When you take a holiday, you have the choice to be rushed off your feet, trying to fit as many sights, attractions, markets and restaurants into two weeks as possible, or you can take your time. Slow travel gives travellers the opportunity to really get to know a local culture, as well as to relax and unwind. There are few places better suited to fans of slow travel than Matakana, Aukland — but is slow travel really for you?

Do you enjoy discovering local produce?

Slow travel gives you the opportunity to get under the skin of a destination, and what better way of doing so than by tasting the local delicacies of a particular region? When visiting Matakana for the first time, it is a great idea to take a stroll in the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market that takes place every Saturday morning and sells the best local produce that the region has to offer. Start your day by tasting some of the boutique olive oils produced nearby, sip on your coffee of choice, and perhaps round off the visit with a few organic chocolates.

Do you like to learn as you travel?

Slow travel is not about fitting as many experiences as possible into one day. This approach to travel allows you to really learn about a destination and its people. If the people of Matakana have one source of pride, it is their vineyards and wines. The wines from this part of New Zealand are renowned across the country, and indeed the world. By taking time out to visit vineyards, talking to the owners, and of course, tasting some of the exceptional locally produced wine, you will learn all about the process of winemaking from the very best in the business.

Do you enjoy walking for the sake of walking?

What better way to clear your head and forget about the responsibilities that weigh on your shoulders than by taking a long walk in the fresh air? In Matakana, you can choose between walks through the dense green of the lush forest, or coastal walks that allow you take in ocean views and smell the salt spray of the sea. The landscape here is so breath taking that walks can last for hours without even realising it.

Do you enjoy understanding a local way of life?

Matakana is a place that holds certain values dear to its heart. Only by truly immersing yourself in the local culture can you gain a respect and understanding for the way of life in this unique part of Aukland. Community is at the centre of life here, and you can experience that first hand when you purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from the side of the road using the region’s honesty system that is a world away from a typical high street shopping experience in any other town or city.

If you answered yes to any or all of the questions above, you should think about slowing down and taking more time for yourself, as well as your surroundings, on your next trip. A slow journey into Matakana with your partner, your family, or by yourself, will give you access to a world of enriching experiences at a local level, creating memories that will stay with you for years to come.

More information: http://www.wooree.co.nz or http://www.wooreeblog.co.nz

Written by David Miah for Wooree Outdoors