What could be more weekend perfect than a leisurely Sunday drive to discover a new cafe for a relaxing chardy and a bite of something delicious. Julie Walsh grew up in Tauranga and loves sharing her discoveries about cafes in the rural Bay. Here are some of her picks. Bonus
A little bit country
Bay of Plenty Times
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35 mins from Tauranga
Directions: Head south east on State Highway 2 through Te Puke. Stay on the main road which becomes State Highway 33 to Rotorua. Paengaroa is a very small village 35 minutes' drive from Tauranga. Turn left into Wilsons Road South and the cafe is on the right.
The Funky Lizard Cafe/shop is part of an old boarding house built in 1890 that was used by stock drovers. With its oiled timbers the building still retains much of its magnificence providing a character-filled atmosphere and ambience. The grounds, with their many trees and shrubs, provide a wonderful setting to sit and have coffee and sample the homemade fare while the smell of fresh baked bread wafts through the air.
Since Julie's book, the cafe has been renovated and now also includes a music stage with live music weeknights, and on Sunday afternoons.
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Features:
Licensed
Indoor/outdoor seating
Gift shop/art gallery on site
Art lessons
Live music Sunday afternoon
Children's food options
Dog friendly
CAFE PARADISO
Where: Cnr State Highway 2 & Clarke Road
Contact: 07 552 6686
www.cafeparadiso.co.nz
Open: Hours are 8am to 4pm, 7 days a week
Directions: 15 mins from Tauranga. Head north out of Tauranga on State Highway 2. After 10-15 minutes' drive you arrive at Clarke Road (on right) opposite McGregors Fruit and Vege Produce.
This bustling cafe is a favourite and no wonder, with great food and coffee and a setting that is oasis-like - with ferns, running water and towering trees. Plenty of parking available. They have a roaring fire in the winter.
Altura coffee, a great seafood chowder and fantastic carrot cake are served. On the same premises there are some delightful gift boutiques for leisurely browsing before or after your refreshments. Open for breakfast and lunch, a large range of meal options is available - and of course a selection of coffee and cakes all day long.
Features:
Licensed
Indoor/outdoor seating
Tranquil garden setting
Gift boutiques on site
Popular for functions
Play area for children
Children's food options
Dog friendly
KATIKATI BIRD GARDENS CAFE
Where: 263 Walker Road East, Katikati
Contact: 549 0912
Open: 7 days 10am to 4.30 pm (Oct to May). Weekends/school holidays only (June to Aug)
30 mins from Tauranga
Directions: Head north on State Highway 2 from Tauranga. After about 23km turn right into Walker Road and continue to the end to find the Bird Gardens.
An old favourite for many locals the Katikati Bird Gardens and Cafe continues to be a popular day out for many. Home to a variety of native and colourful birds and settled amongst the established gardens with lily ponds, rose gardens and wetlands - there is a picnic spot here for everyone. The cafe is elevated and looks out to the garden area. Serving coffee, icecream and lunches on the terrace.
Features:
Indoor/outdoor setting
Gift shop and art gallery
Gardens, bird aviaries
Children's play area
Children's food options
KAIMAI CAFE
Where: 1603 State Highway 29, Lower Kaimai Ranges
Contact: 07 543 3136
www.kaimaicafe.co.nz
Open: Open 7 days, 8.30am to 4.30pm. Open late on Fridays with a dinner menu
20 minutes from Tauranga
Directions: Head west on State Highway 29 following the Hamilton signs. From central Tauranga, drive for 20 minutes and find the turn-off to the cafe on the left hand side. Set in an elevated position overlooking surrounding farmland, the Kaimai Cafe is a welcome stop for those travelling over the Kaimai ranges. Enjoy a delicious range of homemade cuisine and great coffee. With spacious seating, this is a great place for functions and group dining. The cafe is located close to activities such asbush walks, camping areas, white water rafting etc. See www.doc.govt.nz and search "Kaimai Ranges".
Features
Licensed
Indoor/outdoor seating
Kaimai Woolshed gift shop adjacent to cafe
Gluten free options
Children's food options
Dog friendly
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Extracts and photos are reproduced from Country Cafes in the Bay of Plenty by Julie Walsh. Books are available at Paper Plus Bookshops, the cafes featured in the book, and also online at www.countrycafes.co.nz.