The heart of Warkworth is its river. The Mahurangi, once a lifeline for the village, with steamboats and scows plying the coast and providing a much-needed link with Auckland, is today a tranquil and picturesque old dame. She is home to fabled ducks, hosts a restful riverbank walkway and provides a playground for boaties.
Warkworth’s rich heritage is reflected in its buildings and sites of historic interest. Its cafes, specialist shops and character architecture make it a charming village and the commercial hub of the area.
Warkworth – just an hour’s drive from New Zealand’s largest city and a world away in terms of character and pace - is also the gateway to the Matakana Coast Wine Country, one of the most desirable places to visit in New Zealand. Vineyards, local markets, iconic beaches and islands, marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries are all within a short distance of Warkworth village.
Warkworth and the Matakana Coast Wine Country is predominantly a popular holiday and week-end destination for Aucklanders, but the area also attracts New Zealanders from other parts of the country and an increasing number of visitors from all over the world, who are only just starting to discover this “hidden gem”. Recent coverage in the international media, including a comprehensive article in “Savour Magazine” - as well as good old fashioned “word of mouth” - are profiling Warkworth and the Matakana Coast Wine Country very favourably on the international travel scene. In the meantime, however, it is still a bit of a secret destination, which is good news for those searching for an “off the beaten track” experience.
Sister-Towns
Not so long ago the only overseas visitors who were aware of Warkworth might have been official delegates from Warkworth’s namesake locations all over the world. Since 1983 Warkworth New Zealand has pursued international relations with towns in five countries:
Warkworth, Northumberland, United Kingdom: former home of Warkworth New Zealand’s founder, John Anderson Brown, and therefore mother-town of Warkworth New Zealand. Both towns were officially twinned in February 1992. For more information on Warkworth, Northumberland, United Kingdom refer to “People and Heritage” on this website and visit: www.warkworth.co.uk
Warkworth, Ontario, Canada: located in Northumberland County, Warkworth Canada was also named after Warkworth Northumberland, UK. The first representative group of citizens from Warkworth Canada visited New Zealand in November 2003 to attend Warkworth New Zealand's 150th anniversary celebrations. It was at this occasion that Warkworth Canada and Warkworth New Zealand were officially twinned. For more information on Warkworth Canada visit: www.warkworth.ca
Warkworth, near Banbury, Northamptonshire/Oxfordshire, United Kingdom: a friendship village of Warkworth New Zealand, and the only other Warkworth in the UK. For more information visit: www.banbury-cross.co.uk
Warkworth, New South Wales, Australia: partnered with Warkworth New Zealand under the “Sister Cities” programme, Warkworth Australia is located in the Singleton Shire, Northumberland County, NSW. Unlike Warkworth New Zealand it is famous for its coal mine. However, very much like its Kiwi cousin, it is situated in wine country: Warkworth Australia in the Hunter Valley and Warkworth New Zealand in the Matakana Coast Wine Country. For more information visit: www.singletontourism.com.au
Furudono, Japan: though not “namesakes” as such, Warkworth New Zealand and Furudono foster very strong ties. Citizens of both villages exchange visits every two years and there is an annual student exchange. Furudono is located some 200km north of Tokyo in the prefecture of Fukshima-ken. Warkworth and Furudono were officially twinned in October 1999. Both Warkworth Primary and Mahurangi College in Warkworth New Zealand are sister schools of their Furudono counterparts. For more information (in Japanese) on Furudono visit: www.town.furudono.fukushima.jp