Matakana

With its glorious coastline, gentle hinterland, vineyards, sculpture park, marine reserves and lodges, the Matakana region, an hour north of Auckland, is fast becoming Auckland's playground. The sleepy village of Matakana has been transformed in the last three years into a bustling centre with cafes, restaurant, chic shops, bakeries, inc cream parlour and cinema- and an absolutely amazing farmers' market showcasing outstanding local produce. Who better to guide the visitor around this region and its highlights than Cuisine food editor Lauraine Jacobs, who has a holiday house in the area and knows its producers and produce intimately. With 20 of Lauraine's own recipes, all based on local produce, guides to walks and things to do, places to eat and places to stay, this handsome book is a marvelous souvenir that readers will come back to again and again.