Jasmine J.'s
Best Bakeries
- 13Seabreeze BakeryTaipaThese guys are one of the best places to stop on your road trip to fill up the tummy tank. They have an awesome array of soft rolls, hearty sausage rolls and sweet sticky buns. I love tucking into one of their fluffy cheese rolls, it’s also the perfect stomach-settling snack if you have kids who are feeling car sick.
- 21Charlies BakeryKensingtonWhen you step into Charlies Bakery you are hit by the delicious wafting smell of fresh bread. They have a massive range of rolls, loaves, cakes and buns for all your bready desires. I love their sticky buns with icing on top - a classic!
- 31The Baker's CrustWhangarei CentralWhat’s not to love here?! The Baker’s Crust do breads and pies - and they do them well. Their pies are perfect with flakey crusts and rich sauces. They even do special pies like for St Patricks they whip up a beef and Guinness pie. Wash that down with one of their renown creams buns and you’ll look like the cat that got the cream!
- 41Regency PiesKamoThe pie, a classic kiwi tradition, is the kai of champions. Regency have been pumping out pies for over 20 years and they’re masters of the humble pastry meal. They have a massive range of flavours so you’re bound to find one that rocks your boat - vegetarians included. These guys are awesome because they make a massive amount of pies and may be able to cut you a sweet deal if you’re catering or wanting to sell pies at an event.
- 51Cuppacakes NorthlandWhangarei CentralIt’s not a bakery list without cupcakes. Cuppacakes does the most incredibly decadent and delicious cakes. Some of my favourite flavours are their chocolate caramello, maple bacon, salted caramel and perky nana. Like their Facebook page too as sometimes they auction or sell off cupcakes and cakes for cheap.
Jasmine J.'s
Local Hot Spots
- 17Opononi Hotel LimitedOpononiWith the beach a stone’s throw away, stunning sun sets and a hearty tribe of locals this is a majestic pub. When I’m passing through I’ll often stop here and have a vino just to enjoy the view. Otherwise rad musicians put on events here most weekends making it the ultimate place to be in the Hokianga.
- 22Taheke TavernTahekeThe Taheke Tavern is a classic. I’m warning you now, it’s a bit rough around the edges but well loved all the same. You’ll find a swarthy bunch of locals in here. If you can hold their gaze you’ll be rubbing shoulders and singing sea shanties in no time. I love bringing visitors here for a taste of the true Far North.
- 34Dickens InnVinetownI love this quaint cuddly hole of a restaurant. The theme is sweet and goes with the beautiful exterior of the building. They do true English hearty meals here. If you’re ravenous I can recommend the ‘Fat Boy Burger’ from the bottom of my heart. It’s got a grilled wagyu pattie AND a chicken thigh in it - humongous!
- 41Mangawhai TavernMangawhaiThis super cool hang out spot is the bee’s knees of Mangawhai. You have resplendent views at your finger tips and the food is pretty good too. I love going here for a few languid wines and a bowl of chips with good girlfriends. We can talk for hours at this local hot spot.
- 57Black Dog CafeMatakanaThe Black Dog Cafe has a warm welcome ambience that entices you in from near and far. They do smooth velvety coffee and I love having a sweet treat from their cabinet. They have the best pastries. I also think it’s awesome they’re so pup friendly, you can always count on petting someone’s friendly pooch when you stop off at this local gem.
Jasmine J.'s
The Best Butchers
- 11Churchills Fine Meats & DeliKerikeriChurchills are like an old fashioned butchery. They do high-quality cuts of prime meat, displayed beautifully and served by butchers who remember your order. They have an excellent range of organic meat and some special recipes that are sure to wow dinner guests. Some of my favourites include their house made salami (for $20 a roll) and these yummy pastry things - think it might be beef wellington? Yum!
- 21Mac's Prime MeatsMoerewaAs Mac’s is located right next to the meatworks you know your kai hasn’t travelled far. Mac’s Prime Meats have really fresh cuts, and lots of them. The meat is good quality yet the prices are as low as it gets. They also do great deals for bulk buying making this the perfect place to stock up for a big BBQ or sausage sizzle fundraiser.
- 31Central ButcheryKawakawaWhile serving you up a side of bacon these guys still maintain their heart of gold. They sell awesome cuts of meat all while looking out for the community’s best interests. You can get all the normal things like chicken thighs and steaks, then some kooky things too like kangaroo! They also do home-kill where they’ll shoot your beast and turn it into salami, ham, bacon, steak, ribs etc etc… brilliant!
- 42Tony's ButcheryKaikoheTony’s the man when it comes to meat in Kaikohe. He can always find me exactly what I’m looking for and has the best customer service. This shop is bustling with customers buying up large yet he’s always well stocked and never runs out - perfect! And if you’re not sure how something should be cooked, just ask, he’ll give you masterchef advice.
- 51Maungaturoto ButcheryMaungaturotoMeat packs, speciality cuts and Christmas hams are just some of the delicacies on offer at the Maungaturoto Butchery. Some of my favourite tid bits are their tender beef checks and pork belly. The pork belly crisps up to sticky, juicy perfection! Like their Facebook page as they post heaps of great competitions, recipes and specials regularly.
Jasmine J.'s
Best healthy lunch spots
- 13Cafe JerusalemKerikeriI could sing praises for Cafe Jerusalem all day. But in particular for their healthiness! I was craving vegetables the other day so I had their falafel salad for lunch. I got a massive salad with heaps of crunchy baby spinach leaves drizzled with hummus and greek yogurt - it was divine and definitely the health fix I was looking for. Try one of their meat options or you can get it in a shawarma if you’re after something a bit more substantial.
- 24Kerikeri Farmers' MarketKerikeriThis bustling market is laden with treats and tasty things for lunch. Every stall seems to be bursting with freshness. For lunch on the go I recommend getting one of the roast vege and lamb pita breads to nibble. Otherwise if you’re feeling like a real nutrient-bomb get some of the fresh vegies and cook up your own produce feast. Last week I bought baby carrots, limes, coriander, chilli and broccoli to make an epic asian lunch with - yum!
- 33La FamiliaWhangarei CentralA filled roll stuffed with smoked chicken, spinach and roast veges is a far cry healthier than McDs or some other heinous fast food chain. La Familia make beautiful lunch foods that are perfect for the worker on the go. Grab one of their filled rolls stuffed with veges or a floury bap that can be toasted so the cheese melts into gooey-goodness.
- 42The Lunch Box ClubWhareoraChildren need healthy lunches too. That’s what one mum thought as she saw how easy it was to fill a lunchbox with packet foods. Now she provides an awesome array of meals to keep kids healthy all over the country. Lots of nutritious yet delicious items pepper this menu. My nieces and nephews lover her tacos and sliders. They don’t even realise they’re eating healthy stuff!
- 51Serenity CafeWhangarei CentralThis beautiful Whangarei cafe is a great hangout spot and you’ll find your lunches take longer than anticipated in their serene surroundings. They have a diverse menu that offers lots of bang for your buck. My favourite healthy options include the smoked chicken salad or a choose-your-filling toasted sandwhich. Wash it all down with a herbal tea and your body will really be thanking you!
Jasmine J.'s
Best Op Shops
- 13Savemart KaikoheKaikoheSavemart Kaikohe is cheap as chips yet full of treasure. I love how sometimes they have a table where you can fill up a bag of clothes for $2 - that’s cheaper than chips! If you delve to the bottom of one of their towering piles of threads you’ll definitely find a vintage bargain. Old school prom dresses, 60s flower power dresses and lots and lots of shoes all await you in good ol’ Kaikohe!
- 22St John Op ShopKawakawaEvery year St John save thousands of people with minimal government assistance. They can only do this through their funding schemes like their op shops. The Kawakawa op shop is an incredible shop full of a wide range of clothes. Everything is super cheap as all the clothes are donated. So it’s a win/win . You get an affordable new outfit and St John can continue saving lives - Huzzah!
- 32Secondhand RoseKohukohuLike you need any more excuse to come to Kohukohu. This tiny town is a dream. It has a gorgeous art gallery, cafe and Secondhand Rose is a wonderfully quaint op shop. Since not many people come through this way you can find some real gems in here. My favourite find is a green velvet dinner jacket with an awesomely elegant fit (once I removed the shoulder pads). Happy op shopping :)
- 41North Haven Hospice Shop - WhangareiWhangarei CentralHospice op shops are great for that saying - out with the old, in with the new! Once you’ve done your spring clean you can bring in your big bag of unwanted apparel. Donate it to an awesome cause then peruse the isles for your next find. Hospice shops always have a wicked range of clothing - I’ve found them great places to score some new gladrags.
- 51Clothesline ShopWhangarei CentralClothesline has a super groovy and eclectic array of clothes. You can find suave dinner jackets or dresses with loud prints and sequined shoes. Eat your heart out at this rad shop. Then you can parade your new-found loves at the beach just down the road - perfect!
Jasmine J.'s
Best Chocolate Spots
- 19Makana ConfectionsKerikeriI love everything about Makana Confections! They have a dazzling array of assorted chocolates that is tempting enough to make the biggest cocoa grinch give in. I adore that they’re doing a special easter range and I’m definitely going to be getting in on that! Their Hot Cross Bon Bons are "a smooth, orange-infused cream and milk chocolate ganache centre, enveloped in a crisp shell of milk chocolate, then decorated with white chocolate" - irrisistable!
- 210Bennetts of MangawhaiMangawhaiA chocolate list is not complete without mentioning Bennetts. These guys are the connoiseurs of chocolate and they have the variety to prove it. From the rather strange Chilli Truffle or 42 Below Feijoa Caramel to the impressive 3kg Ralph the Rabbit every tantilising bite will be melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I like trying the little truffles so I can taste a few of their unbelievably good flavours in a sitting.
- 31The Liquorice Lady LtdWhangarei CentralSometimes people want their chocolate with a twist - that’s where the Liquorice Lady comes in. As well as all her usual chewy treats she has many varieties that incorporate our much-cherished chocolate. From chocolate liquorice logs and all sorts to the Rasso Choco. The raspberry-flavoured liquorice wrapped around crunchy compound chocolate is a real crowd pleaser!
- 41Sweet Inspirations NorthlandTamaterauSweet Inspirations Northland really know how to solve your chocolate fix. They have all types in all sizes. My favourites are just the plain old milk chocolate with hazelnuts - yum! They’re a great community business, they even supported the SPCA’s Cause for Paws charity event - what sweethearts!
- 53Chocolate can be best served cold. The Movenpick swiss chocolate icecream in a chocolate waffle cone with chocolate sauce is just divine! I love coming down to the Paihia store for one. I sit on the beach and have some ‘me’ time licking a big dripping chocolate cone - it’s the best!