Hearty meals in abundance here – try the slow-cooked beef or pork belly, or if you’re after something smaller the mussel, leek and potato chowder will see you right. Finish with the sticky date pudding and your belly will thank you. You can take additional comfort knowing this establishment takes every effort to source sustainably produced ingredients.

Tasty European breads, French baking, German deli meats, pancakes with seasonal fruit and regularly impressive specials – this is always a safe bet for a filling, satisfying breakfast, brunch or lunch.

With warming menus to satisfy at any time of day and a cosy dining room with open fire, the Pear Tree is the perfect place to settle in and indulge yourself. The full cooked breakfast must be as hearty as they come, or for dinner, try the twice-baked cheese soufflé, braised lamb shank or a bowl of buttery gnocchi.

Get a rich, creamy curry – I’m thinking good old butter chicken, or try dal makhani for something different - and a stonking big naan and snuggle up in front of the fire with a DVD. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty won’t disappoint, if you’re in need of a recommendation.

Take carbs and add cheese and everyone* knows you’ve hit the comfort jackpot. So nab a seat under a heater and tuck into some delicious pizza or pasta with a nice big glass of red wine. Pizza Barn is closed throughout June, reopening on July 2. *I’ve heard rumours about gluten-free options, but dairy-free could be an issue, so maybe not quite everyone.

Don’t let the cold weather put you off – the water’s still reasonably warm. Send your adventurous kids out to play in the waves, pick up a new skill and build confidence in the water. They’ll be buzzing. $75 for all three days. For more physical activity-based programmes to fill out the holidays, be sure to check in at sportnorthland.co.nz.

Free for ages 7-14, this is a fantastic way for your kids to burn off some energy. The workshop covers dance as well as sports and arts and crafts. From 9am-1pm at Whangarei Intermediate – but spaces are limited so get on to it quickly.

This activity-packed Chill Out programme includes rock-climbing, a Hawaiian cultural day, scavenger hunt, movies and more. The schedule operates from 9am-3pm, with care available before and after those times if needed. Places are limited, but book online now and you’ll go in the draw to win your money back.

Never mind your young ones running away to the circus - you can deliver them yourself. You’ll get them back – promise - and they’ll learn impressive tricks such as juggling, acrobatics and more. Perfect for all those little monkeys out there. $35 a day at the Dargaville Town Hall.

The wonderful staff at the Whangarei Central Library will have craft activities running for children in the ‘Let’s make it!’ programme. More details coming soon!

For earlybirds up for the Rugby World Cup screenings, this is the place. With some great deals on food and drink, you can get your bets on and get settled in front of one of the many big screens. Tote & Poke has sports for fans of every variety covered and will even whip you up a killer brekky while you watch the game.

Equal parts great food and lively atmosphere, Split, a step above the usual drinking hole, has no fewer than four viewing options for your sporting entertainment. Dive into a mezze platter to sustain your cheering efforts with class.

Spacious with a sea breeze and friendly staff, the Opononi Hotel offers the perfectly relaxed atmosphere to settle into a game. Get a burger to give yourself something more to shout about.

THE place for sports in Paihia, with great value bar snacks, free pool table, gaming machines and TAB. Tucked away in the outdoor mall, it’s everything you’d expect in a sports bar and nothing you wouldn’t.

A down-home feel with friendly locals, jukebox, pool tables and great food makes this harbourside pub and restaurant a good choice for the whole family. Get in on the in-house Super Rugby competition if you can. Ooh and before we forget, the chef at this rustic harbourside café is a genius. The pastries are nothing but buttery deliciousness and as well as all the old favourites for fillings, there’s creative takes such as steak and blue cheese, and vegetarian choices (because everybody loves pie!) so popular they’ve been known to start (good-natured) fights among locals. They’ll run you a little more than a standard pie, but are worth every cent!

With lessons held twice weekly (indoors or out, weather dependent) and roller discos once a month, Skatescool offers plenty of opportunity to get moving. Lessons are 1 hour, and only $10 including skate hire. We like the way these guys roll.

Children and adults alike will marvel at Andrew’s beautiful creations, with kaleidoscopes like you’ve never seen before. You can even pick up kitsets for $10 apiece and continue the fun at home. Do be sure to call ahead though, as opening hours are sporadic.

Every Thursday night (except school holidays) at the Dargaville town hall, head along for Circus Jam and learn cool new tricks. Only $2 for 2 hours! Plus keep an eye out for other events hosted by Circus Kumarani.

There might be a chill in the air but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the water. For a first-rate energy burner let the kids splash around to their hearts’ content in the wave pool, water playground and hydroslides. If they’re old enough to swim alone, the adults can even sneak off for a relaxing massage onsite.

Stock up on some great, out-of-the-ordinary games and puzzles, cook some pizza and cozy up at home for a good old-fashioned games night. Bonus: once you’ve made the investment you’ve got entertainment to see you right through winter.

Centrally located in lovely Russell, these self-contained cottages make a great base to explore the Bay of Islands. Large and spacious guest houses with a pool and on-call babysitter, it is an excellent option for families.

Set in the beautiful surrounds of the Waipoua forest, this historic lodge offers true luxury with fine dining on top. The warm and friendly owners share pieces of the rich history with their guests, and even offer customised cooking classes. Judged best small hotel and best luxury hotel by TripAdvisor, it makes an excellent base from which to explore the Kauri Coast.

This hidden gem of a B&B is more destination than just accommodation, with loving owners taking an all-encompassing approach to guest care and wellbeing. Enjoy organic breakfasts, relax on the massage table and take advantage of the bevy of professional therapists at your disposal. If you’re in need of some TLC, this is the place.

The Pagoda Lodge has something for every budget, from safari tent camping and gypsy caravans to individual character guest houses, including The Villa, which sleeps as many as eight, and the romantic Jade House, perfect for honeymooners. Easy walking to historic sites, such as the Stone Store, and natural attractions aplenty.

Offering breathtaking ocean views this spacious home is a wonderful choice for group or family getaways. It has everything you need for in-house entertainment, including a spa, and plenty to explore if you venture out.

Sophisticated-cool dining at its best. The service is friendly, the food is excellent, and the emphasis on free-range eggs and pork is especially pleasing - but I find it hard to pass over those creamy mushrooms any day of the week.

If your belly is seriously rumbling, the Copthorne breakfast buffet is the answer. The choices are plenty and the dedicated egg station means you can have your protein any which way you like. Bask in the airy, seaside surroundings and eat up.

As any local will tell you, Blah Blah Blah is where it’s at food-wise in Dargaville. The cool, laid-back atmosphere with an outdoor courtyard is perfect for a casual brunch, the coffee is satisfying and the venison sausages come highly recommended.

With some out-of-the-ordinary options - I’m looking at you, orange and ricotta pikelets and Mr Fisherman’s breakfast - this spacious waterfront restaurant would be the perfect place to break out of a brunch rut, if you’re so lucky to find yourself in that position. A great choice for bigger groups.

This popular gem of a cosy little cafe has all the breakfast options covered - your hardest task will be choosing. Do be warned, large groups may have difficulty being accommodated, so call ahead of time.