The surrounding area, including Warkworth, Matakana, Leigh and several idyllic east coast beach coves, boasts a range of local attractions and activities.
Matakana is famous for its laid back vineyards and local produce, while Warkworth has a range of restaurants and cafes when you need a break from the beach side barbeques.

For the more adventurous, there’s the Goat Island Marine Reserve for up close snorkeling experiences with Snapper, Kawhai, John Dory or Kingfish. Goat Island’s fish are just for looking at, but if it gets your taste buds fizzing, why not take a fishing charter from Sandspit Wharf out into Kawau Bay and try your luck catching some for dinner.
And when all these activities have left you in need of some relaxation time, there are plenty of beaches and coves where you can find a spot of your own to just pass away the hours reading or snoozing. Bliss!

Kawau Island
Wonderful day trips to Kawau: Royal Mail Run Cruise ­ Learn about the history and admire the beauty of Kawau Island, High Speed Discover Tours ­ 2hour tour past Beehive Island to Moturekareka Is, Motutara Is, see the shipwrecked Rewa, old quarry, copper mines then on to Kawau. Enquire at office for more information.

Goat Island
An amazing Marine Reserve. Thousands of fish that eat out of your hand. You can hire flippers, snorkel and masks from Seafriend Marine centre.

Glass Bottom Boat (Goat Island)
If you don’t want to swim then experience Goat Island on a glass bottom boat.
To book Ph (09) 422 6334.

Sheep World
Unique hands on experience. Hand feed baby lambs (in season) and tame sheep. See how farmers control working dogs with whistle and voice and how dogs control sheep with eye and bark. Join in the drafting. Get a really close up view of sheep shearing. Eco-discovery trail, adventure terrain, pond encounter.

Waiwera Hot Pools
20 minutes south of Sandspit are the hot pools. A wonderful complex with different sized pools and water slides.

Artisans Trail and Wine Trail
Collect a pamphlet from the office and visit some of the vineyards and galleries.

Honey Centre
Visit the honey centre and watch live bees working.

Matakohe Kauri Museum
One of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions. Allow a couple of hours as it’s not to be rushed.

Horse Riding
Mackenzie‘s - Warkworth Ph(09) 425 8517. Horse and pony rides for all ages. Suits beginners and experienced riders.

Warkworth Museum
Set in Peaceful surroundings the history of the area is displayed, the old Warkworth Gaol, a bushman’s hut and a tiny post office. Two magnificent Kauri trees can be found here. Largest collection of old clothes in N.Z.

Matakana Farmers Market & Matakana Country Park
Operating on Saturday Mornings. Country Park is a huge complex at Matakana with horses, llamas, children’s play area and exhibitions.

SnowPlanet
Based in Silverdale, 30 minutes south of Sandspit. Giant snowdome, three lifts, a terrain park, separate learners area, kids play sessions, gear hireage. Experience the thrill of real snow at any time of the year.

Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Experience contemporary New Zealand Sculptures in a unique landscape of native bush overlooking the Brick Bay Vineyard.