Latesha R.'s
Super Salads
- 14Two Birds EateryHamilton EastTwo Birds offers so much goodness. They’ve got a delicious menu including a range of salads, packed with super ingredients such as quinoa and kale. The chefs here are passionate about healthy living and use all natural flavours - finish up with one of their raw, refined sugar free cakes. Yum.
- 24Scoff ClaudelandsHamilton EastScoff have excellent salad options to takeaway. Perfect for when you’re too tired to cook, but still fancy something fresh and healthy. Their blackberry vinaigrette is divine and the flavour combinations perfect. Tip: If you’re sharing, order sides of chargrilled veggies and garlic bread.
- 34PaddockCambridgeI love this place. The salads here are lined up nicely for you to pick and mix, all freshly made on site, colourful and delicious. Perfect fuel for hot summery days.
- 41Umu CafeCoromandelThis wonderful spot on the Coromandel Peninsula offers a nice array of salads from their cabinet, along with some favourites on the menu. They’ve a mouth-watering roast vegetable salad with seasonal goodies, and a juicy chicken salad with toasted cashews. Delish.
- 51The French FigWhitiangaThis beautiful little French themed cafe has a laid-back and summery vibe. Enjoy one of their very fresh salads from the cabinet (changing daily) whilst sitting outside and sipping an espresso - just like a Parisienne!
Latesha R.'s
Best Beaches
- 14Wainui ReserveRaglanRaglan’s main beach has wide, sweeping black sand, crashing waves, and driftwood aplenty. It’s the perfect spot to learn how to surf; or just enjoy watching those who are trying! You’ll see many experienced surfers riding the waves, and the kite-surfers down the far end of the beach crowd the air with their many coloured kites. Sunbath, body-surf, swim, or walk your dog … this is a family-friendly beach with lots going on in the summer! Tip: Make sure you swim between the flags, as there are some rocks and strong currents to avoid.
- 21Ruapuke BeachRaglanJust a 20-30 minute drive from Raglan is a truly wild beach with rugged beauty to explore. Escape the tourist crowds at this secret hidden gem. There’s great surf, so bring along your board, or enjoy the beach by horseback with Ruapuke WildCoast Adventures. Take a picnic and be prepared for absolutely stunning views! Tip: Drive carefully, the road out to Ruapuke is quite windy and some parts are gravel, so take your time around the corners.
- 31New Chums BeachCoromandelThis rarely explored gem has been voted as one of the world’s top 10 beaches! Wading through the estuary at the northern end of Whangapoa beach you’ll find a track that crosses the low point in the headland saddle over to the scenic New Chum Beach. It takes about 30 minutes one way. New Chums golden sand is fringed by Pohutukawa and native forest and is deserted for most of the year (but quite busy in summer). There are no buildings, no roads, no infrastructure or camping - it is a true jewel in New Zealand’s coastal crown.
- 44Hot Water BeachWhitiangaDefinitely a must-do New Zealand beach … in summer, floods of people come marching along armed with their spades, buckets, and togs. Pick out a good spot for yourself and get digging! You’ll soon be kicking back and relaxing in the incredible naturally heated water, while taking in beautiful views. Tip: BYO your digging gear, most of the local dairies and shops nearby sell spades etc so you can create a sand-spa masterpiece!
Latesha R.'s
5 Best Fishing Spots
- 15Lake KarapiroHamilton EastIf you’re counting on catching tonight’s dinner, just head to Lake Karapiro. Around 2,000 rainbow trout and 500 brown trout are released here annually by Fish and Game – with the average size increasing each year. You’ve got excellent chances of landing a fish or two here – in fact, you might even catch a ten pounder! Shore fishing here is tricky due to thick vegetation, but you can try trolling or harling further upstream.
- 24Wainui ReserveRaglanFor surf casting or deep sea fishing, just head west to sunny Raglan. You can fish off the main beach of Ngarunui or try catching sprats from the wharf or jetty. The Raglan Channel entrance is also a great place to cast for kahawai. And if you’re lucky enough to have boat access, you’ll find trevally and kingfish near the bar and the heads. There are also lots of kahawai, grey mullet and snapper to be caught by boat in the harbour or, if you prefer, gurnard and marlin then take a fishing charter from town and head out around the coast. And if the fish aren’t biting, why not try catching a wave instead? Raglan's main beaches and surrounding bays are perfect for surfing and swimming.
- 31Lake ArapuniHamilton EastPlanning a day out with the kids? Lake Arapuni has it all – picnic spots, scenic walks, and of course shoreline fishing. Casting over the weed beds can produce good sized fish, while trolling or spin fishing from a drifting boat could lead to successful catches of brown or rainbow trout. And even if the fishing isn’t a success, the Lake has plenty to offer for a family day in the sun.
- 42Waikato RiverNgaruawahiaIf you love fly fishing there’s no better place that the Waikato River. Try the Little Waipa Stream, or the Kaniwhaniwha Stream in the Pirongia Forest Park. The Pokaiwhenua River, which enters Lake Karapiro below Lake Arapuni, also has good populations of rainbow and brown trout. This is an important spawning ground, meaning there's lots of fish available and a good chance to hook a large fish.
- 51Mangawhio StreamCambridgeKeen fishermen like to enjoy their sport year-round – which is why it’s good to know the right fishing spots for the colder months. The Mangawhio Stream at the top of Lake Arapuni is well worth a visit at any time of year, but it’s particularly good in winter. Simply take the walking track from the Waipapa Dam, and you’ll discover a scenic fishing spot between the lake and lower falls.
Latesha R.'s
Best Ice Cream
- 14The Food DepartmentRaglanMy absolute favourite place to buy ice cream in the Waikato. Delicious flavours, excellent value (from $2.50 a cup!), of homemade, Italian gelato. The Raglan roast coffee will get you zinging, while the salted caramel is a scoop of pure luxury. They’ve also got some fantastic fresh fruity sorbets and a couple of unusual combos such as rice and cinnamon. Changes through the season.
- 25Monavale BlueberriesOhaupoAs I’ve mentioned before - I love blueberries! I couldn’t leave this one off the Best Ice Cream list! Head to the Irresistiblue Cafe at Monavale and get yourself an irresistably delicious fresh blueberry fruit ice cream. Yum! Because, aren’t blueberry full of anti-oxidants and goodness…?!
- 32Kuaotunu General StoreCoromandelFamed for it’s ‘Kuaotunu Killer’ (a monsterous five scooper), this little store offers excellent value ice creams. If you’re on a trip in the Coromandel, include a stop here for the chilly challenge, or just a order a (still larger than) normal size cone and admire the view across the bay.
- 42GelatamoreCambridgeCome here for beautiful homemade ice creams in Cambridge. There are so many different options, I always feel like I can’t choose - they all look so good. Plus, they also do all kinds of deserts, like banana splits, and both cold and hot drinks. Try an affogato, a coffee favourite of mine or a delcious frappe. Gelatamore is a perfect treat spot for a sunny afternoon.
- 534Zuzu's Gelato HamiltonChartwellZuzu’s make fantastic gelato. Pick and taste some of their numerous flavours of classic homemade ice creams and sorbets, which they make fresh every day. Tip: I definitely recommend trying their new "Gelato pops"- these are ice cream cones, topped with your favourite flavour then dipped in chocolate, nuts or sprinkles - whatever you like.
Latesha R.'s
Best Fish and Chips
- 16Raglan FishRaglanBest fish and chips in west coast Waikato. Always fresh, delicious food, with groovy all day vibes. Open early selling coffee, muffins and bait. Perfect place for lunch or dinner with lots of space to sit inside and outside on the wharf, watch the boats come in and look out across the beautiful harbour. Pop down on a weekend for some live music and a bowl of seafood chowder!
- 26Queen Vic ChippyCambridgeThese guys are way more than just fish and chips! Pop in when you’re next in Cambridge to see for yourself. You’ll find all your old favourites, freshly cooked, extra delicious, lots of burgers, fritters and snacks as well as a number of new additions. Try the garlic chips and the seafood wontons. A regional winner.
- 31Buffalo Beach TakeawaysWhitiangaPerfect location, just moments from gorgeous Buffalo Beach. Grab your favourite fish and chips and go and eat on the shores. Fresh, never too greasy and very yummy. Expect all the classics- fish, burgers, sausages and fritters. If it’s a hot day, their milk shakes are a refreshing treat!
- 41Reel Fish & ChipsChartwellPossibly the best in Hamilton, Reel Fish and Chips are sooo good. Excellent fish, always fresh, never soaked in old oil, but crispy and moreish! Excellent service, very clean shop and gluten free options. Tip: If you’re planning to come here peak time, order in advance to save yourself a wait!
- 51Pauanui TakeawaysPauanuiAwesome service at this little takeaway in Pauanui. Lots of fresh, crunchy fish and perfect chips with a generous serving size. There’s a place to sit outside and enjoy your food, but you’re not far from the beach too. Upside of eating there- amazing ice cream for afters!
Latesha R.'s
Top Five Restaurants
- 13Gothenburg RestaurantHamilton CentralOne of Hamilton’s favourites, this relaxed tapas style restaurant offers delicious, moreish food to share. I recommend you get a small group together and try everything from the menu! The food combined with the excellent, lively atmosphere, brilliant staff and extensive selection of Belgian beers, make Gothenburg one of the best restaurants in the Waikato.
- 22Motu KitchenWhitiangaOutstanding food - all fresh, local and seasonal where appropriate. Enjoy both delicate and bold flavours in this stunning setting. The restaurant is fairly small, so the atmosphere is quiet and calm (kids can be catered for on request!). Impeccable staff, beautiful food and the ideal environment make this one of Whitianga’s gems. Tip: this is the place to sample some of the region’s finest seafood.
- 33Pepper Tree Restaurant & BarCoromandelNamed after the old Pepper Tree at the front of the restaurant, this is a local favourite when it comes to an evening meal out. Open as a cafe and lunch spot during the day, the atmosphere is relatively casual and laid-back. Another mouth-watering menu featuring some of the Coromandel’s best kai moana, and plenty of it’s quality wines. Tip: try the mussels or, for a light meal, a freshly made sandwich on home baked bread.
- 45Shinjuku Japanese RestaurantHamilton CentralFantastic, authentic Japanese food. Lots of choice for all the family. Presentation and staff here are wonderful and very helpful. This is the place to come in Hamilton for an oriental meal, lunch or dinner, of top quality. Try something different, or your usual favourite and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Casual, friendly atmosphere. Tip: this restaurant offers bring your own, so stop by the supermarket and pick your favourite wine to accompany your meal.
- 54The Nash Wine Bar & RestaurantCambridgeThe Nash is one I’ve mentioned before, but it’s definitely one of my top 5. I love the ambiance of the old hotel and the freshness of the modern menus and style. They also serve the highest quality food in Cambridge. Fantastic seasonal flavours with flair. Try the paua ravioli and be sure to order dessert!