View from The Ridge Lodge The Ridge Lounge The Ridge at night dinner at The Ridge Puhoi nad sea view luxury accommodation

Things To Do

The historic village of Puhoi and the Makatana Coast area offers everything you could want for a weekend break or two or three days as part of your holiday in New Zealand, below is a few examples of what's on offer...

At The Ridge 

  • The immediate bush at The Ridge is a haven for several species of New Zealand native birds so take stroll around our bush walk, perhaps take a book or a glass of wine down in to the bush and enjoy the tranquility, relax in the spa during the day or under the stars at night, play a game of Petanque, sunbath and relax on the decks... 
  • Take a scenic helicopter flight from our helipad at The Ridge

In Puhoi Historic Village (5 minutes by car)

  • Explore the historic village of Puhoi settled by Bohemians back in 1863 with its museum, beautiful church, the most famous pub in NZ with its friendly local characters, antiques, galleries, cream teas, MustardMakers, art of cheese cafe, go river canoeing, or take a bush walk, there is a Sunday farmers market in the village the last Sunday morning of every month. Visit Zelandia Sculpture Garden and Mahurangi Regional Park just 10 minutes north of Puhoi.

The Matakana Coast (15 minutes north by car) 

  • Tour some of the 18 vineyards on the Matakana Coast Wine Trail and stop for lunch at one of the many cafes.
  • Visit the numerous local art galleries and fabulous sculpture gardens such as Brickbay and Zealandia (sculpture Terry Stringer)
  • Pop in to the famous Morris & James tile works, or fun and games at Sheepworld
  • Take in the atmosphere of the local farmers and country markets in Matakana (Saturday mornings)
  • Visit Mahurangi and Tawhuranui regional parks and take a walk or swim at the quiet beaches
  • Dive and snorkeling around Goat Island and the marine reserve - or take the Glass Bottom Boat tour!
  • Go horse riding on the beach at Pakari
  • Take a boat to the Historic Mansion House on Kawau Island which has great walks (ferries from Sandspit)
  • See the giant Kauri trees at Warkworth Museum and Parry Kauri Park

 The Hibiscus Coast (15 minutes  south by car)  

  • Indulge in a pampering spa treatment at nearby Waiwera Hot Thermal Pools and Infinity Spa
  • Bush walk at Wenderholm regional park, take a swim at the beach or visit the historic house
  • Swim, walk or windsurf on the vast Orewa beach
  • Ski at Snow Planet, try the new Luge or go-karting
  • Take a guided walk on Tiritiri Matangi Island native bird sanctuary (ferries from Gulf Harbour)
  • Play golf - at one of several local courses including the international course at Gulf Harbour 

The West Coast (30 minutes west by car)  

  • Go to Muriwai Beach with its black sand to see the Gannet Colony
  • Visit historic Helensville and the wineries of the Kumeu not fogetting the honey bees at Bees on Line  

Auckland city (30 minutes south by car)

  • There's loads of shopping and eateries in the boutique areas of Parnell, Ponsonby and the Viaduct Harbour with its Maritime museum, even sail on an America's Cup yacht.
  • Visit the Auckland museum and the Sky Tower - even jump off of it! Wonder at Kelly Talton's Underwater World 
  • Visit Waihiki Island by ferry and take a wine tour and have some lunch

Fishing, sailing and shooting days can also be organised with prior arrangement, or just perhaps kick back, relax and do nothing!

We are happy to advise and arrange tailored activities programmes and tours for you. Make your stay in our historic and unspoiled district a stay to remember.

Download the Activity Guide and a map as PDF (107KB)