Mata is a family-owned brewery in Whakatāne that has been brewing since 2005, and its taproom at 17 Gateway Crescent in Coastlands is where to drink the beer. The beer, cider, Rewind vodka RTDs and GUZZ non-alcoholic sodas are all made on site. Twelve taps pour a changing selection, so the range shifts from visit to visit. The website names Shed Party lager at 4%, Manuka golden ale at 5% and Ka Pai little IPA. Mama G's Kitchen serves street food for lunch and dinner, and a tasting tray lets you try several beers before you pick a favourite. You can sit inside or outside in the sun, and the brewery calls itself family friendly. The taproom runs a weekly Thursday quiz at 6pm, open mic afternoons, live music, comedy nights and Music Bingo, and it hosts birthdays and work functions. One customer on the website says the staff are friendly and the beers top-notch, a fine place to unwind with friends. You can also take cans or a rigger fill home. Our pick in Whakatāne for a relaxed afternoon with friends.