Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, Auckland - gray concrete bridge over river
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Brick Bay Sculpture Trail Auckland

4.6
·2k reviews·Snells Beach, New Zealand

A boutique winery and cafe set amidst native bush, featuring an acclaimed sculpture trail with diverse artworks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, Auckland - gray concrete bridge over river

Brick Bay Sculpture Trail Auckland

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A boutique winery and cafe set amidst native bush, featuring an acclaimed sculpture trail with diverse artworks.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A perfect blend of art, nature, and exceptional food – a truly zen experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Dining in Advance

Reservations are essential, especially for weekends. Don't miss out on the delicious food! :forkandknife:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The sculpture trail involves walking through bush. Sturdy footwear is a must for enjoying the walk. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sculpture Trail

The Sculpture Trail

Wooded trails

Wander through native bush dotted with diverse, thought-provoking sculptures. A true feast for the eyes and soul.

Brick Bay Cafe & Winery

Brick Bay Cafe & Winery

Winery grounds

Enjoy delicious, seasonal fare and exceptional wine tasting in a stunning setting. Perfect for a leisurely lunch.

Kauri Loop Walk

Kauri Loop Walk

Sculpture Trail

A stunning section of the trail showcasing magnificent Kauri trees and the beauty of the native forest.

Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Dining

The cafe and restaurant at Brick Bay are incredibly popular, especially on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment, as walk-ins often can't be accommodated. Plan your visit in advance to secure a table for lunch or brunch.

Embrace the Trail

The sculpture trail is a highlight, offering a beautiful walk through native bush. Wear comfortable shoes and allow ample time to explore the diverse artworks and enjoy the natural surroundings. Consider a takeaway coffee for your stroll.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Post-lunch lull
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn mornings
Why
Crisp air, beautiful light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A new boardwalk 60 metres long and 18 metres off the ground has recently opened to the public in 📍Kauri Glen Reserve, Northcote of Auckland. With multiple tracks, amungst large Kauri trees 🌳 🌳 the Taraire forest, the Waiurutoa Stream 💧this is a must see 👀 The bridge was erected to keep people off the kauri tree roots and to prevent kaurie die back 👌 There is also a shoe 👞 👟 cleaning station at eac...
@nz_adventures
22.9K likes • 632K views

🎯 Book Dining in Advance

Reservations are essential, especially for weekends. Don't miss out on the delicious food! :forkandknife: Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The sculpture trail involves walking through bush. Sturdy footwear is a must for enjoying the walk. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Have family coming over from New York - where should I take them?

reddit.com

Places like sawmill/riverhead

☕ Grab a Takeaway Coffee

Perfect for enjoying the sculpture trail. Fuel your exploration with a delicious brew. :coffee:

📸 Capture the Art & Nature

Bring your camera! The sculptures and native bush offer incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Dining in Advance

Reservations are essential, especially for weekends. Don't miss out on the delicious food! :forkandknife: Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The sculpture trail involves walking through bush. Sturdy footwear is a must for enjoying the walk. :athletic_shoe:

☕ Grab a Takeaway Coffee

Perfect for enjoying the sculpture trail. Fuel your exploration with a delicious brew. :coffee:

📸 Capture the Art & Nature

Bring your camera! The sculptures and native bush offer incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

🍷 Explore Wine Tasting

Sample their exceptional wines. A great way to enhance your visit and discover local flavors. :wine_glass:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Brick Bay for its stunning combination of art, nature, and delicious food. The sculpture trail is a major draw, offering a beautiful and engaging walk through native bush. The cafe and winery receive high marks for their exceptional cuisine, attentive service, and quality wines, though booking ahead is strongly advised due to its popularity.

"We had an amazing delicious lunch today. Staff were absolutely wonderful with genuine great customer service.

All our food was delicious, I think it's a place you need to visit several times to sample all items on the menu."

Richard Jagger

"We really enjoyed the sculpture trail—an easy and scenic walk, perfect before a meal. We had the lamb and the snapper with a side of fries, and everything tasted exceptional. The place was very busy for a Sunday, so definitely make a reservation in advance. Highly recommend!"

Denise Moh

"Exceptional visit. We are NZers and love finding new places to visit on our ‘home turf’. We wanted to visit the Sculpture Trail but when we looked online dining was fully booked for the Sunday. We arrived at 10.30 on the Sunday and the friendly team said they could offer us a Brunch or Lunch booking. We booked for lunch and headed out on the trail with a takeaway coffee in hand.
The sculpture trail is exceptional - not just for the 60 scupltures but for the birds and birdsong. The Kauri loop was stunning!
Food wise - lovely, attentive, staff who explained the menu, exceptional wine tasting flight for $16, great starters and mains. V good value for money.
Highly recommend if you love either or all nature, sculpture, alfresco food!"

David Dewhurst

What People Like

Beautiful sculpture trail
Delicious seasonal food
Excellent wine tasting

What People Dislike

Can be very busy
Reservations essential

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Brick Bay Sculpture Trail is located in Matakana, about an hour's drive north of Auckland CBD. The easiest way to get there is by car. You can rent a car or use a ride-sharing service. Public transport options are limited and time-consuming, often involving multiple bus transfers.

Yes, ample parking is available at Brick Bay for visitors. It's conveniently located near the cafe and the entrance to the sculpture trail.

Absolutely! Brick Bay makes for a fantastic day trip from Auckland. Combine it with other Matakana attractions like the farmers market or nearby beaches for a full day of exploration.

The cafe and restaurant areas are generally accessible. However, the sculpture trail involves walking through native bush and can be uneven in places, so it may not be suitable for all mobility levels. Reddit

The driving distance from Auckland CBD to Brick Bay Sculpture Trail is approximately 70-80 kilometers, typically taking around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the sculpture trail itself is generally free, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates or special event ticketing. The main cost is for dining and wine tasting. Reddit

Brick Bay Cafe and Winery typically opens daily from around 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the sculpture trail accessible during these hours. It's best to confirm exact hours on their website before your visit.

Yes, you can visit the sculpture trail without dining at the cafe or restaurant. Many visitors enjoy the walk and then head to the cafe for a coffee or wine tasting. Reddit

While there aren't typically formal guided tours, the trail is well-marked, and information about the sculptures is often available on-site or via their website. The natural beauty and birdlife are also a major draw. TikTok

The sculptures on display are part of an exhibition, and while some may be for sale, it's best to inquire directly with Brick Bay or the artists if you are interested in purchasing a piece.

📸 📸 Photography

The sculpture trail offers numerous picturesque spots, especially where art meets nature. Look for compositions with the sculptures framed by native trees, or near the water features. The Kauri loop is particularly photogenic. TikTok

Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check Brick Bay's specific policies or contact them directly before flying a drone on their property to ensure compliance.

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful, soft light that enhances both the sculptures and the natural landscape. Midday sun can be harsh, but can also create interesting shadows. TikTok

Many visitors find the larger, more abstract pieces and those integrated into the natural environment to be highly photogenic. The variety ensures there's something to appeal to every photographer's eye. TikTok

Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside the cafe and restaurant, especially of your food and drinks. However, be mindful of other diners and respect their privacy.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Brick Bay Cafe offers delicious, seasonal, and locally sourced fare. Expect light, fresh dishes with an emphasis on quality ingredients, perfect for a leisurely lunch or brunch. Reddit

Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend lunches and brunch. The venue is very popular, and tables can book out well in advance. Reddit

Reviewers rave about the lamb and snapper dishes. The affogato is also frequently mentioned as a standout dessert. Don't miss trying their house-made smoked beetroot butter with sourdough. Reddit

Yes, Brick Bay offers an exceptional wine tasting experience, often with a flight available for a reasonable price. It's a great way to sample their wines before or after your meal. Reddit

While the menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, it's best to check with the cafe directly or look at their current menu online for specific vegetarian and vegan options, as these can change.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Brick Bay Sculpture Trail offers a wonderful outing for families. The sculpture trail provides an engaging and educational walk through nature, sparking curiosity in children about art and the environment. The relatively flat terrain on most of the trail makes it manageable for little legs, and the abundance of native birds can be a big hit. TikTok

Consider packing snacks and drinks, or grab a takeaway coffee and a treat from the cafe to enjoy during your walk. While the cafe is popular, booking ahead is crucial if you plan to dine. The open spaces and the visual stimulation of the sculptures can keep children entertained, making it a pleasant experience for the whole family. Remember to dress them in comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for walking outdoors.

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts

For wine lovers, Brick Bay is a must-visit destination. The winery offers an exceptional wine tasting experience, allowing you to sample their range of award-winning wines. Many visitors opt for a wine flight, which is considered great value and a perfect way to discover their signature varietals. Reddit

Pair your wine tasting with a delicious meal at the cafe, where the menu is designed to complement the wines. You can also purchase bottles of their wine, olive oil, or honey to take home as a memento of your visit. The knowledgeable staff can offer recommendations and insights into their winemaking process.

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Art Lovers

This destination is a dream for those who appreciate both art and nature. The sculpture trail seamlessly blends artistic expression with the beauty of native New Zealand bush, offering a unique and inspiring experience. You can spend hours exploring the diverse artworks, each set against a backdrop of lush greenery and the sounds of native birdsong. TikTokReddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes and allow plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere. The trail is well-maintained and offers a peaceful escape from the city. It's the perfect place to combine a leisurely stroll with a dose of culture and natural beauty, making it a highly recommended spot for a rejuvenating day out.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of the Trail

The Brick Bay Sculpture Trail is more than just a walk; it's an immersive art experience set within the stunning natural beauty of native New Zealand bush. The trail features a diverse collection of sculptures from various artists, ranging from abstract forms to more figurative pieces, all thoughtfully integrated into the landscape. Visitors often remark on the thought-provoking nature of the artworks and how they interact with their surroundings, creating a unique dialogue between art and nature. The trail itself is well-maintained, offering an easy to moderate walk that is accessible to most fitness levels. TikTok

As you wander, you'll encounter a variety of flora and fauna, with the sounds of native birds often accompanying your exploration. The Kauri loop, in particular, is a highlight, showcasing the majestic Kauri trees and offering a deeper connection to the forest. The trail is designed to be explored at your own pace, allowing ample time to appreciate each sculpture and the serene environment. Many visitors suggest taking a takeaway coffee from the cafe to enjoy as they stroll, enhancing the relaxed and contemplative atmosphere. Reddit

Beyond the visual art, the trail offers a sensory experience. The scent of the bush, the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, and the gentle sounds of nature all contribute to a feeling of tranquility. It's a place where art lovers and nature enthusiasts can find common ground, making it a truly special destination for a peaceful and inspiring outing. The ever-changing nature of exhibitions means repeat visits can offer new discoveries.

Culinary Delights at Brick Bay

Brick Bay is renowned for its exceptional cafe and winery, offering a culinary experience that perfectly complements the artistic and natural surroundings. The menu is built around fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of New Zealand's produce. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and deliciousness of the food, with dishes like lamb and snapper frequently highlighted as standouts. Reddit

The dining experience is further enhanced by the attentive and friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and the wines. The wine tasting is a must-do, offering a chance to sample Brick Bay's own award-winning wines. Many visitors find the wine flight to be excellent value for money. Popular choices include their own wines, which pair beautifully with the seasonal dishes. Reddit

Beyond the main courses, don't miss out on the smaller delights. The house-made smoked beetroot butter served with sourdough is a frequently mentioned starter that receives rave reviews. For dessert, the affogato is often cited as one of the best ever had. The overall atmosphere, combined with the soothing views and the quality of the food and wine, creates a truly memorable and 'zen' dining experience. Reddit

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