Lewis K.'s
New Openings
- 13Love MusselWhangarei CentralThis is the new kid in town, The Love Mussel has every seafood fan raving about it’s delicious dishes which heavily cater to the mussel lover. It’s nicely seated in the middle of the town basin, so it’s a friendly space to enjoy meals. The upstairs tapas bar has a great view to match their menu. A wee pro tip is to book in advanced as this place can get quite choca during the weekends and afternoons.
- 21Company Of GiantsWhangarei CentralCompany of Giants are an awesome innovative theater company that is home to a range of like minded collaborates included circus classes, walk-in koha movie nights, lights off dance nights and more. One of my favorite experiences was on valentines day and there was a superb set up inside of the cool community hall where we all sat down on bean bags and rustic couches and chairs, we lay back and enjoyed a film festival film on the projector to dimly lit candles. It was perfect!
- 32Brothers BarberWhangarei CentralAlthough fairly new to Northland, their skill set is far from that. It’s hip, rustic and classy. And if you’re looking for somewhere to get an old fashioned cut or a new styled fade then this is the place to go. They specialize in taking care of men that seek classic barber styled service with modern enthusiasm and twist. Personally I love coming here to get a slick beard trim, they do the whole warm towel and razor blade finish too! Brilliant.
- 41Cowboy Junkies Antiques & CollectablesWhangarei CentralCowboy Junkies Antiques & Collectables! The new old kid in town. The name says it all, but they are more than just a high end second hand store, this place is a serious spot for collectors and people looking for quality goods that could just be worth more than they seem. My friend and I came here when looking for props for a small photo shoot we had set up. They had everything you could think of. My favorite was the spectacular collection of old aviation memorabilia and glasses! This place really tickles my fancy!
- 52Crave Gourmet Popcorn & TreatsKerikeriYes that is right! There is a new place in Kerikeri where you can get gourmet popcorn! When I first heard about it I thought well this will be interesting. And interesting it was! Interesting and delicious to be exact. My favorites were the ‘salted kettle corn & caramel’ and the ‘salt & vinegar’ both equally delish! The staff are amazing and passionate about their product. If you’re in this neck of the woods, make it a must to come here - you won’t regret it
Lewis K.'s
Things To Do When You're A Tourist
- 11Mount ParihakaWhangarei CentralMount Parihaka is an old eroded volcanic cone that rises 241 meters above sea level. There are multiple ways of reaching it's amazing summit. There are various routes in which you can hike, each one ranging in difficulty. And for those like myself, who prefer the age old drive to the top route, the main road memorial drive leads to the top with a short 5 minute walk to the summit. The summit itself is home to a spectacular view of Whangarei's city, and it's incredible harbor. The local Onerahi Lions Club have recently taken it upon themselves to ensure car thefts and break ins are at a minimum, by occupying the summits car park.
- 24Charlie's RockKerikeriThis time I'm loving this place out of a must! It must be part of this list, as it's such a part of Kerikeri and one of my favorite places in Northland too. Located just on the outskirts of Kerikeri, with local knowledge you'll be sure to find it (ask anyone, trust me they'll know.) A beautiful waterfall flows down in to a picturesque stream. It offers various leaping and sunbathing spots on the surrounding ledges. If you're a tourist and looking for somewhere to cool off, this is the spot to go.
- 35Matapouri BayTutukakaIf you're new in town and looking for THE spot to soak up the sun and splash away the heat of the day, it's got to be at Matapouri Bay's Mermaid Pools. They're just a short hike over the hill and around the corner, the tracks are well maintained and visible to most. Just follow the trail of people heading to and from the north end of the bay. It's a real postcard of a swimming hole surrounded by rocks to chill on and jump off of. Bring your mates, or kids, it's suited to everyone. P.S keep an eye out for the odd mermaid!
- 44Kerikeri Farmers' MarketKerikeriEveryone in town comes here on a sat morning, be it for fresh produce, trinkets, live music or fresh food! So if you're new in town or passing through, come and check this place out. It's definitely worth the look, even if you only leave having tasted it's famous mussel fritters, or delicious won-tons. My favorite thing to buy is one the home made steak and cheese pies, classically kiwi and genuinely worth it.
- 58The Old Stone Butter FactoryWhangarei CentralFor anyone venturing through Whangarei with a bit of an appetite for fine food, wine, live music and craft beers. Bring yourself in to The Old Stone Butter Factory, they are host to many events throughout the week, including cool jam nights, poetry readings, live gigs and burlesque shows. During the day they serve a perfect lunch menu and pretty epic coffee too. It's quirky, stylish and one of my favorite places to go to in Whangarei.
Lewis K.'s
Mountain Biking Trails
- 12This track is perfect for beginners as it is mostly flat and runs for a pleasurable 14km’s. It’s got really beautiful views of mangroves, old railway lines and even a once used railway tunnel that you get to ride through (which is a real buzz especially for the young ones). Pro tip: Make sure you bring some water, and be sure to listen out for the old steam train at the end of the track - don’t worry it stops before the bike track!
- 21Glenbervie MTB Park WhangareiGlenbervieGlenbervie Mountain Biking, the best mountain biking north of Auckland and just a few kilometers east of Whangarei! With a whopping total of 46 tracks this sweet joint is suitable for people of all ages and experience level. It’s surrounded by lush forest which makes for an authentic mountain biking experience. I really enjoyed being able to test out my skill’s and attempt some of the jumps and ramps - exciting!
- 31Parihaka MTB Park WhangareiWhangarei CentralIf you’ve been up Parihaka before then you know what a beautiful view it has. Now imagine biking down this awesome mountain! Parihaka MTB Park is for the more experienced biker, it has a total of 11 tracks. It’s fast and it’s downhill! Just a tip for those skilled enough to hit the sweet slopes here - ‘There is two entrances to this Park. Off Abbey Caves Rd or from the top of Memorial Drive. Abbey Caves Rd has the car park and park information. This park is a work in progress.’ So it might be a good idea to get dropped off at the top and have someone meet you at the other end.
- 41Kerikeri Historical TrailKerikeriThis short ride goes through some of New Zealand most important heritage sites - starting at Mission House it passes Kororipo Pa and Rewa’s village. It’s an easy ride for people of all ages and experience. The track takes roughly 30 minutes and runs for a smooth 1.5km’s. Bring the kids and pack some lunch to eat at one of the many beaut of a views along the trail.
- 51This is an out and back track from Sandy Bay to Whananaki for just over 8km each way. It’s a hard slog that will result in a fair bit of bike carrying. But it is all worth it with spectacular views of the Tutukaka Coast and Whananaki too. The track is very hard and I’d suggest packing a decent lunch and plenty of hydration - Enjoy!
Lewis K.'s
Farmers Markets
- 12The Old Packhouse MarketKerikeriThis is my favorite market in all of Northland by far. If you’re coming here on an empty stomach then you are in for a treat! Epic food to go, including some of the best mussel fritters I’ve ever had. Delicious coffee. And perfectly steamed hangi’s! But it’s not all about the food to go. This market is the place to be when it comes to affordable local produce and cool arts and crafts. I love coming here to enjoy a good feed and listen to the live music from the local buskers and acts!
- 24Kerikeri Farmers' MarketKerikeriIf you’re wondering where everyone is on a Saturday morning in Kerikeri. They’re probably hording towards the Kerikeri Farmers Markets! It’s my favorite thing to do whenever I’m around this neck of the woods. As it’s got an awesome range of hot & cold food to go, live music, arts & crafts, produce and best of all it’s all local. If you ever find yourself heading to these farmers markets, be sure to try the mussel fritters with locally made sweet chili sauce!
- 37Whangarei Farmers MarketWhangarei CentralFrom 6:30 am till 10:30 am every Saturday morning you’ll find most of Whangarei’s keen growers, buskers and butchers setting up stalls in the huge car park on Water Street. I don’t think any bag can carry the amount of amazing goods you wanna take with you after coming to this market! I love coming to grab my weekly veg essentials. Keep an eye out for the smoked mullet, it goes fast!
- 43Dargaville Riverside Produce MarketDargavilleIf you happen to be in Dargaville on a Thursday then you had better make your way to the Riverside Produce Market. Everybody comes here to stock up on epic produce and get their weekly fill of delicious hot foods and local buskers. If you happen to love kumara (Dargaville is the self proclaimed kumara capital of New Zealand) then you will be right at home here - Just be sure to bring a big enough bag. They can get really big!
- 52Mangawhai Village MarketMangawhaiThis market is known for it’s huge variety of foods and veg. From olive oils & foreign breads to local sea food & produce. But they also cater to the craft savvy market goer with some stalls selling books, paintings and even clothing! Now my favorite thing to grab is a huge cup of coffee to go and one of the fine pastries to suit - delicious!
Lewis K.'s
Drinks With A View
- 13Karikari EstateKarikari PeninsulaWhen first visiting Karikari Estate your first reaction will be astonishment at how vast their vineyard is and how BIG the estate is! I recently came here to enjoy a meal and some wine with a bunch of friends, and it wasn’t the size of the place that blew me away. It was the outlandish view of the peninsula that got me! It’s something out of a romantic novel. Endless green pastures with backdrops of the North Cape. Just a little tip! If you enjoy meat and seafood, make sure you try the ‘surf and turf’ it was amazing.
- 23Parua Bay TavernWhangarei HeadsHere’s a place that I love to LOVE whenever I get the chance. When talking about drinks with a view, it doesn’t get much better than this little gem of Whangarei Heads. With recent new ownership and a really great spruce up, the outdoor set up outback that looks out over the harbor has really stepped it up a notch. I love coming here with mates and ordering a nice tall beverage and a burger to suit.
- 34The Deck CafeMcleod BayThe Deck Cafe is another little gem to add to the Whangarei Head’s treasure chest. Nestled under the backdrop of Mt Manaia. It’s rustic and summery. They are famous for their pies, but personally I come to this joint to enjoy the view from their ‘Deck’ ofcourse! It looks out over Mcleods Bay and further north in to the Whangarei Harbor - Spectacular.
- 47Opononi Hotel LimitedOpononiIt’s an obvious pick for a place to drink with a view. The Opo as they call it around here, has wonderful views of the opposing sand dunes that look out over the Hokianga Harbor. It’s cozy pub is a perfect spot to bring your mates or family for mean feeds and beverages over the summer. They’re also renown for their epic live music during summer too!
- 54Pear Tree Restaurant & BarKerikeriLodged right on the edge of the river, with a historic view of The Stone Store, sits the Pear Tree Restaurant & Bar. It’s got a gigantic veranda surrounding it, where you can sit in the summers shade and check out the Thursday night paddle boarders while you enjoy a beverage. It’s perfect for kids too, as they have a huge front yard leading down to the waters edge. There are heaps of free roaming chickens too! The kids loved chasing them around.
Lewis K.'s
New Openings
- 11Charlotte's KitchenPaihiaA new gem added to the treasure chest that is The Bay of Islands! Charlotte’s Kitchen is a sassy new restaurant located at the end of the wharf in Paihia. It has a very well rounded menu. Inspired by Charlotte Badger a woman of interest, passion, strength, daring and just a little bit naughty - this joint definitely lives up to its namesake. Be sure to check out Charlotte’s Pizza Menu, hand crafted pizza’s that aren’t always round but always satisfy!
- 23Pioneer Restaurant & BarWaipapaCome check it out! Entering the new year under new ownership The Pioneer Restaurant & Bar is a place to look out for. A hearty establishment with a rustic feel. If you’re wondering where everyone is on a Friday night, they’re most likely enjoying the live music here! Be sure to check them out on Facebook to stay up to date with their up and coming events.
- 32Crave Gourmet Popcorn & TreatsKerikeriThis is a new member to the Kerikeri community! It’s also family owned and ran. The first time i wen’t here I was blown away by the selection of gourmet popcorn - I never knew you could get a candy cane flavored popcorn! They also serve a gorgeous range of tea’s and freshly roasted coffee.
- 43Love MusselWhangarei CentralDo you love mussels? Well the name says it all! Servings THE best mussels in town. The Love Mussel is a great combination of local dining and Northland produce, having opened at the end of last year and has been turning heads ever since. It’s perfectly located in the middle of the Town Basin so you can enjoy a mean view of the waterfront while enjoying your fav dish of mussels. My preference has to be the Thai Coconut Steamed Mussels!
- 51Now this is something special! It hasn’t been running for long but word on the street is that it’s THE place to be on a Friday afternoon in The Bay Of Islands. Located in the middle of Paihia in the Paihia Lane. It has everything that a community night market needs from Mussels, Taco’s, Cakes, and beautiful live music! I can’t boast about this anymore, but if you do find yourself down here on a Friday night, be sure to take a sample from the Manuka Honey stand!