Pippa B.'s
Best mountain biking parks
- 11Kaimanawa Heli-BikingNapier SouthIf you’re a serious wilderness adventurer, you will love this start above the winter snowline for a 10km, near-800m/2,500ft downhill run in an isolated snow-capped world. To walk here would take three days, longer if you carry your bike. And that’s where Kaimanawa Heli-Biking come in making this awesome trail, like no other, so accessible. Located at Poronui Station off the Napier-Taupo highway.
- 21Yeoman's TrackHastings CentralThe shared walking/biking track through the private commercial forest is an old logging route. It’s subject to weather because you have to cross the Makaroro River first and the track can be uncomfortably muddy at times. The 17km intermediate grade track has some steep climbs and can be a challenging 2-3 hours but well worth it. It’s on Wakarara Road 86 km from Napier.
- 31Motu Road TrailMatawaiA great 78km mountain bike trail challenging more intermediate riders with numerous climbs and descents though bush and farmland. It follows the historic coach road between Opotiki and Gisborne, built in 1914. I recommend you start from Matawai, unless you want to climb for most of it. There’s lots of views and an opportunity for a detour to the Motu falls. You’ll end up in the other side of the ranges on the Opotiki Dunes Trail and it is possible to do a return trip in one day if you are feeling fit.
- 41Te Mata Peak Mountainbike TrackHavelock NorthThis beautiful landmark has a fantastic off-road mountain bike downhill run from the near the top of the peak although it isn’t for the novice or faint-hearted. There’s steep drops and tight turns and it’s hard to stop and give way to walkers when the track gets to the shared path further down.
Pippa B.'s
Best Farmer's and Grower's Markets Bay of Plenty
- 119Tauranga Farmers MarketTaurangaThis bustling Saturday market is a bit of an institution, being the first in the Bay. It’s the ideal place to get the best of the regions produce, including some of Waikato’s small producers. The don’t call this area the Bay of Plenty for no reason and it grows more than world-class avocados and kiwi fruit. I’ve been coming here for years’ and seen the market grow. Even well-behaved dogs are welcome. Local canines look forward to the Saturday catch-up and raw meaty bites and aromatherapy products from Raw Pawz and maybe even a blueberry doggie biscuit treat from Mamaku Blue.
- 28Mount Mainstreet Farmers MarketMount MaunganuiEvery Sunday from 9am until 1pm the Phoenix car park in main street of downtown Mount is closed off and fresh vendors move in with their delights – fresh organic fruit and veges, beautiful bunches of cut flowers, breads pasties and cheeses, honey and preserves from local growers. I do recommend getting there early in summer before the holiday-makers stir.
- 31The New Zealand Farm ShopPapamoaBehind the façade is a treasure-trove and eclectic-mix of shops, including the New Zealand Farm Shop delivering fresh, local and nutritious seasonal produce from the farm gate to the plate. Technically not a Farmer’s Market it’s Papamoa’s answer to connecting producer and buyer, knowing where the food comes from and how farmers are growing it. The local place to grab Flavour Bakery breads, Bostock’s organic meat, organic milk and safe pray-free quality nutrient dense vegetables and fruit as well as a delightful range of preserves. Grab a coffee and lunch at the Farm Kitchen adjacent first, eat alfresco at the garden centre then select a fresh option for dinner.
- 42The Fresh Market - WhakataneWhakataneNot an official Farmer’s Market but just as good as. The shelves are chock-full of fresh vegetables straight from the growers, fruit, lots of fresh berries, which the region is known for and yummy smoothies and juices from the Refresh Juice Bar.
- 51The Sunday MarketWhakataneMarkets tell us a lot about a place and The Sunday Market serves up local seasonal produce from this great growing region. Lots of locals shop here for their weekly supply. Home-made breads, honey from the region and food stalls will whip up some local kai for you.
Pippa B.'s
Best Farmer's Markets Hawke's Bay Gisborne
- 19Hawke's Bay Farmers' MarketHastings CentralOne of the oldest and biggest markets its at its best in summer outside under the shade of the old trees in the beautiful Waikoko Gardens in the A & P Showgrounds. It’s a local social haven, but don’t be surprised if you run into someone from your hometown because it’s a favourite haunt for visitors. It’s got everything you can imagine grown in the Hawke’s Bay fruit bowl. There are so many gourmet delights I find it so hard not to buy too much.
- 24Napier Urban Food MarketNapier CentralSet next to Clive Square amidst the stunning backdrop of Napier’s Art Deco, this urban market provides all the weekly essentials – all fresh and all local, plus seedlings and bunches of fresh herbs. It’s relaxed and friendly with lots of fresh bounty.
- 32Black Barn Grower's MarketHavelock NorthI love this boutique seasonal market in the stunning grounds of Black Barn vineyard for its medieval-style set up. It’s neighbourly and comforting and for some reason I just want to get creative, into the kitchen and conjure up something with the delightful fresh produce.
- 43Gisborne Farmers MarketGisborne CentralSweet - delicious Dutch fruit-filled Oliebollen doughnuts and a morning coffee are enough reason to drop in to these friendly Saturday morning markets by the museum. Add some Gewurztraminer from Wright’s Winery, local Beebox honey comb and fresh bread to spread it on and fill up with a weekly shop of fresh fruit and vegetables, all blessed by the warm Gisborne sun.
- 54Hastings City Night MarketHastings CentralA place to come for a great Thursday night out and to listen to local musicians. Thursdays from 5-9pm, there’s loads of fresh produce but it’s really a food market, where creative locals produce the food, often taking their artisan goods on to bigger things. All done with style. Coming up on February 18 is Art Deco night market, running with the big party-hard Art Deco Weekend extravaganza so expect some glamour and swing. And on March 3 is Horse of the Year Night Market.
Pippa B.'s
Drinks with a view BOP
- 15BluebiyouPapamoa BeachThis is the only place on the 20km Mount Maunganui-Papamoa beachfront which is adjacent to the beach and isn’t fenced in by a main road. The scene is relaxed and beachy, the views beautiful, but rest assured the meal and service will be more than a notch above.
- 210Phil's Place RestaurantTaurangaSpectacular views from the marina across the Tauranga harbour to The Mount. Owner Phil Rudd, ex drummer of rock band AC/DC, dream is to bring affordable fresh dishes with a local flavour to diners. If you want a more casual take try The Last Gasp Café, open 7am-3pm.
- 32Dixie Brown'sMount MaunganuiExpect good views out across the boardwalk to the ocean and Leisure Island, some good food and friendly staff. It’s the choice place to go on Marine Parade.
- 42Marina Cafe TaurangaTaurangaPlenty of outdoor tables and space for the kids. A good breakfast and lunch option, or for just coffee with a relaxed marine vibe and views out to the harbour and beyond to Matakana Island.
- 51An amazing dining experience on the water in the 70-year-old yacht club building. Excellent food together with a beautiful serene outlook out to Tauranga harbour.
Pippa B.'s
Drinks with a view HB/Gisborne
- 12Black Barn BistroHavelock NorthIf you want relaxed upmarket dining, great food and beautiful views this is the place to be. The setting under the vine canopy looking across the Heretaunga Plains is stunning. Black Barn is understated and so classy. A great place to come if you want to impress.
- 23Mission Estate WineryNapier CentralThe iconic historic mission has elevated views out from the vineyard across Taradale and Napier to the coast. It’s elegant fine dining with drinks and meals available on the lawns under the shade or on the balcony. The food and ambience is superb.
- 33West Quay has the best views of the inner harbour and marina. The doors here open out to expansive decking and glorious views. The sunsets can be spectacular and you can’t fault the friendly service and tasty menu.
- 43Clifton CafeTe AwangaFantastic rural coastal location at the end of the Waterway Trail. I always have the sense of being transported back in time coming into Clifton with the historic farm buildings nearby. The café serves good meals and counter food and is licensed. There are views across the water toward Napier and when the surf is up you can hear it pounding and swirling across the pebble beach. Other times it can feel absolutely peaceful and serene.
- 51Boardwalk Restaurant NapierAhuririYou won’t get closer to the water than here, with the sandy beach just metres away. The boardwalk cycle/walking shared pathway is busy, but sneak down here for an early morning coffee or a pre-dinner drink, grab a seat on the deck and it’s a peaceful haven. The meals are good, cater for most diets and excellent value.
Pippa B.'s
New openings Hawke's Bay/Gisborne
- 11HapiNapier CentralHapi, clean kai co op, just opened and is the latest eatery in central Napier to offer a twist on good healthy raw food. Here’s a taste – raw soaked bircher with coconut yoghurt, strawberries, almonds and mint finished with a macadamia tumeric latte. Guaranteed you walk out buzzing with extra zing.
- 21Chalk 'n' CheeseHavelock NorthI've always loved Origin Earth's biologically farmed milk and artisan cow and sheep cheeses and they've just opened a cafe adjacent to the cheesemaking business and a cheese shop within. It's so good to have a good cafe back here on the bike trail in what was known as the Te Mata Cheese Factory.
- 31GeorgiaNapier CentralThe latest coffee house opening on funky Tennyson Street concentrating on making the best coffee, fresh pastries and baguettes. Keeping it perfectly simple and doing it very well.
- 41Wright & Co CafeHavelock NorthBrand new kid on the block in Joll Road using local pedigree suppliers - Ya Bon bakers, Bostock organics and boutique roaster Firsthand Coffee. The well-known talented Havelock North foodies look like they have a great fit-out here.
- 51BistronomyNapier CentralStart lining up because the opening of James Beck’s new addition to the Hawke’s Bay dining scene is eminent. This leading chef is bound to create fresh seasonal goodness with a modern take if his former culinary ventures are indicative of what is to come.