Factory or dairy visit · Matatoki, near Thames
The Cheese Barn at Matatoki
The Cheese Barn at 4 Wainui Road, Matatoki, ten minutes south of Thames, is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 3pm, and until 4pm from Labour Weekend to the end of April. It is closed on Mondays. There are no factory tours, but a viewing window looks onto the cheesemaking, best on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Open
- Tue to Sun, 9am to 3pm (4pm in summer)
- Closed
- Mondays
- Best days to see cheesemaking
- Tuesday and Wednesday
- Phone
- 07 868 1284
What You Can Do
The Cheese Barn is a certified organic cheese factory run by Kelvin and Cathy Haigh, who make cheese, yoghurt, quark, sour cream and ghee. Factory tours are not allowed for hygiene reasons, but you can watch through the viewing window; Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days. Children usually head for the animal paddock, with alpacas, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and a goat called Pippin.
Café
The BYO café serves cheese boards made with the barn's own cheese, pizza, pies and sausage rolls, with plenty of gluten-free options and organic coffee. Cooked breakfast runs on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to midday. Dogs on a leash are welcome outside. Large groups should book, and groups or clubs of 20 or more can arrange a cheese tasting and talk.
Getting There
The barn is on Wainui Road just off State Highway 26, the Thames to Paeroa road, about 5 km south of Kopu. The Hauraki Rail Trail passes 30 metres away at the back of the farm, so it makes a good stop by bike, and you can leave your car here to ride. Up to two campervans can stay overnight in the car park for $15 a night.
Further south on State Highway 1, Over the Moon Dairy in Putāruru gives free tastings.
Where to Stay near Thames
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Questions People Ask
Does The Cheese Barn do factory tours?
No, for hygiene reasons, but you can watch cheese being made through the viewing window. Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days.
Is The Cheese Barn open on Mondays?
No. It opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9am, closing at 4pm from Labour Weekend to the end of April and at 3pm over winter.
Can you park a campervan at The Cheese Barn?
Yes, up to two campervans can stay overnight in the car park for $15 a night.
Official site: thecheesebarn.co.nz/visit-us/. Dates, hours and prices checked 22 October 2026; confirm on the official site before you travel. See all cheese factory tours.