Local Area

Caretaker Farm is one hour north of Auckland by car and bus and is located 1 km from the Whangateau harbour. See map for more details.
The area is famous for swimming and diving and has the following attractions:

• The Goat Island Marine Reserve -(10 km from the farm past Leigh (7km) hosts varieties of fish which swim around ones legs-great snorkling and diving with gear able to be hired locally)
• Pakiri Beach -(25 km from the farm past Leigh (7km) the beach is untouched, golden sand dunes and beautiful clear water for swimming and great surfing. Local family run horse-treking beach experience for hire)
• Omaha Beach -(12 km from the farm with left turn off before Matakana (8km) hosts surf and swimming beach. Now built up area with golf course, sailboat ramp, fishing opportunities)
• Matakana village -( 8 km from the farm hosts a Saturday Farmers Market, Morris and James Pottery, 2 bars & restaurant, craft markets, garage, river reserve, shops)
• Leigh -(7 km from the farm is an historic fishing village hosting a fishing wharf, Fisheries, Leigh Sawmill Cafe, School, garage, diving shop, general store and a great fish and chips takeaway)
• Warkworth -(17 km from the farm back towards Auckland hosts shops, historic buildings, wharf, river, museum, forest walk and seasonal events)
• Dome Valley -(22 km from the farm and 7 km from Warkworth heading north it offers great walking through native bush and small cafe)
• Kawau Island -(reached by ferry boat from Sandspit 20 km from the farm hosts great island walking through bus, sea views, historic residence and grounds, copper mine and great for day outing)
• Takatu and Tawharanui Regional Park -(20 km from the farm offering walks, swimming, surfing, diving and related beach activities)

The local area is also known for its vineyards, fine food, cafes and art galleries and there are tour maps available from the Warkworth and Matakana Information Centres.

Other activities include horseriding, canoe hire, charter boat for diving and fishing, golf, sheepworld, a reptile park, skytours.