A Sanctuary by the sea

A Private Park Rooted in Nature and History

Paradise Park is a small, private park perched above Buckleton Beach, Matakana. The site is flat and easily accessible with a gravel base for parking. There is a gently sloping grass paddock in the foreground and a serene view of Sandspit Harbour. It’s a peaceful spot to slow down, connect and enjoy life outdoors.

Modern gray houses on a grassy hillside with small trees, overlooking a bay filled with sailboats, under a partly cloudy sky.

A Place to Relax, Play and Create

Our family welcomes you to share this place with others who enjoy the outdoors, creativity and simple pleasures — room to run, paddle, paint, create, birdwatch, stargaze or just breathe. It’s perfect for families, couples or solo travellers who value personal space, dark skies and nature.

Paradise Park is your private base camp to explore, unwind and feel at home with the land and sea.

Simple, natural and just a little bit magical.

Shelf of books about geography, history, and marine exploration, including titles like 'Vaka Moana' and 'Seashore Ecology of New Zealand and the Pacific'.

A Place With a Story

Paradise Park sits on historic land, once home to a sea captain who built the original farmhouse and farm buildings. Those structures, a sunken kumura pit and midden still remain nearby as reminders of the area’s early inhabitants. From the park, you can enjoy sweeping views of Sandspit Harbour — the same outlook Captain Millon once saw from this very hill.

Path leading down to a lake, surrounded by trees and signs on the right side, with hills in the background.

Activities in Every Direction

Whether you're here to unwind or get out on the water, there’s plenty to enjoy nearby — swimming, fishing, rock pooling and coastal exploring. Bring your own gear or just wander — two all-tide boat ramps and endless coastline await.

A bird perched among red flowers and green leaves in a tree.

A Natural Haven for Wildlife

Birdlife is a big part of what makes Paradise Park feel special. You may see tui, kaka, heron, fantail, banded rail, kingfisher and even the occasional laughing kookaburra. The nearby bush is home to kiwi, best heard at night. The open air feels alive with birdsong — like a natural aviary. The local kōwhai tree features throughout the area and property, feeding native birds and adding seasonal beauty.

A small wooden memorial shrine with flowers inside, situated in a lush green landscape with rolling hills and a body of water in the background.

A Landscape in Change

Once a stock paddock grazed for decades, the land is now being gradually restored and enriched. We’re planting a productive orchard, building a food forest, and establishing vegetable beds, roses, and perennial borders. Please note by entering Paradise Park you assume all risks. You assume responsibility for your safety and for your possessions. Drivers please remain on driveway and parking areas. Walkers please be aware of uneven surfaces and natural landscapes.