courses, fishing by helicopter, charter boat or off the rocks, bush walking tracks, cycle trails.
Art and culture: Outdoor sculpture trails, Local award winning gardens, Historic sights & Nautical history, Meet the growers food & wine producers.
Group activities: Light competitions & lots of fun… Go Karts, Archery, Axe Throwing, Rifle range, Team bonding build and float a boat, quiz trails.
Too many to list :-)
Also consider the following:
Pace of the tour… Action-packed, fit as much in as you can, or a more relaxed pace with time to chat and bond with your fellow passengers.
Variety On the day - we suggest getting the more focused activities done in the morning to allow time for sightseeing and more relaxed paced stops during the afternoon.
A sure to please itinerary often has the following: Activity - lunch - sight seeing - light activity.
For example here are two tours arranged in this fashion:
*For couples:
Guided kayak along the meandering Puhoi river, abundant with flora, fauna and historic antidotes
Lunch of New Zealand Lamb or Fish
Sightseeing of Matakana toilets, historic nautical sights including a fully restored sailing scow (a flat bottom boat built by local ship builders 100+ years ago)
Wine tasting at local vineyard meeting the charming local wine maker
*For groups:
Go karting, 3 race sessions of 10 minutes - best lap times win
Winery antipasto platter lunch
Sculpture and quiz trail through native bush
Wine tasting at local vineyard
Do you open on public holidays?
At this time, we choose not to run any tours on all public holidays and long weekends, due to issues with holiday traffic and venues closing.
If your answers are not here, please contact us, We love to hear from you.
We live local, love local and look forward to sharing the culture, insights and secrets of this beautiful piece of New Zealand;
which in turn helps support the local community and local economy.
Thank you for supporting local!
