Local Area
Warkworth (10 mins by car from Tide Farm)
History
Warkworth is a town situated approximately 50 minutes from Auckland, lying at the head of the Mahurangi Harbour. It is a pretty town set alongside the Mahurangi riverbank. Its colonial buildings of the early Europeans, once the saddleries and corseteries of yesteryear, now house a wide array of galleries, shops and cafes.
Warkworth was founded in 1853 by John Anderson Brown, who named it after his birthplace in Northumberland, England. Brown arrived up the historic Mahurangi River in 1843 to discover a beautiful tranquil valley. It was not until 1853 that he acquired 153 acres from the crown and named it Warkworth. Early industry included logging, (for kauri and other timbers) flour milling and boat building. The first Portland cement manufacturing works in the southern hemisphere was established near the town in 1884.
Since then the whole district has prospered and grown, now boasting a current population of some 18,000 residents. Today many of the districts farms are being subdivided into lifestyle blocks. Warkworth is an Historic Riverside Town, and more of its history can be found in the Heritage Trail brochure.
Character
Warkworth and its surrounds has become a popular destination for those wishing to escape the stress of city life, offering a wide selection of gastronomic, cultural and outdoor activities within beautiful environmental settings. There is an abundance of golden beaches and bays, natural environs, reserves and walkways. Local activities and facilities include 18 hole championship golf course, horseriding, fishing, diving, boating, surfing and a variety of other water and land based sports.
There are numerous and interesting cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping. Once the “fruitbowl of Auckland” the area is now home to a flourishing wine industry with more than 13 vineyards. These are small, innovative, quality-focussed wineries, mostly family-owned and some with restaurants offering fine dining . The area is also home to a number of nationally & internationally recognised artists. They create a diverse range of fine art & crafts, many of which are available from the artist’s home studio, café, gallery or workshop.
