The Coromandel
PORT JACKSON
PORT CHARLES
COLVILLE
WHANGAPOUA
COROMANDEL MATARANGI OTAMA TOWN KUAOTUNU OPITO
WHITIANGA MANAIA COOKS BEACH HAHEI
HOT WATER BEACH COROGLEN WHENUAKITE
TAPU
HIKUAI
Kauaeranga OPOUTERE THAMES Valley
ONEMANA MATATOKI
PURIRI WHANGAMATA HIKUTAIA a small selection of places to visit KEY Restaurant Licensed or Café Establishment 1 THAMES AND SURROUNDS Thames Valley Bacon 9224 Paeroa Kopu Road, RD1 Grahamstown Bar and Diner Winery or Boutique Matatoki, Thames ‘The GBD’ 700 Pollen Street Brewery or Specialty P: 07 868 1042 (corner of Pahau St) Thames Food thamesvalleybacon.co.nz P: 07 868 6008 thejunction.net.nz The Falls Retreat 25 Waitawheta Road, Waihi (Opposite Cafe Melbourne Owharoa Falls) 715 Pollen St, Thames P: 07 863 8770 P: 07 868 3159 fallsretreat.co.nz Facebook: Cafe Melbourne Grahamstown Waikino Hotel Bar and Kitchen 8541 State Highway 2, Waikino P: 07 863 8381 waikinohotel.nz Piako Petes 41 Buchanan Road, Pipiroa P: 07 867 7628 Facebook: Piako Petes
2 THAMES COAST Waiomu Beach Café 3 622 Thames Coast Road, Waiomu P: 07 868 2554 Facebook: Waiomu Beach Cafe 4 Koru Cafe at Rapaura Watergardens The Wharf Coffee House 586 Tapu-Coroglen Road, RD5, and Bar Thames Shortland Wharf, Queen Street P: 07 868 4821 P: 07 868 6528 rapaura.com thamesfisheries.co.nz The Cheese Barn 2 at Matatoki 5 4 Wainui Road, Matatoki P: 07 868 1284 thecheesebarn.co.nz Omahu Valley Citrus 146 Omahu Valley Road, RD4, 1 Paeroa P: 07 868 1274 omahuvalleycitrus.co.nz 6
3 COROMANDEL TOWN – COLVILLE The Coromandel Oyster Co 1611 Manaia Road, SH25 Coromandel Town P: 07 866 8028 freshoysters.co.nz UMU Cafe 22 Wharf Rd, Coromandel Town P: 07 866 8618 Facebook: UMU Cafe
2 3 4 MERCURY BAY Coroglen Tavern 1937 Tairua Whitianga Road Castle Rock Café Coroglen 1242 Whangapoua Road, P: 07 866 3809 Te Rerenga coroglentavern.co.nz P: 07 866 4542 castlerockcafe.co.nz The Pour House 7 Grange Rd, Hahei Luke’s Kitchen P: 07 8663354 20 Blackjack Road Miha Restaurant at Grand Mercure thepourhouse.co.nz Kuaotunu Village Puka Park P: 07 866 4480 Cathedral Cove Macadamias 42 Mount Ave, Pauanui lukeskitchen.co.nz 335 Lees Rd, Hahei P: 07 864 8088 P: 07 867 1221 Poivre & Sel pukapark.co.nz Cathedralcovemacadamias.co.nz 2 Mill Road, Whitianga Pepper Tree Restaurant P: 07 866 0053 Mercury Bay Estate – Winery 6 WHANGAMATA and Bar poivresel.co.nz & Vineyard Sixfortysix 31 Kapanga Rd, Coromandel Town 761a Purangi Rd, Cooks Beach 646 Port Road, Whangamata P 07 866 8211 P: 07 866 4066 P: 07 865 6117 peppertreerestaurant.co.nz mercurybayestate.co.nz sixfortysix.co.nz Star and Garter Hot Water Brewing Co LuvCoffee 5 Kapanga Rd, Coromandel 1043 Tairua-Whitianga Road 701 Port Rd, Whangamata P: 07 866 8503 Whenuakite P: 07 865 7377 Facebook: Star and Garter Hotel P: 07 866 3830 Facebook: LuvCoffeeWhangamata Admirals Arms Hotel hotwaterbrewingco.com Port Road Project 146 Wharf Rd, Coromandel Town 719 Port Road, Whangamata P: 07 866 8623 5 TAIRUA-PAUANUI P: 07 865 7288 admiralsarms.co.nz Manaia Kitchen & Bar Facebook: Port Rd Project Hereford ‘n’ A Pickle 28 Main Rd, Tairua Whanga Bar 2318 Colville Road, Colville P: 07 864 9050 101 Winifred Avenue P: 07 866 6821 manaia.co.nz Whangamata kairaumatipolledherefords.com Salt Restaurant & Bar 2 Blacksmith Lane P: 07 865 6400 Whitianga Facebook: Whanga Bar P: 07 866 5818 Blackies Café [email protected] 418 Ocean Road, Whangamata salt-whitianga.co.nz P: 07 865 9834 Whitianga Hotel Facebook: Blackies Café at the 1 Blacksmith Lane beach – Whangamata P: 07 866 5818 Facebook: Whitianga Hotel The Lost Spring Restaurant and Licenced Café 121A Cook Drive, Whitianga P: 07 866 0456 thelostpring.co.nz Flock Kitchen & Bar Hula 227 Main Rd, Tairua The Forager’s Kitchen 5 Albert St, Whitianga P: 07 864 8811 2314 Colville Road, Colville P: 07 866 0323 flockkitchenandbar.com P: 07 866 6697 hula.co.nz The Old Mill Café Facebook: The Forager’s Kitchen Mercury Bay Creamery 1 The Esplanade, Tairua Tangiaro Lodge 3263 Tairua-Whitianga Road, RD1 P: 07 864 9390 1299 Port Charles Rd, Rd4, Whitianga theoldmillcafetairua.com Coromandel [email protected] Marina Bar and Grill P: 07 866 6614 mercurybaycreamery.co.nz Level 1, The Marina, kiwiretreat.co.nz Chocolates are Us Tairua Whitianga P: 07 864 8800 P: 0800 246 277 marinabar.co.nz chocolatesareus.co.nz 4 5 The mountainous forest, fertile terraces and nutrient- rich waters of the Coromandel have fed generations of gardeners, gatherers, bushmen and campers since the days of early settlement in New Zealand. Today, the Coromandel continues its heritage of fresh food and flavours. Most of the food served Indulge in in our top cafés and restaurants comes from a 100km radius, fresh from the ocean or homegrown a Taste of local produce. With some of the best fishing spots in the country, seafood is The Coromandel certainly our specialty and this is where you want to eat straight from the ocean to the plate. We are the home of the New Zealand Greenshell Mussel and almost a quarter of New Zealand’s Pacific Oyster harvest, by weight, is delivered from this region. But that’s not all to savour of our homegrown cuisine. Look out for scallops, crayfish, paua (abalone), local cheeses, boutique wines, craft beers and macadamia nuts. From the former goldrush town of Thames, up our rugged west coast to the remote northern Coromandel, and back around the stunning eastern coastline, we’re proud to help you taste the flavours of the Coromandel through our many cafés, wineries, farm gates and markets on the Coromandel Food Trail. Get ready to start your tour.
6 7 – a meal at GBD and movie at the historical Thames movie theatre. The menu is regularly updated but favourites include Thames & Surrounds hearty mains of scotch fillet, vegetarian and pasta dishes and seafood harvested straight from Cafe Melbourne. the waters of the Hauraki Gulf, which leads into the inshore Thames is the gateway to great experiences on the waters of the Firth of Thames. Coromandel. It’s the launch point for an adventure at thejunction.net.nz The Pinnacles or Sleeping God Canyon and for the tens of The Depot at 717 Pollen St is a thousands who come to cycle the popular Hauraki Rail Trail bustling complex in the former bus each year haurakirailtrail.co.nz It’s also the stop and stock- depot, housing art, deli food and up point for campers and holiday makers on their way up local and artisan produce and a the Thames Coast Rd or over the Coromandel Ranges to our laid-back dining courtyard with a pristine east coast beaches. healthy vegetable garden. Among Yet there is much to explore, the businesses in residence is and taste, in this historic former Café Melbourne, a funky, licensed goldrush town too. café serving locally-sourced, Cafe Melbourne. Connected to nature, with an innovative food with international expansive bush wilderness as flavours and vegetarian, vegan and allergy-conscious its backdrop, Thames also has options. Choose from the menu or the cabinet, and the many delightful shops with local coffee never fails to please. Open seven days for breakfast and organic produce, arts, crafts and lunch, and for Friday night dinners during summer. and wherever you go there is Facebook: Café Melbourne Grahamstown friendly service. With walking trails and cycle-friendly streets, you can make Thames Market produce. Grahamstown, at the northern end a day of exploring Thames. Stop of Pollen St, is the perfect place to soak in the heritage, with for a coffee and explore the historic buildings housing cafés, museums and galleries. historic Shortland Wharf at It’s also where you’ll find the Thames Market each Saturday The Wharf Coffee House and Bar, morning where you can shop for home-grown produce also a retailer of locally-caught including breads, pastries, cheeses and fresh organic fruit fish, kina, oysters, Coromandel and veges. mussels, a selection of smoked fish and Fish ‘n Chips. Sit out On the corner of Pahau on the rustic dock and enjoy a and Pollen Streets, smoked seafood platter or a The Grahamstown Bar & Diner bowl of seafood chowder. Coffee, (or the ‘GBD’ as locals wine and beer are also served. Wharf Coffee House. affectionately call it) first opened thamesfisheries.co.nz its doors to cater for goldminers in 1869. Today, the ‘GBD’ is the Approximately 11km south of Thames, on the road to place to go in Thames for a social Paeroa, visit The Cheese Barn at Matatoki, a cheese factory occasion and superb food. Check and licensed café and animal farm. Relax in tranquil country out the daily specials or pop in for surroundings and enjoy an organic coffee or wine with your cheeseboard. Watch the cheesemakers as they make a GBD. the Thursday night movie special
8 9 wide range of organic cheese and a gardening workshop. Open for yoghurt, sold in the shop along lunch and dinner from 11am-late. with lovely chutneys, relishes, fallsretreat.co.nz olives, jams, fudge and salami. Another spot on the Gorge that’s as Locally-made ice-cream is also a old as the hills it’s nestled beneath hit with children and adults alike. The Cheese Barn. is the newly restored thecheesebarn.co.nz Waikino Hotel Bar & Kitchen – Close by is Omahu Valley Citrus, a favourite stop for locals and artisan makers of award-winning road-weary travellers for thirst- citrus products, marmalades, quenching beverages and soul food. chutneys and cordials. The range Waikino Hotel. waikinohotel.nz is preservative-free and made If you are heading east of Thames from citrus fruit grown in their own instead, then a must stop is Piako Petes – just eight orchard. Visits by appointment. kilometres from Thames, over the Piako River bridge, You may also find them at the and then a sharp right into Buchanan Road. Commercial Thames Market in Grahamstown fisherman Peter Thorburn on a Saturday morning. (AKA Piako Pete) catches omahuvalleycitrus.co.nz Omahu Valley Citrus. fresh flounder daily (weather Thames Valley Bacon in Matatoki permitting) in the Firth of specialises in manuka-smoked bacons, hams, salamis and Thames. He also fillets the their shop-recipe sausages with flounder, which can be cooked for gluten-free options as well as two to three minutes in a hot pan. Christmas hams cured, smoked His by-catch consists of snapper, and cooked to perfection. As kahawai, mullet and local eel overall winners of the 2016 NZ and is smoked traditionally with Bacon Awards, they have the best manuka and sea salt only. A treat bacon available right here in not to be missed. 41 Buchanan The Coromandel. Rd, Pipiroa, Ngatea. Piako Petes. thamesvalleybacon.co.nz Phone: 07 867 7628. If you’re travelling south on the Hauraki Rail Trail, the wild Thames Valley Bacon. Karangahake Gorge on State Highway 2 has much to explore – walkways, fishing and rock climbing. That’s sure to work up an appetite, so call into The Falls Retreat where gourmet pizzas are served from the woodfired oven or try the specialty rustic slow- cooked food with a ‘paddock-to-plate’ ethos. Dine in the rustic barn or enjoy the The Falls Retreat. outdoor pergola where you can watch the chefs at work and view the extensive vegetable gardens. Alternatively, stay a while in one of the charming cottages or book one of the ‘Foodie Experiences’ or
10 11 produce. Try the Beef & Lamb Excellence Award-winning signature dishes: The ‘serious steak sandwich’ and the ‘chermoula-crusted lamb backstrap’ or Savour Coromandel Thames Coast mussels served with freshly baked beer bread. Follow up with a ‘Dam’ good coffee and a slice of home- Follow the Thames Coast north to experience a stretch of baked cake. Koru is open seven days pohutukawa-fringed coastline interspersed with coastal a week from October to April, while villages, classic old dairies and a more relaxed pace of life. Koru at Rapaura Café. the gardens are open year-round. rapaura.com Along the way, enjoy a picnic at Kuranui Bay and check out the operational gold stamper battery at the Goldmine Experience. Or keep driving to find a pohutukawa grotto in one of the many magical little bays that hug the coastline and enjoy fish and chips, a swim and watch a splendid Thames Coast sunset. The Thames Coast is also celebrated for epic snapper fishing and for this reason there are plenty of fishing tours operating in the Firth of Thames. One thing’s for sure, you can’t go up this coast without seeing someone perched on a rocky shore with a fishing rod in hand. Carry on along the coastal highway towards historic Coromandel Town Coromandel Town and you’ll see the mussel farms that harvest up to one quarter of New Zealand’s mussels & Colville and oysters for local consumption and export. Coromandel Town is synonymous with high quality A must-stop on your trip north is the seafood and when you’re here you can get it straight from Waiomu Beach Café. Combine tasty the ocean to the plate. food, warm hospitality and Supreme coffee for a true Coro’ recipe. You The pristine waters of the Coromandel Harbour are know it’s good when it’s a local renowned for mussel and oyster farms, as well as being a favourite. Sit back and relax in the great place to haul out your line and catch some fish. sheltered outdoor courtyard during Of course, the bounty is never the endless summer days or seek fresher than when eaten locally. out the cosy café in the cooler winter The Coromandel Oyster Company months. That’s if you can get past Waiomu Beach Café. on State Highway 25 serves the counter of pastry and cakes. fresh pacific oysters from the Facebook: Waiomu Beach Cafe farm gate. Dine in at the seaside From the Thames Coast Road (SH25), turn right at Tapu garden, looking out over the and 6km up the Tapu-Coroglen Rd you’ll find Rapaura oyster farms, and feast on fresh Watergardens and Koru Café where you can experience a oysters, mussels and fish. range of delicious homemade delights and locally-sourced
12 13 Mussels being harvested off lines.
Their much-loved seafood chowder and oyster bisque is phenomenal. freshoysters.co.nz Facebook: Coro Oyster Five minutes down the road you’re in Coromandel Town where you’ll step back in time with the historic village feel. So don’t be have been converted to a long bar where you’ll be served surprised if you see someone riding a cocktails, quality wines and spirits and the full range of horse down the main street Kapanga New Zealand’s premium Monteiths on tap. Rd, where you will discover local art Facebook: Star and Garter Hotel and an eclectic mix of shops offering Close by on Wharf Rd the Admirals Arms Hotel has a lovely quirky handcrafted items. garden bar to relax in and enjoy a bite to eat off the bistro Stop-in for coffee and a bite at Umu. menu presenting steamed mussels, seafood chowder, the This is a relaxed café with a seasonal fisherman’s basket and steak meals. The hotel is also well menu, which always includes fresh known for bringing live music to town to keep the nights Coromandel mussel chowder, local rocking along. admiralsarms.co.nz seafood, prime meats and vegetarian About a 30-minute drive north options. Sit outdoors in the courtyard, of Coromandel Town and off the or cosy up inside with a hot pot or Umu. beaten track is the untouched small soup in winter. Umu serves local Coromandel Town-brewed township of Colville. This is a true MK Brewing Co beer and Good George craft beer on tap. escape. Be prepared for gravel Check the Umu Café Facebook page for the latest menu. roads and remote beaches where Facebook: Umu Cafe you could feel like the only person in For more fresh, local seafood the world. and award-winning modern New At the local Colville General Zealand cuisine, pay a visit to Store on Colville Rd you can buy Pepper Tree Restaurant and Bar. Admirals Arms Hotel. just about anything and catch The team has won numerous up on the local news. Nextdoor, awards in the Monteiths Wild the family-owned Hereford ‘n’ A Pickle farm shop is an Food and Beer Challenge and artisan food experience. The Ward family own 194ha of serves up a unique outdoor rolling pasture for grazing their dining experience in summer or Hereford cattle. They produce cosy dining next to an open fire meat that’s processed on site Pepper Tree Restaurant and Bar. in winter. and sold at their store along peppertreerestaurant.co.nz with homemade baking and Also on the main street is preserves. The ‘Pickle’s’ much- Star and Garter. This magnificent loved sausages are made from an building is constructed in heart Star and Garter. old family recipe while the fruit kauri and is one of Coromandel’s ice cream and the pure Hereford oldest buildings with walls of history beef burger is well worth the to admire. It was previously a scenic journey up to Colville. general store for the town’s miners The children can play in the Hereford ‘n’ A Pickle. and then a drapery for more than 80 playground while grown ups sit years. Three original kauri counters back, relax, and take in the view. the bolts of fabric were thrown over kairaumatipolledherefords.com
14 15 You’ll also feel at home at the eclectic retro-style café The Forager’s Kitchen. Settle in on a couch and enjoy the local brew Coffee Lala, fresh baking, cabinet food and an all-day menu Mercury Bay that changes fortnightly with fresh produce and local seafood. A favourite that’s always on the Majestic Mercury Bay on the eastern coast of the menu is the mushrooms with Coromandel Peninsula is paradise for boating, fishing, smoked feta. The Forager’s The Forager’s Kitchen. diving or just to catch the beach. Kitchen is open 8:30am-4pm The broad area of Mercury Bay weekdays, and for dinner on Fridays from 5pm-9pm. stretches from Whangapoua all Facebook: The Forager’s Kitchen the way to Whenuakite, covering 12 Continue further north to Port Charles and just a few eclectic communities with individual minutes drive from some of the most breathtaking tastes and flavours. beaches in New Zealand you’ll At the northern tip of Mercury Bay find a northern Coromandel gem (and approx. 40 minutes south of in Tangiaro Lodge. This retreat is Coromandel Town) is Whangapoua, nestled in lush green Coromandel which is the starting point to walk bush at the base of Mount Moehau to the world-acclaimed New Chum and offers café dining with a menu Beach, accessible only by boat or via featuring traditional Kiwi big Castle Rock Café a 30-minute walk on an unformed breakfasts, gourmet burgers and track. This protected beach has no buildings, infrastructure pizzas. Relax with a local brew: (such as toilets) or camping – a jewel in New Zealand’s Coffee Lala, a pint of Stony Bay craft coastal crown. beer, or a wine from Mercury Bay Estate or Ohui Vineyard. A little river Tangiaro Lodge lunch. Before the turn off to Whangapoua Beach visit trickling its way through tranquil Castle Rock Café for an assortment of dressings, flora, birdsong and tree breezes are the only sounds to be vinaigrettes, jams and chutneys using produce from heard. kiwiretreat.co.nz their garden. The sensational hot chilli lime chutney and tamarillo and cinnamon dressing are favourites and, like all Castle Rock products, are packed with flavour and free from gluten and preservatives. The café is now closed but the shop is open for stocking up. castlerockcafe.co.nz A trip to the Coromandel isn’t complete without a stop at Luke’s Kitchen situated in the laid-back village of Kuaotunu. This is a popular rustic seaside restaurant with a cafe and art gallery, With a traditional woodfired oven at its heart, and combining good, honest food Tangiaro Lodge. Luke’s Kitchen.
16 17 from pizzas, fresh seafood, salads and revolving specials. menu. This licensed café is also Luke’s is known for live local music jams, friendly staff and open evenings in the weekend a beach view that has stunning sunsets. during summer. hula.co.nz lukeskitchen.co.nz Or for something different, The centre of Mercury Bay is the dine lagoon-side at the Lost Spring Restaurant coastal resort town of Whitianga, . Set in Hula. which has recently undergone the historic Mercury Bay School a town centre upgrade creating House, The Cafe at The Lost Spring offers fusion style wider streets allowing for cuisine with full restaurant and bar service poolside. Enjoy alfresco dining. Take a stroll a great meal after your swim or a through town, admire the local romantic dinner lagoon side while street art, and the options for enjoying the spectacular views. eating are plenty. thelostspring.co.nz For a home-made gastronomic Minutes out of Whitianga at 3263 Poivre & Sel. dinner prepared with fresh, Tairua-Whitianga Road you’ll find local products, book your Mercury Bay Creamery, an artisan seat at Poivre & Sel. The family owners of this beautiful cheese-maker that crafts a range establishment offer a special French-fusion, fine dining of specialty cheeses using raw experience in a cosy atmosphere. poivresel.co.nz milk from their small herd of happy cows. No pesticides are used in Alongside the Whitianga Marina, The Lost Spring. Salt Restaurant & Bar serves these pastures and neither are contemporary European cuisine with hormones fed to the cows. Here fresh, seasonal produce. you also can buy raw milk in recyclable glass bottles. In summer, enjoy a drink on the mercurybaycreamery.co.nz deck and when the sun goes down, Chocolates are Us makes move inside by the warmth of the custom-made chocolates that fire.salt-whitianga.co.nz can be ordered online. The Another place to soak up the sun cashew nut brittle is not to and enjoy views of the marina and be missed. Talk to owner and chocolate maker the hills is the Whitianga Hotel. Salt Restaurant & Bar. Steeped in history, it’s a central part [email protected] of the seaside township with a family-friendly restaurant about chocolates for special serving fresh fish and a meal from the grill. occasions or view the range at chocolatesareus.co.nz Facebook: Whitianga Hotel Mercury Bay Creamery. If it’s a café near the water you’re Heading south from Whitianga, after, Hula is located next to you are spoilt for choice for stunning scenery and food. Buffalo Beach, serving up fresh, You can’t miss the Chocolates are Us. creative food with plenty of gluten Coroglen Tavern, one of New and dairy-free options, as well Zealand’s iconic country pubs as raw and fermented foods. The known for its stonking summer doors open early serving Havana band line-ups. Sit on the veranda coffee, smoothies and shakes, with a cold ale and try the Tavern’s with a full breakfast and lunch famous scallop or lamb burgers,
Whitianga Hotel.
18 19 fresh fish, house recipe mussel Heading south, you can’t go past fritters or chicken wings with the Whenuakite without stopping in tavern’s secret sauce. The fire to see the team at the Hot Water roars in winter and it’s popular for Brewing Co. who like real food and a Sunday lunch. real beer. Visit with the crew for coroglentavern.co.nz Friday night drinks or to chill in the Coroglen Tavern sun for a lazy Sunday lunch. The lamb burger. Past Coroglen and about ten minutes south, take the turn off patio is sunny, a playground is in right and you’ll findThe Pour House clear sight and the coffee machine – home of the Coromandel Brewing is always on with a selection of muffins and scones baked fresh Company situated near the start Hot Water Brewing Co. of the world-renowned Cathedral daily. Knowledgeable bar staff will Cove. Enjoy a casual afternoon or talk you through a tasting of beers made on site. These evening in the garden with a craft include the generously-hopped Kauri Falls Pale Ale and the beer brewed straight from the robust and chocolatey Walkers Porter as well as seasonal source, matched with local cheeses and rotating guest taps pouring fresh beers and ciders. See and seafood or a woodfired pizza. hotwaterbrewingco.com for opening hours, days and the New Zealand wines and ciders latest menu. are also available. The Pour House. thepourhouse.co.nz Take in the beautiful surroundings, native trees and bird life as you are guided through the orchards of Cathedral Cove Macadamias. Visit the orchard shop for organic macadamia products and hand-picked seasonal produce. cathedralcovemacadamias.co.nz Cathedral Cove Macadamias. Tairua-Pauanui Just north of Hahei on the way to Cooks Beach is Mercury Bay Estate – Winery and Restaurant. The vineyard is a spectacular stop for a wine tasting and delicious food Tairua is your next foodie stop, with a range of cafés and experience, with gourmet food platters, local seafood and restaurants each with their own character and style. woodfired pizzas to enjoy while overlooking the beautiful Located in the heart of Tairua, Manaia Kitchen & Bar offers Mercury Bay. mercurybayestate.co.nz everything from great coffee and brunch in the mornings to a contemporary bar and bistro serving fresh, seasonal salads, antipasto platters, plenty Mercury Bay Estate. Manaia Kitchen & Bar. of Coromandel seafood, and woodfired pizzas. The outdoor courtyard is a great place to relax over Sunday brunch or unwind with friends and enjoy some live music at night. manaia.co.nz
20 21 Flock Kitchen & Bar is another in elegant surrounds, or dine popular spot for a bite to eat or alfresco on the large outdoor a casual drink in the sun. Enjoy deck. Miha’s menu reflects a breakfast, lunch and dinner Pacific Rim flavour with a modern outdoors or in the funky indoor European twist, with menus bar area. Flock favourites include changing seasonally. Finish calamari, house-smoked salmon Flock Kitchen & Bar. with a cocktail at the bar or sink and ika mata (raw fish). The menu into the large couches in the also offers Asian flavours with dumplings, spicy chicken lounge, with the warmth of an bao and the Vietnamese chicken salad. Sometimes open-hearth log fire in the winter however, you just can’t go past the golden battered fish and months. pukapark.co.nz Miha Restaurant. chips. flockkitchenandbar.com A short drive or 45-minute walk, taking in the heritage trail around the harbour to the base of Mt Paku is The Old Mill Café. Quirky charm, combined with a modern décor creates a fresh and welcoming atmosphere on the edge of the picturesque Tairua Harbour. There’s a full breakfast and lunch menu or choose from Whangamata the delicious selection of in- The Old Mill Café. house baking. This fully-licensed café caters to all diets including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan. Browse in the gift shop or select some take-home Famous for its unique combination of beach and forest, specialty goods from the deli. theoldmillcafetairua.com the surf town of Whangamata was voted best beach in New Zealand by New Zealand Herald readers in 2018. Over the road, Tairua Marina Bar & Grill in the Tairua Marina precinct brews its own beers, will cook your catch after a Whangamata’s ocean beach boasts some of the best day of fishing and offers a delectable surfing breaks, yet safest swimming in the country. The dinner menu rich in seafood options. Coromandel Forest Park bordering the town provides many Sit outside and breathe the fresh outdoor experiences including short walks, mountain bike sea air with arguably one of the trails and goldmining sites. best views of any restaurant on the Take a break from the action and hit the main street for surf Coromandel. There are two 40 ft and streetwear stores and plenty of great places to eat. berths available on a first-come, The Port Road Project is an excellent stop – a modern, first-served basis for restaurant Scandanavian-style a la carte café serving an eclectic range guests. marinabar.co.nz The Port Road Project. of delicious, locally-produced food Across the estuary at Pauanui there for breakfast and lunch, or late night is another place to dine in grand Tairua Marina Bar Friday and Saturday for its shared luxury, at the award-winning & Grill. plate menu. Port Road Project has Miha Restaurant at the Grand friendly table service, good coffee, Mercure Puka Park. Nestled in the bush at base of Mt plenty of vegetarian options, Good Pauanui, you can be sure of a sumptuous dining experience George beers and interesting wines.
22 23 On summer evenings the Veer off the main strip to custom-built American-style Blackies Café, just metres from smoked bbq fires up for tapa- the water’s edge next to the style food. surf club at Williamson Park. Facebook: Port Rd Project Enjoy paradise by the beach and SixfortySix offers street-side a takeaway coffee, dairy-free SixfortySix. Blackies Café. dining in the heart of the main smoothie or rolled icecream, or street Port Road. With a modern, beachy vibe, this is a settle in for the breakfast salad, great place to stop for a Kokako expresso or soft-brew prawn salad, corn fritters, or healthy raw-food options coffee, fresh-baked pastry or homemade artisan treats. from the cabinet. Blackies is open seven days, year-around The kitchen offers a full breakfast and lunch menu with from 8am to 2pm, with expanded open hours over the daily, seasonal specials and happily caters for all dietary summer months. requirements or lifestyle choices. sixfortysix.co.nz Facebook: Blackies Café at the Beach – Whangamata Coffee lovers rejoice. #LuvCoffee owners Justin and Diana are happy to treat your caffeine fix with Markets organic, fair trade coffee served with organic milk, or a wide range Fill a picnic hamper from the Coromandel’s bountiful organic and of specialty hot drinks such as a specialty produce, which can be found at markets throughout the matcha or velvet latte or a vegan district including Thames, Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Tairua smoothie. If you’re heading to the and Whangamata. beach you can take-away with biodegradable packaging, or dine-in Thames Market Matarangi Craft Market the relaxed café where you’ll be #LuvCoffee. Pollen Street, Grahamstown, Matarangi village shops. tempted by freshly scratch-baked Thames. Saturday mornings Sundays from December to muffins, scones, loaves, savouries 8am – 12noon. Don’t forget to January and holiday weekends. and salads made with top quality ingredients and fresh bring your own bag, basket or local produce brought in by its loving loyal clients. The all- box as plastic carry bags are no Tairua Market day menu will please those wanting a hearty feed of bacon longer provided. Tairua Hall, Main Road. and eggs or those seeking gluten-free and vegan options. 9am-1pm on the first Saturday Coromandel Town Homegrown of the month. Facebook & Instagram: LuvCoffeeWhangamata Community Market Tucked away off the main road is the tavern-style Wharf Rd, Coromandel Town. Whangamata Sunday Market Whanga Bar – an all-day eatery with an expansive outdoor Fridays 8am – 12 noon. Port Road, TCDC carpark. seating area to enjoy breakfast and lunch, and seasonal Sunday 9am-1pm over the main evening meals including their renowned 300gm Coroglen Farmers Market summer months; and the steak. The tasty gourmet mushrooms on kumara rosti Gumtown Hall, Coroglen. fourth Sunday of every month is a must-try dish and the cabinet is stocked with fresh Sunday mornings, Labour and school holiday weekends Weekend – Easter. during winter. Whanga Bar. salads and raw baking from Real Rad Food. At night, the Bar Whangamata Lions Market comes alive, with regular live Whitianga Art Craft & Farmers Market RSA Carpark Anniversary music spots and there are 12 Weekend, Easter, house-made cocktails and craft Soldiers Memorial Park, Whitianga. Every Saturday Labour Weekend. beer to enjoy as the sun goes from Labour weekend until down. Facebook: Whanga Bar Easter, and Saturday on Visit thecoromandel.com holiday weekends and community events. for updated listings. 24 25 15-17 February 2019
A Taste Of Brits at the Beach – If it’s puddings, sweets and mushy peas you crave, Brits at the Beach is a celebration of FOODIE EVENTS things British. Spice up your gastronomic tour of the britsatthebeach.co.nz Coromandel by combining it with one of the many 6 April 2019 iconic events throughout the year. Here’s a small selection. A Taste of Matarangi Taste world-class wines, craft beer and a fabulous range of 2 January 2019 local produce while enjoying family activities and great continuous live Keltic Fair – All day entertainment, music on stage at the Matarangi kids’ rides, yummy food and a world Village Green by the beach. of arts, crafts and great value fair atasteofmatarangi.co.nz shopping at Coromandel Area School, 155 Tiki Road, Coromandel Town. 4 May 2019 kelticfair.co.nz Coromandel Town 5 January 2019 Seafood Festival The festival features live music Tairua School Wine and Food throughout the day, cooking Festival – A huge celebration of food, demonstrations with local seafoods, wine, arts, music and crafts. Tairua School, 110 Main Road oyster opening, fish filleting and Tairua. tairuawineandfood.co.nz plenty of stalls offering seafood and crafts. coromandelseafoodfest.com 6 January 2019 September 2019 Hahei Market Day A fun day for the whole family at Kotare Reserve. Check out the Whitianga Scallop Festival delectable range of food produce available for purchase. An unmissable foodie event that sells Facebook: Hahei Library out year after year. Enjoy celebrity chef cooking displays, live music and 11 January 2019 scallops cooked everyway possible. Concert in the Vines scallopfestival.nz If you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sun with a picnic and some of the Coromandel Peninsula’s favourite wine and November 2019 cuisine, this is the event for you. Steampunk the Thames Mercury Bay Estate, A festival of steampunk balls, banquets 761 Purangi Rd, Cooks Beach. and burlesque, as well as exhibitions and concerts. concertinthevines.org.nz steampunkthethames.org 2 & 3 February 2019 For more events see thecoromandel.com Leadfoot Festival World-class racers and owners of unique vehicles will enjoy unparalleled access to the drivers, pits and race cars and a fabulous range of food and drinks. leadfootfestival.com
26 27 tcdc.govt.nz/foodtrail 07 868 0200
thecoromandel.com
2019 edition