Latesha R.'s
Cheap Eats
- 12Sugoi SushiTe AwamutuSushi is the perfect summer food. It’s light, fresh and fun! This is one of the best places in the Waikato to get your fill. Great service, plenty of choice and really good value. This is a popular place for locals and travellers alike, so be prepared for a little queue. The staff are pretty efficient so you shouldn’t be waiting long!
- 21Kebabs on QueenHamilton CentralThis place is great for food on the go. It’s fresh, fast and tasty- plus it’s really good value for money. You can get a traditional kebab/wrap, rice or a ‘low carb’ crunchy salad with your choice of meat or falafel. Prices start from $6.50 for a burger, to $15 which gets you a full salad combo including a drink. Central location and friendly staff.
- 37Vegan BuffetHamilton CentralA really awesome pay per weight restaurant right in central Hamilton. Delicious Asian style vegan food, light for a summer snack or lunch. The restaurant itself is very basic, quite small with limited tables, although I’ve always managed to find a seat. The atmosphere is really laid-back and the staff are lovely. Great value, quick and convenient.
- 42Flippers FoodbarWhitiangaWhat’s Summer if not the time of year you can eat your fish and chips down at the beach? Flippers in Whitianga is one of the best fish and chip shops I’ve been to in New Zealand. Amazing, friendly staff and a warm and open atmosphere. Totally laid-back real deal takeaways. HUGE burgers, real fresh fish and heaps of choice. Tip: Take your food down to the beach to eat and don’t forget to get everyone one of their yummy thickshakes to go with it!
- 55Monavale BlueberriesOhaupoBlueberries are one of my all time favourite foods and they always remind me of Summer. Head to any of the Waikato Farmers Markets to pick up a punnet of these fantastic organic beauties, or head to Monavale, near Cambridge, and pick your own. A great addition to smoothies, or a delicious quick snack. What’s even better, you can treat yourself (and the kiddies!) to an ice cream, fro-yo or sorbet at the market- local, fresh, organic natural goodness for $4!
Latesha R.'s
Hamilton's Best Burgers
- 11Joe's Garage HamiltonHamilton CentralJoe’s could be described as a gastro-pub. A familiar atmosphere specialising in classic comfort foods- the pizza and of course, the burger. There’s a short and sweet list of options; beef, chicken, mushroom or fish, all with various lush sounding trimmings like streaky bacon, caramelised onions and swiss cheese. Each come with chunky hand cut chips and aioli- my favourite! A great place to take the whole family, with relaxed and friendly vibes.
- 28Momento MoCityHamilton CentralMomento are a local chain and this one (1 of 6 now in Hamilton) has begun offering ‘Moburgers’. Grab an awesome $10 deal, choosing from hearty chicken, beef, crumbed fish or pulled pork. Gluten free buns are available for no extra charge and I recommend getting either a side of golden kumara fries or yummy chilli salted shoestrings. Cool atmosphere, trendy and central.
- 315I love local, and so do these Hamilton brewers. Pop in for lunch and chow down on one of their George Burgers- handmade beef patties, melted cheese, pickles, burger sauce, tomato and lettuce. Nothing more, nothing less. Sometimes traditional is just the best! Groovy atmosphere, straightforward, quality and delicious. Be sure to order a brew to wash it down! Tip: First time? Ask to taste a couple of beers to find out which one you like best before you order.
- 411The Helm Bar & KitchenWhitioraA bit of an odd location, (next to Pack n Save) but otherwise a great little spot. You’ve got two tasty burger options, classic flavours with a little pizzaz. There’s the ‘Gourmet Chicken Burger’ which includes pan-seared chicken breast, mango chutney and camembert or the ‘Beef and Bacon Burger’ which comes with roasted capsicum and smoked gouda. Both are served with fries. Tip: come here on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy live acoustic music 4-7pm.
- 56Speights Alehouse HamiltonHamilton CentralFamily friendly, good value, laid-back place for a burger. Hefty patties with lots of juicy extras. Heaps of crunchy salad, bacon, cheese, beetroot chutney, bbq sauce, onion rings on a toasted sourdough bun. Delish. Beef or chicken, both coming with fries. Lots of other options on the menu for the non-burger fans, and plenty on offer for the kiddies. Busy, homey spot.
Latesha R.'s
Healthy Takeaways
- 11Bongo SushiHillcrestA really neat looking sushi place within the Waikato University Complex. A popular spot for students, reasonably priced with lots of options. It gets pretty busy at lunch time, so best to come just before or after. Fresh, fast and delicious food that’s good for you! What more could we want? Tip: Take your sushi outside and picnic by the lake in the buzzy student atmosphere.
- 23Pita Pit HamiltonHamilton CentralAwesome, tasty pitas from these guys. Choose all your fillings (so lots of salad and less sauce and cheese) and design your perfect lunch or dinner. I always find these pitas fresh and satisfying, with lots of crunchy salad. Best toasted on wholemeal in my opinion. Each time I go back the staff seem to get more friendly and chatty!
- 32I love vegan food, and what’s more it’s usually quite healthy! Without any animal fats, most of the food is fresh and light. Run by the same people at ‘Vegan Buffet’ in town, this is an Asian style buffet too, but open later and offering takeaways! You pay per weight, so you can get just the portion to suit how hungry you’re feeling (which is much better than feeling you have to stuff yourself to finish your plate, or feel hungry and snacking unhealthily later).
- 42Hell Pizza DinsdaleDinsdaleNow I know Pizza doesn’t sound ‘healthy’, but the thing is, it can be! I find, my downfall with pizza is that I just eat too much. So, in moderation, pick a pizza from Hell with lots of your favourite toppings, maybe go gluten free and easy on the cheese? Yum. Tip: If you’re looking for lunch, then check out their online lunch deal- snack pizza, salad, or side with a drink for $10.
- 53Tuk Tuk Thai Food BeerescourtBeerescourtThai food is one of my favourites. Tuk tuk do tasty and fast takeways. Healthier than the traditional fish and chips, and less greasy than some other Asian cuisines tend to be. Not as cheap as some other similar style restaurants in town, but more consistent and fresh.
Latesha R.'s
Best Accomodation
- 11Get away from the city’s hustle and bustle in Kawhia. These guys have a range of different accomodation types- from camping (if the weather’s warm enough!) to fully equipped motel rooms and cabins. Kawhia is peaceful, feels miles from anywhere and offers the whole family space to explore, wind down or play.
- 21Driving Creek VillasCoromandelGorgeous little self-contained villas very close to Coromandel and the Driving Creek Railway. The Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect place for a Spring getaway with it’s many beaches and lists of activities. Take the whole family to relax and play in these modern, fresh rooms with outdoor decks, private gardens and Japanese hot tubs.
- 31Sarnia Park Boutique LodgeCambridgeFor a luxurious Spring break book a few nights at Sarnia Park. Stunning surrounds, beautiful historic interior and full facilities. On a bright sunny day take a drive out to Rotorua or the Waitomo Caves and when it’s a crisp spring morning enjoy the heated pool and spa. Tip: take the family for a day out at Lake Karapiro.
- 41Sandy ShoresWhitiangaFound in the lively township of Whitianga, Sandy Shores is a small business offering three self-contained apartments. I love being independent when I’m on holiday, and staying somewhere with a kitchen and a deck looking out to the ocean means you can spend quality time with the family without the hassle of looking for places to eat, or making it back in time for prepaid meals. A home away from home with the beach at your doorstep. Perfect!
- 51Maple Lodge MotelMatamataA brilliant little motel in Matamata. Family friendly with an outdoor pool, play area and BBQ. Greats base for a Spring trip. Close to Lake Karapiro where there’s kayaking and watersports options, Matamata town and the infamous Hobbiton Movie Set. Also close by and worth a visit are the Opal Hot Springs.
Latesha R.'s
Kid's activities
- 11Mill Creek Bird and Campervan ParkWhitiangaIf your kids love the zoo, then they’ll probably enjoy the Bird and Reptile Park at Mill Creek. Stay either in your campervan, bring a tent or if you’re less of a camper book a comfy room in the motel or homey Bed and Breakfast. With over 400 birds, these guys claim to have one of Australasia’s largest collections of birds. But that’s not all- they also have farm animals, wallabies, emus and horses! Playground, cafe and kiddie’s train rides available too.
- 21ExsciteHamilton CentralLocated in the Waikato Museum Complex, Exscite is a fun and interactive science area. With lots of changing exhibits, take your energetic little ones here to burn off some steam on a rainy day. Activities have included building your dream car our of giant lego, making music on musical pipes and racing Mario Karts. Finish with a peruse around the rest of the museum and see what you can learn!
- 31Altura Gardens and Wildlife ParkOtorohangaPerfect for a sunny day is an outing to Altura Park. Kids can meet lots of friendly farm animals, such as ducks, deer and chooks or go for a pony ride on the lovely little Honey. Take a picnic and spend an afternoon in the Spring sunshine. Why not get together with other Mums and Dads in your area and make it a play date? Bigger kids might enjoy a horse trek through the stunning mountain scenery and Altura Park also offers you to "Bring your own Horse" and ride out on their trails.
- 41Birdwood Springs Mini PuttWhitiangaA great activity for all ages, Mini Golf is one of the things I used enjoy as a little one. Expect competition between all members of the family as you putt around this 18 hole course. Lots of fun props and scenery make it a bit different and on a fine day it can make a light-hearted afternoon. Family passes are $40 and they’ve cold drinks, coffee and ice cream to reward everyone on their efforts!
- 51Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird ParkOtorohangaThe Kiwi House and Native Bird Park in Otorohanga is a great way for kids to learn about their native wildlife. They’ve guaranteed viewing of the national iconic Kiwi in special nocturnal areas, a large aviary where you can spot other NZ birds and a selection of native reptiles including the Tuatara, a protected "living fossil". Don’t forget to look around the grounds for unique New Zealand flora too.
Latesha R.'s
Top Dessert Spots
- 11Theobroma Chocolate Lounge ChartwellChartwellDesserts are all about indulgence. Chocoholics will love the Theobroma Chocolate Lounge where you can select your own artisan chocolates, or enjoy one of their delicious Belgian hot or cold chocolate drinks. Handy for any time of day dessert, the cafe is found in Chartwell’s Westfield. Comfy seats and plenty of options. Savoury food too and of course the classic fondue.
- 24FurnaceHamilton CentralBrilliant ambience and fantastic desserts. I love that they have my favourite gelato here- salted caramel, but the Chocolate and Cointreau Mousse is exquisite. They’ve also got the more savoury option of a cheese board with local produce.
- 35Iguana Street Bar & RestaurantHamilton CentralHead to Sweet Tooth Tuesday at Iguanas for deals on some of the yummiest desserts. With all the classics such as sticky toffee pudding, brownie and brulee you’ll be spoilt for choice. I went there with a girlfriend not long ago and we took on the Chocolate Overload with a couple of Irish coffees. Hugely decadent and definitely overloading… but very delicious and lots of fun.
- 44The Nash Wine Bar & RestaurantCambridgeThe Nash is a wine bar and restaurant in central Cambridge. With Masterchef contestant Cameron Petley running the kitchen, there’s a feast of flavours to savour. Enjoy a glass on wine with a delectable dessert, from Creme Brulee to Pannacotta. Sophisticated and modern vibes.
- 52Find traditional kiwi ice cream with beachy vibes at this hot spot in Hahei. Colourful set up with classic flavours and friendly staff. Take a walk on the gorgeous Hahei Beach, sweetened with a strawberry and cream cone. Tip: This place is home to the six scoop "Buster" ice cream…reckon you could finish it all? Light-hearted dessert fun.