It Takes A Village
A guide to Matakana and its surrounding districts
Matakana has always been a passion for Lauraine and back in 2008 her first book on this popular region, Matakana, instantly became the go-to guide for both locals and visitors to this vibrant region. This exciting and colourful new book is intended to be an equally encompassing guide to the region, and an updated sharing of her own tastes of the food, wine and pleasures of the area. It also provides insights into the community’s many sustainable businesses and the many recreation prospects available.
The glorious coastline has not changed, but over the past decade talented food artisans and food producers, artists, adventurers, clever business people and health seekers have enhanced the depth of the options offered to visitors for relaxation, to indulge in and simply enjoy by creating opportunities around the treasures of the area. There’s an abundance of cafés, restaurants and wine, beer and food outlets. This book overflows with enthusiasm for the pleasures of the area and provides insights into the community, the popular Farmers Market and surrounding village, which has become one of Auckland’s best weekend destinations.
Lauraine has included a dozen fabulous simple recipes using the best of the region’s produce and shares all the important details of accommodation, eating, drinking and snacking in the area, art and inspiration, health beauty and wellness, and walks and sports activities of the area. As well there are more than 25 Local Heroes who have shared their stories along with stunning portraits. The photography is brilliant, as Ken Downie has captured the light, the atmosphere and the character of Matakana in full glossy colour.
This is a book that visitors will love, but locals even more so. It will surprise and delight everyone. It brings the region alive and is a handy size that makes it useful and accessible.
Published by Massey University Press 2021 rrp $45 in bookstores or contact for direct sales.