Warkworth

A sleepy town on the banks of the Mahurangi River, Warkworth was established in 1853. With lime mined from the local river, it became the first cement-manufacturing site in the southern hemisphere. Today, race boatbuilding and refitting are the main industries though slowly boutique food producers are opening shop. Warkworth also serves as a service town for the surrounding farms and market gardens. It's a convenient stopping point en route to nearby marine reserve Goat Island or the superb vineyards at Matakana.