Less than an hour north of Auckland, the Kowhai Coast – named for the native kowhai tree – is home to some lots of coastline and good beaches, and excellent snorkeling and diving at Goat Island. The area is increasingly being referred to as the Matakana Coast, and the wine country centered around the town of Matakana is becoming heavily promoted as a boutique destination, with wineries, specialty shops, restaurants, a farmers’ market and other upscale attractions.