The best things to do in Matakana when it’s raining include catching a film at the boutique Matakana Cinemas, exploring the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, enjoying wine tasting at local vineyards like Brick Bay, and browsing artisanal works at Morris & James Pottery. These activities provide excellent indoor entertainment away from the weather.
Matakana is world-renowned for its pristine coastline, the Goat Island Marine Reserve, and its vibrant outdoor markets. However, New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable. A sudden downpour doesn’t mean your day trip or weekend getaway is ruined. In fact, Matakana transforms into a cozy, sophisticated haven of culture, gastronomy, and education when the clouds roll in. Whether you are a marine tourism enthusiast unable to board a glass-bottom boat or a foodie seeking shelter, this region offers high-quality indoor alternatives that rival its outdoor attractions.
1. Experience the Magic of Matakana Cinemas
If the rain has cancelled your outdoor plans, there is no better refuge than the Matakana Cinemas. This is not your average multiplex; it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful boutique movie theaters in New Zealand and serves as the cultural heart of the village.
Architectural Marvel and Atmosphere
The first thing visitors notice is the stunning architecture. The main theater features a breathtaking ceiling adorned with thousands of sustainable paper flowers, creating a whimsical canopy that feels worlds away from the grey skies outside. The complex comprises three intimate theaters, each equipped with state-of-the-art sound and projection technology, ensuring that while the setting is vintage-inspired, the viewing experience is thoroughly modern.
The Vintry and Concessions
Part of the cinema’s appeal is its integration with The Vintry, a wine bar specializing in local Matakana appellations. Unlike standard cinemas offering generic snacks, here you can enjoy a glass of premium local Pinot Gris or Syrah. You can take your beverage into the theater, making it a sophisticated rainy day activity for adults. They also offer artisanal gelato and high-quality coffee, perfect for warming up after dodging raindrops.
2. Explore the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre
For those visiting the region specifically for NZ Marine Tourism, heavy rain often means snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours at the Goat Island Marine Reserve are cancelled due to visibility or safety concerns. However, you can still engage with the local marine life without getting wet at the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre.
Educational Immersion
Run by the University of Auckland, this centre is an incredible resource for understanding the underwater ecosystem you intended to visit. It is located right at the Leigh Marine Laboratory. Inside, you will find interactive exhibits that detail the history of the Hauraki Gulf and the science behind marine conservation.
The Touch Tank and Hydrophones
The highlight for many visitors is the large touch tank. It allows you to get up close with species found in the rock pools just meters away, such as sea stars, kina (sea urchins), and sea cucumbers. The centre also features hydrophone recordings, allowing you to listen to the sounds of the underwater world—the clicks of snapping shrimp and the songs of whales—providing an auditory experience of the ocean that is accessible regardless of the weather.
3. Indulge in Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards
Matakana is a designated wine region, famous for its boutique producers. While vineyard tours are best in the sun, the cellar doors offer a warm, dry, and delicious escape during a downpour. The region’s clay soils produce distinct wines, particularly Pinot Gris and Syrah.
Brick Bay Wines
While Brick Bay is famous for its outdoor sculpture trail, their restaurant and tasting room, known as