Getting Here
Address
Private road - Matanaka Drive,
off Edinburgh Street,
Waikouaiti
Matanaka is located 76kms from Ōamaru or 45kms from Dunedin.
By public transport
Matanaka is not accessible via public transport.
Cycling
The terrain in and around Matanaka is rural and remote, with some steep hills and unsealed roads which makes it difficult for cyclists. Check Google maps before your visit to see if it suits your cycling abilities.
By road
From Ōamaru, take State Highway east towards Dunedin. Follow through Maheno, Hamden and Palmerston. After approximately 72kms turn left onto Glasgow Street, then turn right onto Edinburgh Street, then left onto Matanaka Drive. You will come to a farm gate, then follow the private road for approximately 300m up the hill, until you reach the carpark.
From Dunedin, take State Highway 1 for approximately 40kms. Follow through Blue Skin Bay, Waikouaiti. Then turn right onto Glasgow Street, then turn right onto Edinburgh Street, then left onto Matanaka Drive. You will come to a farm gate, then follow the private road for approximately 300m up the hill, until you reach the carpark.
Parking
There is free parking in the carpark at the top of the private road with enough room for buses and motorhomes. However please note due to the location and width of the private road it may not be suitable for large vehicles.
Hours and Entry
Opening Hours
Daily
8.00am - 6.00pm
Entry
Free
Accessibility
Matanaka is a group of one-storey farm buildings, with single steps and uneven surfaces. The buildings are located off a short track (approximately 400m) through trees and across a paddock making it difficult for those with mobility issues. Unfortunately, there is no access for people in wheelchairs.
Food and Drink
Matanaka is located within a working farm. We ask that visitors respect the farm owners and animals on the farm and don’t picnic within the grounds. If you would like to picnic nearby, we recommend the beach nearby or Hawkesbury Lagoon. There are also a selection of cafés and eateries located a short drive from the farm in Waikouaiti.
This is a smoke and vape free site.
More info
Children and whānau
Both inside and out, there are plenty of things for kids to do. Inside, you can explore the farm buildings and schoolhouse, imagine what life would have been like on the rural coast as a kid. Check out the boat inside one of the buildings. How did it get there? Or investigate the famous three-seater toilet (just remember it’s not a working toilet).
Outside, there is plenty of spaces to stretch little legs, but watch out for the joys of farming life with farm animal poo throughout the paddock. Gumboots are always a good idea!
Please remember to supervise children.
Things to remember
Matanaka is located within a working farm, when visiting we ask that you respect the farm owners and animals. Dogs especially are not allowed at Matanaka as they can endanger the health and welfare of livestock on the farm.
As the farm buildings are set in a paddock at times the ground can be wet and muddy. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as well as a hat, sunscreen and jacket to prepare for four seasons in one day.
There is no toilet located at Matanaka.
We care for some important taonga (treasures) in our collection and our heritage buildings have lived a long life, so some rooms or items may be off limits at times for conservation and maintenance.
Some rooms may be dimly lit and cold depending on the weather and time of year.