Matakana River Tours

Awesome river cruise. Phil was a great host and super knowledgeable about the area. You can enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine as you cruise down the river and learn a bit about Matakana’s history.

We did the Oyster Farm Tour with Phil, and it was brilliant. Highly recommend. He’s quintessentially kiwi and we learnt a lot about Oyster farming whilst drinking a vino and eating them! Amazing to be able to learn how to shuck your own oysters and eat them straight from the water!

Positioned below the rapids, the wharf is located on a tidal part of the river, so it's worth keeping in mind that the weekly tours don't always operate due to the river level being low when the tide is out. Call the tour operator to check days and time - pre-booking is required.

Phil our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the area. It was a relaxing, interesting trip. Diverse scenery out to the harbour. I liked how the river changed from a murky jade colour to crystal clear when we reached the harbour. Was interesting to see Spoonbills up close. Take a wind jacket. Byo wine or beer. Phil provides glasses and juice. Trip takes an hour. It was well worth it. Interesting to do something different.

Leisurely cruise down the river being lulled to sleep by the current. Phil 's local knowledge was superb. The different hues of the water was amazing to see and the mangroves and fish around the bank edge. A really enjoyable time, thanks for a great boat trip from Matakana wharf. Trip only goes on high tide so check the daily time when booking.

Highly Recommend this trip.... We had a great time today on the River Boat, Captain Phil very knowledgeable on local History and great commentary as we made our way down the river! We we stoked to spot a seal in the Sandspit Wharf too! Thanks Looking forward to the Oyster Tour next!

The oyster cruise was phenomenal - I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Over wine, music and what felt like an endless supply of oysters, Phil had set up a table of condiments, taught us how to shuck, bbq'd for us and let us take the leftovers home. I can't wait to do this again.

Awesome cruise! Weather was perfect and enjoyed a beer on the way down the river. Kids loved it, wife loved it, I loved it. Highly recommended to anybody wanting something different to do in Matakana. Thanks Captain Phil.

This was a great tour of the matakana river. Each year on christmas eve we do something to remember a lost loved one that passed on that day. This was beautiful, tranquil and peaceful. The tour guide had lots of information for us on the cruise out, he really knew his stuff and was very friendly! On the way back he stopped talking and let us enjoy the ride. It was scenic and amazing. Highly reccommend!