Buckleton Beach

Matakana River is in the Auckland Region of New Zealand's North Island. It flows south from its origins on the slopes of Tamahunga, Conical Peak and Pukematakeo, north of the township of Matakana, passing through the township and flowing into its estuary, which opens into Kawau Bay, facing Kawau Island. The Matakana River hosts the annual Matakana Seagull Race, a boat race where the power is provided by British Seagull outboard motors.

Baddeleys Beach and Campbells Beach are a contiguous settlement on adjacent beaches on the southern side of Tāwharanui Peninsula in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. The beaches are on Millon Bay, which is a part of Kawau Bay.The land around Millon Bay was originally covered by kauri and other native trees, which were the focus for logging by early European settlers. Once the land was cleared it was used for dairy farming by the Baddeley and Campbell families. In the mid-1960s, with farming proving financially marginal, blocks were sold off for the building of baches. These subsequently were upgraded to or replaced by permanent dwellings.Baddeleys Beach Reserve and Campbells Beach Reserve give public access to the beaches at each end of the settlement and provide basic amenities.

Sandspit is a settlement in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. It is on the Mahurangi Peninsula, about 65 kilometres north of the city centre. It has experienced substantial increases in property values during the first two decades of the 21st century.Ferries run several times a day from Sandspit to Kawau Island. Ferry service between Sandspit and Kawau first started in 1934, with a boat which was (possibly later) called Nancibel[l]. In the 1950s, Nancibel was replaced by Mairie and Kawau Isle.Brick Bay, which is adjacent to Sandspit, has a sculpture trail along a two-kilometre path through native bush, fields and ponds.

Rainbows End is a rural settlement at the end of Green Road between the Oak River and Matakana River in Auckland Region. Matakana is 4.5 km (2.8 mi) to the north. Sandspit is across the Oak River directly south.Rainbows End Reserve is a small waterfront park with a boat ramp and jetty.

Tāwharanui Marine Reserve is a marine reserve covering an area of 394 hectares (970 acres) in the Hauraki Gulf, offshore from the Tāwharanui Peninsula in the Auckland Region of New Zealand's North Island. It was established in 2011 and is administered by the Department of Conservation.

Snells Beach is a small coastal town in the north of Auckland Region in the North Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the eastern coast of the Mahurangi Peninsula and its namesake beach faces east across Kawau Bay to Kawau Island. The nearest town is Warkworth, 8 km (5.0 mi) to the west, which is linked by 8 buses a day and also Mahu City Express twice a day.

Algies Bay is a northern coastal suburb of Auckland, in New Zealand. It is on the Mahurangi Peninsula about 68 kilometres (by road) north of the city centre. Highfield Garden Reserve is an area of public land just north of Algies Bay. Until 1985, it was a privately owned flower-growing and orchard business, which also had donkeys. The owners gifted it to the public, and it now has gardens, walks, fruit trees, and a donkey sanctuary.Scandrett Regional Park and Mahurangi Regional Park East are south of Algies Bay.

Matakana is a small town in the Rodney Ward of Auckland Council of New Zealand. Warkworth lies about 9 km (5½ miles) to the south-west, Snells Beach the same distance to the south, Ōmaha is about 7 km (4¼ miles) to the east, and Leigh about 13 km (8 miles) to the north-east. The Matakana River flows through the town and into Kawau Bay to the south-east.The surrounding area contains several vineyards and breweries, developing a name for pinot gris, merlot, syrah and a host of obscure varietals. Offering 'a slice of rural community life', the area offers craft outlets, markets, boutique stores, and country cafes. The reasonable proximity to Auckland (around one hour's drive off-peak) has led to the region becoming a trendy getaway spot for foodie Aucklanders. Lonely Planet describes the village:"Around 15 years ago, Matakana was a nondescript rural village with a handful of heritage buildings and an old-fashioned country pub. Now the locals watch bemused as Auckland’s chattering classes idle away the hours in stylish wine bars and cafes."From 2018, it is served by 7 buses a day between Warkworth and Ōmaha. From 2013 it had 5 buses a day and is also served by Mahu City Express. Matakana has had a bus since at least 1930, including buses to Auckland.

Takangaroa Island (formerly known as Goat Island) is one of the two Mayne Islands located near Kawau Island, in New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf. It is approximately 6 hectares (15 acres) in size.Its name is Māori, and means "The Long Casting of the Net". Nearby Rabbit Island is known as Takangariki, "The Short Casting of the Net", and two rocky reefs between them are considered to be the buoys of the net.The island was known as Goat Island until 1971, when the name was legally changed to the Māori name in order to prevent confusion with the popular marine reserve.During the late 19th century, it was owned by George Grey, the former Governor-General of New Zealand. The island is now privately owned, and is a wildlife sanctuary, meaning that no dogs, cats or guns are allowed.

The Mahurangi River in northern New Zealand flows through the town of Warkworth and into Mahurangi Harbour, which opens into the outer Hauraki Gulf. The Left Branch of the river rises in the Dome and flows through the Dome Valley, while the Right Branch rises on Moir Hill. The lower part is a tidal estuary that ranges in depth from below approximately 50 centimetres (20 inches) at the channel entrance to approximately 150 centimetres (59 inches) further upstream. The Mahurangi Harbour provides a sheltered anchorage for private pleasure craft in all weathers.