Don’t ask me why I was here instead of McDonald’s on a Sunday morning after playing at Brewer’s bar, but I was. Blame my girlfriend she got me into these markets and what’s even more worrying is that she wasn’t with me lol. Found a stall which does some crazy good Crepes. Best thing is that it’s just off the beachfront so you can grab a freshly squeezed juice then head down there to enjoy it.

NZ’s biggest and oldest Farmer’s Market. Loved the unique setting unlike the usual carpark or school, felt like a country fair you see on the movies. T’was cool. Best Steak and Onion sandwich ever, no lie.

The stall with the cheesecakes. That’s all I need to say.

A friend of mine had told me he had the best Steak and Egg sandwich in his life here, unfortunately the stall wasn’t there the day I was. There was however a Tongan school cultural group performing which I thought was pretty cool and different to the entertainment they usually have at these markets. Find the stall with the quiches, you won’t be disappointed.

Best thing about Farmer’s Markets in Coastal towns/cities is the Fish and here is no exception. Had some wicked smoked fish from one of the stalls, and that’s coming from someone who’s Dad does the best smoked fish in the world lol.

Just great authentic Italian pizza. Try the ‘Pizza Sarda’ - too good.

Has a pizza that's actually called 'Best Pizza in NZ' which wouldn't be too far from the truth.

Actually found this place by accident we were just stopping at the dairy next door and decided to grab a feed too. You know those times when you stumble upon great food when you least expect it, yeah this was one of those times.

If you’re visiting over summer expect a wait as this place is super popular. Well worth it though.

I’m a fan of thin bases so these guys had me won over immediately. Being a traditional pizza fan I’ll admit I was a bit weary of how they fuse classic flavors with their unique sauces and toppings, but it worked.

Good, old fashioned, classic Kiwi milkshakes, I’m all about it. Any place that has Spearmint flavour is a winner in my books. Best!

Right on Waikanae Beach, this place sells some of the biggest ice cream cones I’ve ever seen but if you’re more of a milkshake fan like myself this is the spot. Grab one then hit the beach and chill under the pines.

You would think with the name like that you’d think chocolate shake right… wrong. Their Vanilla shake is the business. They won’t be getting any customer service awards anytime soon but your tolerance will be rewarded.

My girlfriend is a huge fan of Berry Farms, then again so is every other female. Just off State Highway 30 and a short drive from the Beach. Guaranteed brownie points.

Probably my favorite beach. Be warned if you’re planning to visit there during the holiday period it’s going to be packed something crazy. The only access (by foot) to the famous Cathedral Cove and the heavily photographed sandstone archway which I might add can be seen in rapper Macklemore’s video ‘Can’t Hold Us’ video which he shot while on tour here last year.

Voted best beach in NZ 2013. Definitely the spot after Whakatane just being named sunshine capital of NZ for another year. Home of the super secluded and beautiful Otarawairere bay, only accessible by foot.

One of the most popular holiday spots in the country. The best thing about a beach that stretches as far as the eye can see is exactly that. Plenty of space for those wanting to get away from the crowds and find a lonely spot to chill.

Bit of history - Mahia peninsula was actually once an island but with time a sand bar has emerged joining it to the North Island and right where it joins is where you will find Mahia Beach. Great spot for swimming and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of one of the locals - ‘Moko’ the dolphin.

The gateway to The Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty, I love this place. The walks here are amazing. Known as the safest surf beach in NZ and home of the famous ‘Waihi Beach Hotel’

There’s not many places in the world you can dive an active volcano but White Island is one of them. Beautiful warm water and unique bubbling underwater fissures create underwater Jacuzzis. Whether you’re after exciting dives from pinnacles with 150m drop off or just a cruisy reef dive.

Perfect spot for those who have never dived before. Just off the coast is the Marine Reserve where you can dive with fish or play with dolphins.

One of the best cray diving sites in the country. On a good day visibility is up to 30 metres.

One of NZ’s top diving sites situated close to the continental shelf, depth ranges from 10 to 40 metres.

Home of one of NZ’s most popular summer dive spots ‘Black Reef’ and the famous Tongariro shipwreck which sunk in 1916.

Right at the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula and at the waters edge. Good diving and fishing here.

Right on the water and close to amazing bush walks and hiking. Not the easiest of access but well worth the long drive.

Coastal camping site adjacent to a wildlife reserve with great walks and views. Short walk from shops/pub and a quick drive to town. For those who don’t want to stray too far from civilization.

The great thing about this site is the feeling of being super secluded when you’re actually only 15 mins away from Rotorua city centre. Limited room so booking’s a must.

On the shore of the Waikato River so perfect spot for swimming, fishing and water sports. Cool thing about this place is the concrete surrounds for camp fires, something not permitted at most DOC sites.