Eggs Benedict are arguably the best breakfast/brunch treat. As I'm new-ish to the area, I'm on a mission to find the café with the best Eggs Benedict in Kerikeri. Here's my verdict so far... and the opinions and tastes are my own. You might have quite a different experience and different tastebuds. :) First things first: what are Eggs Benedict? Eggs Benedict are poached … [Read more...]
Kerikeri: things to do, eat & explore
Discover the best insider tips from a local, on things to do, eat and explore in Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
Eat: Getting fruity in Kerikeri
The Bay of Islands is blessed with a climate (and soil) that makes it a wonderful area for growing produce. Kerikeri, in particular, is known as a horticultural area, with numerous kiwi fruit, mandarin and orange orchards. Kerikeri fruit is delicious! Home gardening is popular here too - it's the perfect place for it, after all! On our own property, we have over 50 fruit … [Read more...]
Eat: Bamboo Hut on State Highway 10
Have you ever driven past the signs on State Highway 10 for Thai food, and wondered what it was like? Here's what you can expect... A slice of Thailand in the Bay of Islands As soon as you pull in, you'll notice the Thai-style decor. It's like a wee slice of Thailand, right here in the Bay of Islands. The kitchen is inside a shipping container that's been covered … [Read more...]
Paradise for dogs: Roland’s Wood dog park in Kerikeri
As beautiful as it is in the Bay of Islands, it's not so easy exploring it with your dog because dogs are banned from so many places. However, here's one beautiful place that both you and your dog will enjoy: Roland's Wood, which is just outside Kerikeri. What is Roland's Wood? Roland's Wood is a 4 hectare (10 acre) piece of land that was gifted by local man, Roland … [Read more...]
Drink: Max Coffee, it’s mmmmmmm!
Did you know that the Bay of Islands has its own coffee roastery? You'll find Max Coffee in cafés and supermarkets throughout the Bay of Islands. At the time of writing this blog post, Max Coffee is served at The Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri on Saturdays, and at Charlotte's Kitchen in Paihia every day of the week. There is also a roastery shop that's open to the public. … [Read more...]
Eat: La Taza Del Diablo – Mexican Restaurant Kerikeri
Thanks to a broken stove top, we finally got to try La Taza Del Diablo, the mexican restaurant in Kerikeri. We've walked past so often, and it's a lively place - sometimes there's live music or a singer on Friday evenings. There were still a few empty tables when we arrived on a Wednesday evening, but shortly after they arrived they all filled up. And then even more people … [Read more...]
The Bay of Islands Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce
The Bay of Islands Farmers' Market is the original growers' market in the area. You'll find it in the car park outside the Post Office, off Hobson Avenue in Kerikeri. (It's just across the road from Cathay Cinemas.) The market is there every Sunday, rain or shine, from 8.30am to 12 noon. (There's also a market run by the same organisers in Paihia, on the Village Green, on … [Read more...]
Midge Marsden concert at Marsden Estate – 28 March 2016
"There's a music thing on at Marsden Estate over Easter weekend - let's go!" said Mr Baywatcher. "Sounds good!" I replied. And so we bought tickets, when we were at the winery for lunch just a week or so earlier. And I'd never heard of Midge Marsden (though Mr Baywatcher had heard him play live many years previously). I was in for a treat! It turned out to be the … [Read more...]
Eat: Madly Indian, Kerikeri
Finally, after a 13-year quest to find an amazing Indian restaurant in New Zealand, I've found it... in Kerikeri! No, I'm not Indian, but I grew up in the UK where there is some amazing Indian food to be found. So for the 13 years I lived in Auckland, I trudged from suburb to suburb to find a good Indian restaurant. There were some almost-good restaurants, but they were … [Read more...]
Eat: Marsden Estate Winery Restaurant
It was typical New Zealand kind of weather when we went to Marsden Estate winery restaurant for lunch: 4 seasons in one day... sunshine, rain, sunshine, rain - you get the idea! Hint: enjoy a wine tasting before your meal Our visit started with a wine tasting - there's a small charge for this, but there were about 10 or 11 wines to try so it is well worth it! And it's a … [Read more...]