We'd both come to NZ in anticipation of great coffee, wine and fresh food. In this, we have not been disappointed.
The coffee is more often than not excellent, even in the dodgiest looking cafe, good coffee is served. Since our first experience of cafe culture in Auckland...
I've shamelessly investigated all of the ones in the local area; my favourite so far is the Swell cafe. Andy isn't far behind me, although prefers The Deli (perhaps as its 2min walk from our house!).
The food too has surpassed our expectations, we are fortunate (particularly living in the Bay of Plenty) to have so much local produce all around us. The orange and lemon trees in our garden and a friendly neighbour who supplies us with grapefruit are a bonus.
The best place to buy fruit and veg is from local farms, selling their surplus from the roadside and neighbouring markets. At the moment, everything is served with plentiful amounts of Avocados. I'm optimistically hoping the benefits for my skin will help prevent the pregnancy stretchmarks!
I've also had no choice but to get straight into baking, as everyone also seems to have time to bake for their friends and families. If you don't though, the bakeries are fabulous – a dangerous place for a pregnant lady.
To continue our culinary adventure, this weekend we decided to stay close to the beach and explore the dramatic gorge we first drove through, there is the added draw of the Ohinemuri winery and restaurant as a reward after walking in the area.
http://www.ohinemuri.co.nz/
On a rainy Saturday morning, we made our way along the Karangahake Gorge historic walkway (site of the original 1875 gold rush), watching fly-fishers, passing under Ponga trees and reminders of the areas mining history.
We warmed up in Waikino station cafe (another step back in time, by about 50 years) just as the sun came out and allowed us to explore the Victoria battery sight and gorgeous Owharoa waterfall.
We'd worked up a great appetite, just as well, as the food at the Ohinemuri winery is delicious and while I treated myself to a glass of Syrah, Andy went for a tasting of all 5 wines
drunk already!
Needless to say, neither of us could leave without buying some more wine!
We'll be back for more of the fresh prawns and New Zealand lamb too.
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