The Cheese Barn at Matatoki

A Must-Visit Cheese Factory, Cafe, Gift Shop, and Animal Farm General Information: The Cheese Barn is a must-visit destination in Matatoki, New Zealand, that offers a fun and unique experience for all types of travelers.

This facility is known for producing award-winning cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy products that are organic and unhomogenized. It is a great place to stop and relax while exploring the Hauraki Rail Trail in the beautiful New Zealand countryside.

What You Can See and Do: Visitors to The Cheese Barn can enjoy an array of activities that are sure to delight young and old alike. Firstly, you can take a tour of their working cheese factory where you can witness the cheese-making process from start to finish. Guests can learn about various types of cheese, how they are made, and the history of this artisanal craft. Secondly, you can explore the cafe which is BYO and offers a variety of delicious menu options. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full meal, there is something on the menu for everyone. Lastly, there is an animal farm where visitors can mingle with various livestock and even feed them too!

When You Should Visit: The Cheese Barn is open seven days a week from 9 am to 4.30 pm, so visitors can stop by anytime during their Hauraki Rail Trail adventure. Depending on the season, there are different types of animals on the farm for visitors to see, so be sure to check ahead to plan which animals you would like to visit before you go.

How To Get There: The Cheese Barn is conveniently located on the Hauraki Rail Trail, approx. 5 kilometers from the town of Kopu and 10 kilometers from Thames. The trail itself is a popular route among locals and tourists alike. It is a mostly flat, easy grade, 81 km cycle trail that follows the historic railway lines of the Waikato and Coromandel regions, making it easily accessible to everyone. On the trail, once you arrive at Matatoki, you will quickly spot The Cheese Barn with its welcoming bright yellow signposts.