Whether you're hitting the road or staying put this summer, here are a few of our best spots to enjoy an Atomic brew over the holidays.
Pete & Mary's
The perfect pit stop on your way north, or a lovely destination for brunch in the sun. Pick from their extensive cabinet food range, or stay for a hot lunch. Don't forget the coffee!
Address: 21 Queen Street, Warkworth 0910
Opening hours: open every day except 25/26 December and 1st January
Instagram: @peteandmarys.eatery
Blackies
Ideally located a few minutes from the Whangamatā beach, Blackies is a laid back spot to enjoy an iced coffee before taking a dip. They've also just added real fruit ice cream on the menu..!
Address: 418 Ocean Road, Whangamatā 3620
Opening hours: open every day except 25/26 December and 1st January
Instagram: @blackies.cafe
Colenso
If you're more cottagecore than tourist attraction, Colenso Country Cafe in Whenuakite is the spot for home-baked goods (made from fruits and veggies from their orchard and garden!), cute farm animals and general countryside serenity.
Address: 418895 State Highway 25, Whenuakite 3591
Opening hours: open every day except 25/26 December
Instagram: @colenso_country_cafe
Hayes Common
Hamilton is a pretty much on the road to anywhere south of Auckland, and it makes for the perfect breakfast stop on long drives. Visit the team at Hayes Common for a delicious breakfast or lunch, bask in the sun out from or take a stroll along the river.
Address: 33 Jellicoe Drive, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216
Opening hours: open 27-29 December, then from 3rd January onward
Instagram: @hayescommon
Blondie
The sister to popular downtown Mt Maunganui spot Palace Tavern, Blondie is a modern day diner and deli with the best sandwiches in the Mount and classic diner items (fried chicken waffle!!!). Come for the food, stay for the bottomless filter.
Address: 200 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116
Opening hours: 27-29 December, then from 3rd January onward
Instagram: @blondiediner
Eastwood
Located in the Scion research center, at the feet of the Whakarewarewa Forest and the Redwood Treewalk, Eastwood cafe is a beautifully designed eatery with extensive brunch options and wood-fired pizzas, their specialty.
Address: Longmile Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010
Opening hours: Open every day except 25-26 December
Instagram: @eastwood.cafe
Lionel's
Located in the Suncourt Hotel, a couple of minutes' walk from the lake in Taupo, Lionel's just got a fresh lick of paint and a tasty new breakfast menu, including house-made pastries baked daily, a whitebait omelette, a any coffee you'd like.
Address: 14 Northcroft Street, Taupō 3330
Opening hours: Open every day except Public Holidays
Instagram: @lionels.tpo
AUCKLAND
Dulcie
The view! The outdoor patio! The elevated brunch options! Get off the ferry, stroll along King Edward Parade and enjoy a perfectly crafted coffee, friendly service and a beautiful space. Perfect for celebrations, overdue catch ups, or to feel far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Address: 33 King Edward Parade, Devonport, Auckland 0624
Opening hours: Open every day except Public Holidays
Instagram: @dulcie.eatery
Lily
On the opposite side of Devonport, this dog-friendly cafe is a great spot to catch up with friends after a long stroll down the waterfront. Get yourself the dream combo - affogato x canele, or treat yourself to their amazing desserts.
Address: 12 Wynyard Street, Devonport, Auckland 0624
Opening hours: Open every day except Christmas Day
Instagram: @lilyeatery
Crafty Baker
In the heart of Titirangi village, Crafty Baker has some of the greatest pies in the city, a fully packed sweet cabinet and fluffy/crunchy bread. An ideal pit stop on your way out West, or to listen to the birdsong of this bushy haven a short drive from the inner city.
Address: 2/490 South Titirangi Road, Titirangi, Auckland 0604
Opening hours: Open every day except Public Holidays
Instagram: @craftybakernz