It was a lovely dry sunny day. There were 15 of us from WINGS who went on a mini bus trip to Matakana. First we visited the Saturday Markets. The Farmers Market has lots of different food stalls. Most of the group bought our lunch there. We ate our snack food under the shade in the Market area, on wooden benches. We heard the live music of a young woman singer, who sang with her band, in the Market place.

We boarded the mini bus again and went to Matakana Country Park. In the Park area are several buildings and different attractions these included, - a restaurant and bar, a separate cafe, an art gallery, a mini railway, a children's play park, an arts and crafts shop and a small church. I went a walk around the area and took photos, while some of the group enjoyed drinks from the bar and some people had a drink at the Cafe in the Matakana Country Park.

The next part of the trip was to visit the Brick Bay Winery. A few of the group relaxed in chairs with a drink, we sat overlooking a beautiful pond with Lilly Pads and Dragon flies darting about. While the rest of the group paid $12 to walk around the Sculpture Trail. The trail takes about an hour. I was with the small group who did not do the walk.

When the walkers returned they found a lovely shaded area with tables. The shade was provided by grape vines shaped over an arched frame. It looked very tranquil. They ate some food and drank wine there. The air was filled with the sound of everyone's chatter and laughter.

We then made the return journey back to Whangarei. It was a successful trip, a big thank you to Mina for organising it, and to Chris our driver. Everyone enjoyed the day and spending time talking to other people in the group.