Pippa B.'s
Best second-hand dealers
- 11Decorum of Art DecoNapier CentralLinda is an expert in vintage with a vast knowledge of all collectables. She has some amazing collections and located in Napier, specialises in Art Deco. Among an array of original pieces Decorum sources some amazing Flapper gear from the states.
- 22Better Used FurnitureHastings CentralOne of the largest second-hand dealers around The Bay they stock appliances, and some quirky office, household, modern and retro furniture.
- 31FetchNapier CentralThanks to the donations of locals Fetch, the SPCA second-hand store often has a few bargains of bric-a-brac, small household items and clothing. What I love is my money is going directly to the help the animals. It has got to be a donation with benefits.
- 42Green Revolution ClothingNapier CentralRecycling stores are everywhere, but this inner-city Napier store has a great range of fashion, footwear and accessories and stocks some great brands at great prices.
- 52Roundabout BoutiqueAhuriri"Another stylish pre-loved clothing boutique taking only quality threads. It’s a place you can get designer clothing and accessories for a lot less than the original price. All items are donated and the proceeds go to the Hawke’s Bay Breast Cancer Trust. A great place to have a chat with the friendly staff, find a bargain and give to a worthy cause."
Pippa B.'s
Best second-hand dealers
- 11Katikati Antiques & InteriorsKatikatiQuality, variety and if you ever wanted to find the perfect stand-out piece for whatever-your-era home this is a great place to browse. They stock a fantastic variety of quality vintage and antique pieces. Love to stop here for a splash-out perfect bit, with ever-lasting value.
- 21Andrea's China & AntiquesTe PukeI just love this place. It feels like a vast maze of china full of memories. I especially love the collection of Temuka and Crown Lynn tableware. An absolutely amazing display of china and ceramics from the past. Nothing is priced so try your luck at bartering.
- 35Choice Of ChadwickGreertonA great Aladdin’s Cave of treasure for vintage and collectables with a huge selection of quality antiques from the 20s and beyond. They specialise in mahogany from the 60s and 70s. Super for browsing.
- 41The Blue BarnTaurangaThey are not only content to sell you second-hand furniture but will sell you the goods to make it look loved again. Try an easy restoration with chalk paint. The Blue Barn stock a big range of furniture and appliances and factory seconds.
- 54Nine LivesMount MaunganuiKim and Yasmin have an eye for cat walk collections from the past. Nine Lives have the knack of being able to source some incredible pieces from the past. Cool, cool stuff.
Pippa B.'s
Best buffet restaurants
- 11Kwang ChowMount MaunganuiFill your boots – Kwang Chow Chinese licensed restaurant’s smorgasbord has got to offer the best-value nosh in The Bay and it has been around for 20 years so must be doing it right? There are eighteen takeaway dishes to choose from, you can eat-in from the A La Carte menu, or fill up as many times as you like from the smorgasbord. There are salads, soup and Chinese dishes available throughout the day. As dusk falls the seafood dishes and hot roasts come out – amongst this feast the honey barbeque pork gets my pick for much-loved dish.
- 211If you have the appetite of a Mongolian Warrior then this restaurant is for you. The long-standing local oozes atmosphere and is a great place for groups and families with lots of healthy choices too. The art is in creating your own cuisine by choosing the ingredients you want from the variety on offer, then watching your dish being cooked on the big flame. It’s popular so arrive early.
- 36Oak Tree RestaurantGreertonEnjoy the friendly RSA family hospitality and breakfast and dinner licenced buffet dining at Oak Tree Restaurant. They’ve made the large restaurant particularly child-friendly, with Kids Place, where children can safely let loose while you enjoy your meal. RSA members also get the option of a restaurant bistro menu. Monday and Tuesday one under 10-year-old can dine free along with one paying adult and under 2-year-olds dine free every night and there’s a Kids Club for 3-12-year-olds. Lots of good fresh food and lots of variety.
- 41Asian FusionPapamoa BeachTastes of Asian fusion and there’s plenty of it. People drive from across the other side of Tauranga to come here for a feed. It’s highly recommended for freshness, affordability and being friendly toward large groups and families. Too many menu choices to mention.
- 53China Town Restaurant & TakeawayTauranga SouthAll you can eat and very good value for money. Among the standard Chinese dishes, with gluten-free ones labelled, there are traditional kiwi seafood, chicken and meat choices, and a great selection of salads and desserts. There is no limit on how many times you visit the buffet. Fantastic for kids.
Pippa B.'s
Best buffet restaurants
- 11Golden Spring Restaurant and Takeaway NapierGreenmeadowsA great place to eat A La Carte or buffet style, especially for those fussy eaters. It’s well priced with all the Chinese favourites – sweet and sour pork, barbeque pork and black bean plates. It opens early so there’s no problem getting your kids to bed in time.
- 21Norfolk LoungeNapier CentralThe RSA opens its arms to hungry tourists as well as locals where you can get a three-course buffet-style loaded with variety. They offer a chargeback for meals and drinks for motel guests and supply a local Wednesday home delivery menu. Sunday is seafood night, Thursday hosts a delicious carvery and Saturday deals out a magnificent smorgasbord – just to taste a few options. If you really want to load up with home-style cookery this is the place to go.
- 31Golden Spring Restaurant and Takeaway HastingsHastings CentralSister to the Napier outlet the Hastings-based Chinese buffet and A La Carte restaurant is the biggest Chinese restaurant in the region seating up to 120. It’s an excellent “all you can eat” choice for the family and seniors get spoilt with a Gold Card lunch special, including tea and coffee and fruit salad.
- 41RSA HastingsHastings CentralIf you find yourself in the Art Deco city of Hastings at the end of the week try out the Friday night carvery or Saturday night smorgasbord dinner at one of the largest RSA clubs in the country. It’s old-style dining, but popular.
- 51Westshore Beach InnWestshoreNot quite a buffet but the portions are big and I doubt you need or want to go back for more. Good pub food. Try the ribs and wash it down with one of the great craft beers on offer.
Pippa B.'s
Free things to do in winter
- 12The Wineries RideHastings CentralThe Ngaruroro River once flowed across these plains leaving a legacy of old river terraces and a gravelly terroir, now known as the famous Gimblett Gravels region with a distinct wine style. It costs nothing to spend some time wandering and cycling on the easily accessible off-road bike and walking trails that connect the Bridge Pa Ngatarawa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels wine growing districts, but it will be too tempting not to stop somewhere to sample. It’s easy to spend a whole day experiencing the rural lifestyle, tasting and eating, and maybe even staying a couple of days at a classy boutique lodging. I love it because there are so many great cellar doors in the area. Hire bikes are available from On Yer Bike Tours.
- 27Te Mata PeakHavelock NorthThe much-loved local playground highly visible throughout Hawke’s Bay is one of my favourite recreation areas. The dramatic “giant amongst us” Te Mata Peak offers five diverse trails within the 99-hectare park ranging from 40 minutes to more than two hours. The peak rises to 399 metres so some tracks are steep and exposed. I love it for the powerful reflective energy evident in the fossilised limestone rock uplifted from the seabed millions of years ago, rock which once teemed with sea life now carries walkers, runners and mountain bikers, and for being able to get so close to the elements and the stunning views across the Heretaunga Plains. If time is short or you are feeling a bit lazy there’s a sealed road to the top.
- 34Marine ParadeNapier CentralIt’s the region’s hotspot and the sparkling jewel in the crown of celebrated Napier city. Lined with Norfolk Pines, the colourful Tom Parker Fountain, sculptured gardens and iconic Art Deco architecture it’s a peaceful and reflective place to sit and a great place to play on the Rotary pathway, all back-dropped by the temperamental Pacific Ocean. Pack a picnic or grab a take-a-way from one of the nearby eating houses, your skate board, bike or dog and join the promenade. Start an Art deco tour from here – buy a self-guided tour brochure from the Art Deco Trust or make your own way around town.
- 49Hawke's Bay Farmers' MarketHastings CentralWhen the leaves fall from the beautiful deciduous trees New Zealand’s longest running Farmers’ Market goes undercover in winter. Protected by the stands at the A & P Showgrounds the winter maket still reflects the tasty bounty grown and produced by local and passionate artisans. This is my Sunday treat where I can meet the locals, browse and be tempted to stock up on seasonal goodies and indulge in crafted cheeses, organic foods and produce, baked goods, preserves and amazing coffee.
- 52Waikanae BeachGisborne CentralGisborne’s beach is a long and beautiful family-friendly stretch of white sand. It can be a wild walk on a windy day – but all the more exciting – and it’s just a short distance from the town centre and connected by the city beachfront cycle and walkway. It’s free to enjoy and has amazing views across Poverty Bay to Young Nick’s Head.
Pippa B.'s
Free things to do in winter
- 113Mount MaunganuiMount MaunganuiMauao, the local landmark etched on the skyline is recognisable from the top of the Kaimais and up and down the coast. It’s my favourite playground and to see it means I’m back in The Bay. A visit to this beautiful reserve is a must-do no matter what your fitness level. I find peace just sitting on main beach and looking up at the volcanic cone. The 3.4km base track is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs and only takes a 45-minute stroll. Keep an eye out for nesting black-backed gulls and pied shags. The western lower slopes are laden with pipi shells from pre-European Maori middens. You might even spy a resting penguin or seal. If you’re feeling energetic choose a track and climb the 232 metre-high summit and take a few minutes to enjoy the best view around. I love this mountain for its beauty, wildlife, history, breath-taking views and exercise.
- 21Waikareao EstuaryTaurangaThis easy trail accessible from car parks at Maxwells Drive, Coach Drive and Waihi Road is my inner city wildlife sanctuary. It’s a 9km loop track around the “sparkling waters of a new day” Waikareao Estuary and if that’s a bit of a hike then grab a bike and a few friends. The flat walking circuit takes two hours and takes in wetlands, boardwalks and some shrub-land. As well as meeting Tauranga locals it’s a great way to get introduced to the wildlife.
- 38Papamoa BeachPapamoa BeachThis long stretch of beautiful white sand runs from Mount Maunganui past Papamoa and just begs to be walked on. The local Mount Maunganui landmark rises to the north and turn around and the cliffs past Maketu stretch out in the distance. Whether it’s a wild surf-thumping storm or a calm flat blue sea its magical spirit will capture you. The Papamoa end is mostly protected by extensive sand dunes where apart from a lone surfer, surf-caster or dog walker you can be quite alone.
- 47Te Puna Quarry ParkTe PunaThis stunning park started life as a quarry more than 100 years ago, where for 70 years 575,000 tons of rock were removed for local works and now thanks to community volunteers it’s a garden paradise suitable for all ages with expansive views across to Matakana Island. I love to see how the human hand has helped turn a wasteland into serene green space. A gold coin donation is welcomed.
- 51Kamai Heritage TrailTaurangaTauranga city has gone through several growth spurts since its first mission station was established in 1834 and it wasn’t until about 40 years later the town and port became established. Little is recognisable of the historic buildings hidden under modernised layers. Pick up a Historic Heritage Walk brochure from a visitor or information centre and pick out the remains of history in the fastest growing area in New Zealand. It’s good to see how the city once was.