Patrick's Boutique Bakery | PRODUCER

49 lake road, ohinemutu, bay of plenty & rotorua

look at what you’ll see on our food trail guide…

Why: We visited, drawn by the delicious smell of pies… and the smart black and white signage.
What’s more: Everything is baked on site, and you’ll find all you need for a super picnic at one of Rotorua’s scenic spots. Pies, pasties, filled rolls, fresh breads, slices, doughnuts…
What else: Kuirau Park, and the Rotorua Lakefront Reserve, are both very close, and on this guide - and excellent spots to take your bakery picnic.

The Kūmara Highway | PRODUCER

State Highway 12, Ruawai, Northland & Bay of Islands

look at what you’ll see on our food trail guide

Why: We visited for masses of delicious Northland kūmara and, at times, pumpkin and other squash.
What’s more: You’ll see the most kūmara signage anywhere in the world, be spoilt for choice with roadside stalls staffed by happy kūmara and honesty boxes, and can take your own 20 kilo bag home if you really want to. Kūmara has recently been declared New Zealand’s unofficial vegetable, and nearly 95% of our total crop comes from this area.
What else: One good thing to do here - while you are here, you won’t be able to miss views of the imposing Wairoa river. There are local walks, including a climb up the Tokatoka peak ( the entry has clear signage off Tokatoka Road), a real pointy peak so obvious no map is needed to point it out. The local scenery, and flora and fauna, abound.

Wintergarden Pavilion Cafe | EATERY

20 kiosk road, parnell, auckland & waiheke island

look at what you’ll see on our food trail guide…

Why: We visited and were taken by the opportunity to sit in a piece of New Zealand’s history, and to experience a moment just a little back in time - this pavilion was created in 1913 as a model of an “ideal home” for New Zealanders. And there was also the chance to enjoy some hot soup on a crisp day…
What’s more: This daytime cafe serves up classic fare from a menu and cabinet choices. There’s outside seating for blue sky days, and plenty of inside options… including a few benches by the window to look out at the park and ponds.
What else: One good thing to do here - you’re in the Auckland Domain, plenty of park to wander, and the War Memorials Museum is there too, with some impressive collections and exhibitions to explore.

George's Fisheries | EATERY

40 victoria street, whanganui, taranaki & whanganui

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Why: We visited for battered oyster, chips, bread and butter, and tea…. in a spot on classic kiwi diner.
What’s more: This is a traditional dining room, alongside the fish shop. Think formica tables, red tomato sauce bottles, old photos lining the wall… a perfect spot most days for a classic fish and chip lunch or early dinner.
What else: One good thing to do here - you’re in central Whanganui, and the majestic river and its boardwalk is walking distance just down the road.

Best Cafe | EATERY

30 stuart street, dunedin, waitaki & clutha

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Why: We visited this well-loved Dunedin institution for a delicious meal of battered blue cod and famous Bluff oysters, how could we not - they were in season!
What’s more: Step inside and step a little back in time. There is definitely a classic 1950s feel to this place, it’s a world of delicious seafood, and white bread, and cups of tea. We love.
What else: The current owner is actually the great-granddaughter of the 1930s owner, it’s been a family business but only relatively recently bought back into the family. And she’s keeping the earlier feel of the place, the batter recipe is that same as it was in the 1950s, as is the decor. What a treat.

Kaiaua Fisheries | EATERY

939 east coast road, kaiaua, waikato & hamilton

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Why: We visited for a quintessential kiwi road trip fish and chip stop, to take away and picnic beachside. Hoki, snapper or tarakihi. And a scoop of chips, that’s the classic.
What’s more: You could eat in, but you might be tempted by seaside picnic tables and water views, just across the road.
What else: Enjoy the seabirds, this is the seabird coast of course. And then there’s more driving, up or down the coast. Plenty of regional parks and picnic spots, to continue the road trip stops.

Cherry Cottage Cupcakes | COFFEE

89 bridge street, bulls, taranaki & manawatu

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Why: We visited one morning for a verandah sit to watch the world go by, that’s state highway 1… and delicious coffee, and of course a cherry cottage cupcake…
What’s more: There’s a welcoming feel, and lots to look at and admire. Lots of pretty china and lovely linens in the cottage. And how to choose from those cupcake treats.
What else: One good thing to do here - check out Bulls. It’s a town full of bull references, see how many you can find and how amusing they are.

Cardrona Hotel | EATERY

cardrona valley road, cardrona, central otago

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Why: We visited one cool afternoon for a hearty meal by the fire, and a real sense of southern hospitality and the history of this place.
What’s more: The focus here is on serving traditional pub favourites but with a twist, and there’s lots of seasonal produce from the Central Otago region. The nachos are pretty famous and try any pie that’s on offer. And, when it’s the end of the ski day, you’ll be joined by a bunch of skiers making apres-ski memories.
What else: One good thing to do here - as the name suggests, you’re in the Cardrona valley, at the base of the Crown Range Hill between Wanaka and Queenstown. It’s hard to resist a drive up to the ski field behind the hotel, winter or summer time for a look and a view. And there’s a little Cardona history to explore, just walking around the little settlement along from the hotel.

Sugar at Chelsea Bay | EATERY

100 colonial road, birkenhead, auckland & waiheke island

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Why: We visited this iconic New Zealand site - the Chelsea Sugar Factory - to be wowed by the pink touches, and some lamingtons to knock your socks off. There’s a delightful cafe here, serving all manner of sweet and savoury, with fabulous grounds looking out to Auckland’s harbour bridge.
What’s more: Chelsea’s signature pink is used for the car parking lines and much beyond. This sugar factory harks back to the days when New Zealand’s European pioneers were first settling here, and that pink sugar packet is a true kiwi icon.
What else: There’s factory tours that you can book (you’ll get to see the sugar mountain), and an interactive zone where you can bake a virtual cake… Hours could go by here…

Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park | PICNIC SPOT

4a rangataua road, ohakune, taranaki & manawatu

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Why: We visited, we always do… totally drawn to the original giant carrot, and now there’s a whole lot of friends with it too…
What’s more: Read the tribute to the Ohakune Chinese growers, and learn a little more about Ohakune forestry history. And don’t forget to check the carrot’s friends in the playground… potato, brussel sprout, parsnip, swede… enchanting! There’s loos, and a walkway to the town too.

Petal & Bee Grocers | FOOD STORE

68 main street, foxton, taranaki & manawatu

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Why: We visited this delightful main street grocer, and were drawn to local spirulina to pop in the basket - thanks Tahi from nearby Himatangi.
What’s more: We peered in the window, before opening - and the lovely proprietor was there to open up early for us. What service. Check out the fruit and veges and tofu and cheese.
What else: One good thing to do here - Main Street, Foxton…. lots to explore, wander up and down this street. Go and check out the windmill, and read the stories around it.

Armando's Kitchen | EATERY

71 melmore terrace, cromwell

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Why: We visited this gorgeous Italian-inspired spot one morning for a friendly welcome and a delicious brunch offering among historic buildings in the old Cromwell town.
What’s more: Take the menu and read the lovely story of Armando’s heritage and his journey to New Zealand. Of course there’s pizza and other Italian wonders to be enjoyed, given the Italian connection. But, with pies and giant cheese rolls in the cabinet, there’s a tremendous offering of traditional New Zealand too.
What else: One good thing to do here - in historic Cromwell there’s a lot of local history to explore and find out about Lake Dunstan, and the dam, and the town move - and enjoy that water view.

Black Rabbit Kitchen and Bar | EATERY

430A bannockburn road, bannockburn, central otago, queenstown & wanaka

look at what you’ll see on our food trail guide…

Why: We visited one morning and were taken by the friendly welcome, and then saw the longest cheese rolls we’d ever seen in the cabinet - very tempting, and that’s even before the delightful menu came by.
What’s more: There’s a great story to learn about the black rabbit of the eatery’s name - and Nanny’s garden. And they say they’re locals caring for locals and tourists alike - love that approach.
What else: One good thing to do here - Bannockburn has much to entertain you, wineries, lakeside spots and ceramic galleries - all on the app to explore.