MATAKANA VILLAGE

In 2002 locals Richard and Christine Didsbury purchased the old Matakana timber yard, with a vision to transform the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it rural service spot into a destination village with heart. A place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy special times with family and friends.

After working with the community to establish a thriving farmers’ market, the couple invited award-winning architect Noel Lane to create a village complex that respected Matakana’s rhythm and history, while linking the main street to the largely forgotten riverside.

The result is a world-class village with small town charm, full of beautifully landscaped open spaces and gathering places for the vibrant local community.

The surprise jewel is the spectacular arthouse cinema complex, featuring three dramatic theatres: the Paradiso, with a ceiling of 10,000 paper roses; the Roxy, draped in romantic fabrics from ceiling to floor; and the Tivoli, with a stunning centrepiece of an 800kg chandelier.

Downstairs, the village square hosts an intriguing selection of independent specialty shops. You won’t find chain stores in Matakana Village; our retailers are passionate about their carefully curated collections of art, homewares, fashion, jewellery and gifts.

With food stores, beauty therapy, a chemist and eateries-a-plenty, Matakana Village has everything you need for your perfect weekend escape.

The Matakana Village Farmers’ Market was founded on one simple premise: local people, selling locally-produced food.

Founders Christine and Richard Didsbury, alongside permaculture pioneers Joe Polaischer and Trish Allen, who co-founded Rainbow Valley Farm, created a market to celebrate the natural bounty and entrepreneurial spirit of the Matakana region. A rustic market square on the river’s edge, where locals and visitors could come together to meet, talk and connect.

Central to the market philosophy is food provenance. We care about where our food comes from, and at Matakana Village Farmers’ Market you can talk directly with the people who have grown, made or crafted what they’re selling.

Our producers are passionate about what they do, and each one has a story to tell. Over the years, the market has also helped launch a number of well-known gourmet brands.

From the beginning, we’ve been guided by a commitment to minimise waste and continually move closer to a zero-waste future. It’s an ongoing journey, and we’re always refining our systems, packaging and practices along the way. So bring your friends, along with reusable bags, containers, cups or bottles, and enjoy what’s grown, made and shared right here in Matakana.