Discover Brick Bay: Art and Dining on the Matakana Coast
Brick Bay is situated on the Mahurangi Peninsula along Auckland's Matakana Coast, just a short 10-minute drive east of Warkworth and near Snells Beach. This destination is renowned for its impressive glasshouse-style restaurant, perched above a lake adorned with water lilies and native plants. The area also features an outdoor sculpture trail. Whether you're interested in a seasonal meal, exploring the sculpture walk, or both, Brick Bay is a worthwhile stop.
Explore the Sculpture Trail and Natural Beauty
The Brick Bay Sculpture Trail is an evolving outdoor gallery set within a landscape of bush, wetland, vineyard, and open farmland. For a small fee, you can embark on the 2 km loop track, which begins beside the restaurant and circles the lake before ascending gently through mature mānuka and kānuka trees. Along the trail, you'll encounter a variety of contemporary artworks, from kinetic installations to large-scale environmental pieces. These artworks are thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, with some hovering above water, leaning into the bush, or emerging dramatically in open paddocks. The walk takes at least an hour and varies with the seasons. It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes, especially after rain.
Discover the Kauri Grove's Unique Colours
A short detour from the main loop leads to the Brick Bay Kauri Walk, a regenerating forest featuring numerous young but striking kauri trees. The trunks display a range of colours, with deep browns and silvery greens visible in the bark, particularly in the dappled afternoon light. Signage along the path explains efforts to protect the area from kauri dieback, and boot-cleaning stations are available at entry points. If you're interested in seeing ancient trees, Parry Kauri Park in Warkworth is a nearby option.
The History Behind Brick Bay
The name Brick Bay originates from a short-lived brickworks that operated near the shoreline in the 1850s, utilising local clay deposits. Although the brickworks closed after only a few years, the name persisted, and remnants of early European industry can still be found along the coast.
Getting to Brick Bay
To reach Brick Bay, head to Arabella Lane, which branches off Mahurangi East Road between Warkworth and Snells Beach. From Downtown Auckland, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via the northern motorway and the Matakana turn-off. The entrance is well-signposted, and on-site parking is available.
While in the area, consider visiting Tāwharanui Regional Park for its wild beaches and bird sanctuary. You can also explore the Matakana Farmers Market on a Saturday morning, check out Scandrett Regional Park for coastal tracks and historic farm buildings, or relax at Martins Bay and Scotts Landing, known for their beautiful beaches.
