New restaurant opens at Tauranga cidery

The Cider Factorie produces a range of ciders.

Still relatively unknown to many locals is an award-winning cidery tucked away in the greenbelt of Te Puna. For a number of years, The Cider Factorie have been showcasing their ciders from their Cellar Door, slowly expanding their operation as demand increased. You may have noticed the 'Cidery' tourist sign pop up a little over a year ago near the Wairoa Bridge, marking the beginning of their recent expansion.

Following the yellow cidery signs out to Oikimoke Road seems to lead you to a dead end, but when you arrive at the The Cider Factorie Restaurant + Cellar Door you have the 'Ahhh' moment. The view from the car park is impressive enough with uninterrupted views across the water to Pilot Bay and Matakana Island.

The outdoor cidery is on show for the public to see as you move from the car park to the restaurant entrance where you are met with an equally impressive view of the inner harbour and across the Kaimai range. When you enter, the inside of what was once an avocado packing shed is now an impressive bar, built using timber milled from their property with ciders on tap which are all made on site. Exposed beams, concrete floors and industrial lights are all part of the 'factory' feel they kept within their concept for the restaurant interior.

Thoughtfully sourced ingredients are a focus, being able to match different ciders with a selection of items from the menu.

Simon and Rowena Pearce, the couple behind the brand 'The Cider Factorie', began their careers in the wine industry gaining experience both locally and abroad, which they now channel into their cider production. Part of the experience of their time in different wine regions such as the Hawkes Bay, Margaret River and Yarra Valley was the opportunity to enjoy artisan products directly at the source, and it seems they aren't the only ones.

Demand from the growing number of visitors through the cellar door to stay and enjoy a bite to eat with a glass of cider led to the couple recently opening a restaurant on site.

To complement the range of ciders they produce, they put together a small plate menu to give visitors a greater culinary experience. Thoughtfully sourced ingredients are their focus, being able to match different ciders with a selection of items from their menu. If you can't decide, the popular platter options are the way to go.

While situated in rural Te Puna, it's really only a short drive from the CBD to the Cidery. A perfect way to wile away an afternoon, or to bring out visiting family and friends. It's becoming increasingly popular particularly on the weekends, so it's worth phoning ahead to reserve a table on 07 552 4558.

You can find The Cider Factorie at 50 Oikimoke Road, Te Puna. Opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.