Pippa B.'s
Best places for a drink in Tauranga/Mount Maunganui
- 112Cornerstone PubTaurangaIt’s all happening here. A thumping good place for live gigs, Sunday sessions and to watch the big screen for the big games, plus some hearty pub food.
- 222Comida TaurangaTaurangaGreat food and a great bar in a relaxed atmosphere. Shared plates are the highlight of the menu and whether it’s for the tapas or the cocktails it’s the perfect place to chill out on a sunny afternoon. Try the delicious Sangria for a memorable Spanish-style night out.
- 329AstrolabeMt MaunganuiIt’s busy, noisy and the best place to celebrate with the locals, and eat an excellent choice of “Beerzees and Sharezees”.
- 411Brew Craft Beer PubTaurangaNo guesses to what this place does well. The name says it all and it has Croucher Brewing beers on tap as well as some other New Zealand greats. It’s not all about sampling though – try the fantastic food.
- 57The Barrio Brothers Mexican RestaurantMount MaunganuiIf you’re feeling a little lethargic this place will definetly perk you up. Join the energetic and full-on mad Mexican crowd here. Okay so it’s a restaurant, but along with some wonderful food it has excellent Margaritas and cocktails.
Pippa B.'s
Best accommodation in Tauranga/The Mount
- 15A bed for every budget on one of the world’s best beaches, from campsites to beach-front villas. Fantastic atmosphere, whatever the time of year and Papamoa’s facilities are all within walking distance.
- 25Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday ParkMt MaunganuiLocation, location, location. Absolute beach front in the lee of legendary Mauao. Swimming, surfing, walks, hot pools, shopping and restaurants on your doorstep. It’s all here.
- 35Hotel On DevonportTaurangaIn an amazing location in downtown Tauranga, it’s right in the pulse. The harbour side rooms have views to die for. A small hotel with a good reputation.
- 47The Sebel Trinity WharfTaurangaWow, such a unique location on the edge of Tauranga’s CBD, with beautiful vistas over the water. A top-class restaurant and hotel and a place you can feel at one with nature in an urban setting.
- 55Oceanside Resort & Twin TowersMount MaunganuiThe first high-rise to go on the strip, this iconic hotel and apartment building still offers premium accommodation. Standing under legendary Mauao, all the luxury and convenience you need is right here, just across from the white sands and activities of Mount Maunganui’s main beach.
Pippa B.'s
My favourite restaurants in Tauranga/The Mount
- 13Harbourside Brasserie + BarTaurangaSituated right on the water in an historic yacht club building the setting is as good as it could be. It’s even tempting to drop a line over the side and catch your own fish. Great service and an extensive menu makes for a relaxing meal in a character-laden restaurant.
- 212Mills Reef Winery & RestaurantBethlehemProfessional - sums up this iconic restaurant in Bethlehem, five minutes from downtown Tauranga and enveloped in 20 acres of pastoral landscape. As well as brunch, lunch and dinner it’s a great place for weddings and conferences or to taste their award-winning wines.
- 36MacauTaurangaA cool spot on Tauranga’s restaurant row on The Strand, Macau offers a different type of dining to what is usually found in The Bay – quality tasty fusion food flavours with an added twist on flavours.
- 422Comida TaurangaTaurangaGreat food and a great bar in a relaxed atmosphere. Shared plates are the highlight of the menu and whether it’s for the tapas or the cocktails it’s the perfect place to chill out on a sunny afternoon. Try the delicious Sangria for a memorable Spanish-style night out.
- 53Milano's PizzaMount MaunganuiFor a bit of local flavour, this suburban restaurant is busy, popular and good value. The friendly and attentive staff will give a personalised welcome to make you feel at ease.
Pippa B.'s
Best shopping for the girls in Tauranga/Mount Maunganui
- 14Moochi - Light CapsuleTaurangaThe Tauranga store is home-base for Moochi designer Kellie and her husband Chris Taylor, and one of eight stores in New Zealand. In a style all of its own, Moochi is very cool gear that transposes easily from chic casual to evening. Small production runs mean you’re less likely to see that dress on someone else.
- 23Wendy's BoutiqueTaurangaThe staff will go the extra mile here to make you feel welcome. Nothing is too much trouble for the talented team of Wendy’s Wardrobe Angels, who will fit you out with an outfit for any occasion from a selection of New Zealand’s fashion houses and international labels. Wendy's has customers coming for their fashion fix from all over NZ, and as far as Australia. They've just renovated with a fresh white, timeless, modern new-look store.
- 32Repertoire - TaurangaTaurangaStarted by three friends the first Tauranga store has now grown to seven around the country, including one in Mount Maunganui. Repertoire designs and stocks elegant fashion you will feel confident in. Shopping here is more than fashion, with a selection of beautiful accessories, gifts and home wares.
- 42Davidsons WomenswearTaurangaA well-established local store, with a great reputation and clothing to suit all ages, in the Tauranga shopping precinct. Some big New Zealand brands here, amongst them - Trelise Cooper, Workshop, Helen Cherry and Kate Sylvester.
- 52George EdwardBethlehemEstablished in Tauranga way back in 1913, this woman’s fashion store definitely knows how to dress its customers. Now located in the Bethlehem Town Centre, if you’re not a loyal customer already, it is well-worth a drive to peruse the tastefully selected stock this store is known for.
Pippa B.'s
Best cafes in Tauranga/The Mount
- 11Delicacy Fine Foods and CuisineTaurangaDelicacy is a little gem tucked off Cameron Road and 11th Avenue. The owners also run a successful catering business, Juz Catering, and cooking classes from here. The food is divine, the coffee good and the service attentive and friendly. Tasty, fresh deli-style food – an excellent choice.
- 213AlimentoTaurangaA popular hangout and one of my favourites. The food is consistent and high-quality, matched with good service. There is no favourite for me here – it’s always innovative and fresh. On a sunny day the front outdoor courtyard is perfect.
- 38Slowfish CafeMount MaunganuiThis is the place I gravitate to when visiting The Mount. Situated right on the main tourist drag it’s a pumping place to people-watch, read the paper, enjoy a good coffee or view the surfing action across the road.
- 49Mediterraneo CafeTaurangaThe Med, as it’s known, is a cool place in Tauranga centre, and a favourite with shoppers and local business. Consistent service, top-class coffee and good food at a reasonable price. Need I say more?
- 54Le Chat NoirGreertonA great little café in Greerton Village, full of character with a very French flavour. In true Gallic style try the crepes. The coffee is highly recommended as is the food – up with the best.
Pippa B.'s
Best Italian Restaurants
- 14Pizza PazziAhuririAn off-shoot of Milk & Honey café and restaurant next door, Pizza Pazzi is a takeaway pizzeria, so if you want to sit-down or enjoy wine with your food, Milk & Honey will helpfully oblige - otherwise, the beach is just across the road. This is simple pizza, true Italian style. I just love the yummy Pizza Romano – tomato, mozzarella, garlic, anchovies, fresh basil and pecorino cheese.
- 21Trattoria alla ToscanaNapier CentralA true fine-dining Tuscan experience and the food is great. Fresh ingredients and home-made pastas are representative of this established family-owned restaurant, smack bang in the pedestrian precinct of Art Deco Napier. A great meal, enhanced by friendly staff and excellent service.
- 31Antonio’s Pizza & Pasta ParlourNapier CentralA tiny piece of Italy, homely, noisy, a little romantic and full of character, with food made from the heart and homemade at its best. Great Italian wines. For something a little more interesting, try the pizza strudel.
- 43Pipi CaféHavelock NorthPipi’s is deliciously pink, warm, homely, fun and noisy and has some of the best pizza in Hawke’s Bay. It’s nearly always packed and another innovation from chef Alexandra Tylee. Love the Pipi Pizza Truck too.
- 54Molto Italian KitchenHavelock NorthPaolo Pancotti, is the man behind pop-up restaurant, Molto Italian Kitchen, at Red Barrel Winery. Italian food is in this man's blood and in true Italian style his family is right behind him. An award-winning chef, with a long international pedigree, Paolo offers a blend of true Italian cuisine and what Hawke's Bay does best, fresh local produce in season. But, you are going to have to wait until spring to taste it when the restaurant reopens.