In and around Warkworth
Living In Warkworth
Warkworth Township is less than an hour’s drive north of Auckland’s CBD making it an easy
commute whilst still being able to enjoy the quiet lifestyle Warkworth has to offer.
Warkworth is the main commercial centre for Rodney North and is also known as the Kowhai Coast.
From Warkworth you can access the Matakana Coast Wine Country, which has now become one of
the most desirable places to visit in New Zealand.
Also within a stones throw is the ever popular Tawharanui Peninsula, Omaha Beach and Goat Island Marine Reserve.
Through the heart of Warkworth run’s the Mahurangi River which hosts a peaceful walkway along the riverbank. Home to many ducks and other wildlife the river widens into the Mahurangi Harbour before opening into the outer Hauraki Gulf.
A short 10 minute drive east and you will discover the gateway to Kawau Island, a water lover’s wonderland. 
Ferries and water taxis are available for access to Kawau Island or there are many boat ramps to launch
your boat from, such as Sandspit, Omaha, Martins Bay and many more.
To the west of Warkworth is the Kaipara Harbour, which is also a popular place for fishing
and water activities.
As far as education goes, Warkworth Primary School and Mahurangi College, which takes children
from Ahuroa, Kaipara Flats, Tauhoa, Matakana, Leigh, Warkworth and Snells Beach have this covered with
great reputations for both academics and sport.
Warkworth area has had steady growth over the years, in 2001 there were 76,285 residents and by 2006 that figure had rose to 89,559. Although Warkworth continues to expand it still has the feel and warmth of a small country town.
History of Warkworth
Warkworth was established in 1853 by a man named John Anderson Brown, who travelled
to New Zealand from his home town in Warkworth, Northumberland which is located
in the UK.
The Mahurangi River which runs through Warkworth was the townships lifeline in
those days where steamboats provided the only link to Auckland until a road was
contructed in the 1930’s.
A timber mill was quickly built by Mr Anderson and the kauri timber found in the Warkworth area was responsible
for making Warkworth a well known town.
In the years to follow Warkworth saw much activity, boat building, a flour mill, a jam factory and the manufacture of hydraulic lime.
In 1866 the cement works was opened and cement made here was used to build the Grafton Bridge in Auckland in 1910 and at this time it was the largest concrete bridge in the world.
Warkworth has continued to thrive over the years even with the closure of the cement works, flour mill and jam factory.
Today the Cement works is a popular swimming location.
Real Estate in Warkworth
Excellent 'capital gains' has been experienced over the years for any type of property in the township. Rental investments have also shown a sound return and because of the popularity of the area vacancy rates are minimal.
Within a 2 kilometre radius of the town centre there is a generous range of housing styles from early period villas, bungalows, 1960/70's group houses, units through to contemparary designed houses on small lifestyle blocks.
After a couple of decades of low developement due to the unavailability of appropriate land and resource management Act restrictions, Warkworth now has an abundance of vacant sections available for building developement.
The fact that, in the main, the main highway to the north and south bypasses the majority of residential developement has always meant that Warkworth has been a desirable place to live and this popularity ensures security of investment
What’s In And Around Warkworth
Parry Kauri Park & Museum
Parry Kauri Park is home to some of the largest Kauri trees of their kind found on the east coast. 
Boardwalk tracks through the native bush are well sign posted and even give detailed information about some
of the flora and fauna found within the park.
Maps for the bush walk can be found in the museum, free of charge.
The museum will take you back in time with its re-created rooms of the 1920's.
Among these rooms are a corner store, kitchen, bedrooms and many more. Also throughout the museum you will get the opportunity to view clothing displays dating from 1890 to the 1950’s.
In keeping with the history of the kauri trees that made Warkworth a well known town there are displays of kauri digging equipment, giant pieces of kauri gum, saws, native timber and a bushman's hut.
Matakana Village
 Located 7km east of Warkworth it has become one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand.
Saturday mornings is a hive of activity with the local Farmers Market where you will find just about
anything from home grown fruit and vegetables to fresh Oysters in the shell.
Whitebait fritters made on site have become a very popular purchase as are the freshly cut flowers
and gourmet preserves.
Enjoy a fine locally made wine at the Vintry while the kids catch a movie at Matakana Cinemas or enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat at the Black Dog Café.
‘Blue’ ice-cream bar offers blueberry ice-creams made with their very own organically grown berries or you can pick from an array of other flavours.
Matakana markets are open every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm and in the summer months it also opens on a Wednesday evening from 3pm to 7pm.
Goat Island Marine Reserve
 Located just past Leigh approximately 25 minutes from Warkworth is Goat Island, a Marine Reserve which was established in 1975 and at the time was the very first in New Zealand.
Back then Goat Island was an over fished desolate sea bed but over time it has improved and today the reserve is bursting with fish and other sea life which can be enjoyed by all.
Snorkelling and diving is the best way to experience the wonders of Goat Island, however for those not tempted to tack a dip, the glass bottom boat may be the way to go. Tours operate regularly and take between 30-45 minutes to navigate around Goat Island.
Walking tracks are also available which are clearly posted and offer some great picnic areas.
Tawharanui Peninsula
Tawharanui Regional Park covers 588 hectares of coastal land and is a popular holiday spot offering an open sanctuary and a camping ground.
A popular feature of Tawharanui is the lagoon at Jones Bay, this has become a top location for sailing, kayaking and swimming.
There are many beaches found along the peninsula with the main two being Anchor Bay and Ocean Beach which are both great for swimming, sunbathing, walking and just plain old relaxing.
For the more adventurous there are numerous spots around the
Tawharanui coast perfect for surfing, fishing and diving.
Tawharanui is home to an open sanctuary which in 2004 saw the completion of a 2.5km coast to coast predator proof fence and the eradication of pests within this parameter. In 2006 fifteen kiwis were released into the sanctuary marking the return of the North Island brown Kiwi to the Auckland mainland. A year later 25 more Kiwis were 
released.
The Kiwis have begun thriving in there new predator free environment and proof of this arrived in January 2009 when two Kiwi chicks hatched in the wild.
These are the first Kiwi's to hatch in the wild for around 60 years.
The Puriri Tree
This is an ecological centre with an emphasis on adventure.
Located just fifteen minutes from Warkworth the centre offers a bush walk for kids where they will learn bush survival with
many structured initiative games.
Through this they will also learn map reading, native tree and bird recognition and get a chance to feed the eels.
If you prefer something more physical you can try your luck at paint ball or have a go at Archery.
Team building exercises are available and can be tailored to suit any age group.
These courses are not only fun but they will challenge all participants physically and mentally.
The Puriri Tree also offers an eco-store where you can purchase many ranges of handmade New Zealand products.
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
A house made of glass acts as the gateway to the Sculpture trail and also houses a resource
centre.
where visitors can browse through art books and view pictures of art previously displayed along
the trail.
The sculpture trail is an easy one hour walk and is suitable for most age groups and abilities.
The trail is 2km long and winds its way through native trees and features
around 25 to 30 pieces of art which is strategically placed throughout the walk.
Brick Bay wine is available for purchase along with seasonal platters and refreshments.
All sculptures are new works created by established and emerging artists. Artwork along the trail changes
regularly as artwork is sold and replaced.
Ascension Vineyard
Ascension vineyard is a well established and very popular destination.
They have become an increasingly fashionable location for weddings and corporate functions.
Their wines are award winning and the meals highly recommended.
Over the last couple of years Ascension Vineyard has participated in the annual ‘Winery Tour’ where musicians such Anika Moa, Opshop, Dave Dobbyn, Brooke Fraser, Golden Horse and Bic Runga perform live in concert amongst the vines. This has become a huge event with more than 2000 people attending the last one.
The Soljan family, owners of ascension vineyard are fifth generation wine makers with a passion for great wine. They have turned a small piece of Matakana soil into an attractive and reputable vineyard and restaurant.
Kawau Island
Kawau Island is Accessible from Sandspit, not far from Warkworth.
Rueben’s Mail-run ferry service departs from Sandspit at 10.30am 7 days per week and is a great way to see the Island.
Visit Mansion House which was purchased by Sir George Grey in 1862 and today is restored and furnished as it was back then.
There are many walking tracks and all are well sign posted. Choose to visit what’s left of the old copper mine,
walk around to Two House Bay or just enjoy the walks through the nayive bush.
Don’t be surprised if you spot a wallaby or two, as Kawau Island has some amazing wildlife and the Wallaby
is one example.
Wallabies were imported back in the 1800’s by Sir George Grey along with many other plants and animals from around the world. Many of these could not survive the New Zealand climate but the Wallaby has continued to thrive on Kawau Island for many years.
Refreshments can be purchased from the Mansion House café or bring your own for a picnic in the beautifully manicured grounds of Mansion House Bay.
Kawau Bay offers numerous fishing spots and great picnic hideaways. Accommodation is available around the Island.
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