Cole B.'s
Get in the good books this Mothers Day
- 14Flowers RediscoveredThorndonBouquets and Mothers Day go together like two peas in a pod and Flowers Rediscovered have the perfect sets for Sunday. Once your Mother has them displayed on her dining room table all her friends will rave about what a good son/daughter you are. No doubt they will also leave them out until they are well past wilted, but that just shows you how special they are.
- 29East Day Spa - WellingtonPipiteaWhat could be better than treating Mum to a spa treatment this Mothers Day? Get her pampered, preened and pretty before taking her out to brunch.
- 36Chocolate Frog CafeMiramarScore a knock out one-two at the Chocolate Frog Cafe for brunch. Let Mum get her egg on before letting her wander around Palmers Garden World picking up little potted plants and seedlings to while away the hours in the garden.
- 43CranfieldsWellington CentralMother-in-Laws are a tricky beast to shop for. You want to make sure you stay in their good books and that’s where Cranfields comes in handy. They sell unique antique homeware that is both a work of art and useful. That’s why you can guarantee that it will always be pulled out for special occasions and you will be the talk of the card table.
Cole B.'s
Chow down on cheap eats under $15
- 18Sushi NinjaNew Plymouth CentralThere are so many delicious dishes to choose from at the Sushi Ninja that are less than $15. If you can't decide then go for the Yakisoba, which is a huge plate of fried noodles with beef. Or fill your stomach with the warm glow of the chicken teriyaki Donburi rice bowl.
- 22Cafe TurkeyNew Plymouth CentralThe Cafe Turkey food truck is well loved in New Plymouth by locals looking to fill their bellies after a few beersies. Freshly rolled Turkish kebabs are the order of the night with fresh ingredients and high quality chicken and lamb. It's fair to say I've enjoyed my fair share after various surfing missions up the coastline.
- 33FlameNew Plymouth CentralThe $10 dinner meal has to be one of the best specials in town. Curry lovers can enjoy a mild butter naan or for those wanting to spice up their taste buds then go with my favourite, the tandoori fired chicken masala.
- 42Salty Dog Cafe & BarNew Plymouth CentralA Sunday roast is a Kiwi tradition but sometimes they just take too long to prepare. Luckily the Salty Dog has you sorted with their $12 roast pork special. Sink your teeth into the crispy roast veges before smashing them into the crackling which is just too good to refuse.
- 53Crowded HouseNew Plymouth CentralWhile the Crowded House special meals aren’t technically under $15, you would be hard pressed to find a HUGE plate of juice dripping ribs and a side of fries for that price. But for just $20 you get all that AND a pint, which are usually $6 - 7 anyway. It’s a steal.
Cole B.'s
Cheap eats under $15
- 12Deliciosa Tapas and Wine BarHavelock NorthI have been in love with tapas ever since I spent 4 weeks exploring the sights, sounds and scrumptious meals of Spain last year. Having the chance to share tapas over a few glasses of Pinot is my kind of night. If you try one thing, try the beef cheek. It's melt in your mouth kind of stuff.
- 21The Dutch at the BluewaterAhuririThe Dutch is an iconic sports bar in Hawkes Bay. They have some of the best parties in town, as well as food deals. How many slices of pizza do you think you could fit in? Does it really matter if it's only 1 slice when it's only $5 for all you can eat at The Dutch on Tuesday?! How about a pint of beer for $6 on Wednesday? Oh and the FREE fish and chips that comes along with it?
- 33Bollywood Star RestaurantGisborne CentralThere are not many places you can get lunch for under $6 these days. Luckily the curries at Bollywood are $5.99 during their lunchtime rush. No wonder it's so popular!
- 42Bellatino's Food Lovers MarketHavelock NorthIf you are looking for cheap eats in Havelock North then you can't go past Bellatino's. Sure their gourmet foods might be a bit off putting for those with a tight purse strings, but as soon you as you delve into their platter-y goodness you soon realise it's actually very affordable. Pick and mix from olives, cheeses, crackers and much, much more to create amazing picnic baskets to take to the park.
- 53Cafe Anatolia NapierNapier SouthForget the traditional Turkish kebabs and instead get it all spread out on the plate Iskender style. I don't know what they put in their sauces but damn they are good. Get the mixed grill with lamb and chicken which will leave you stuffed for only $14.50.
Cole B.'s
Best cheap eats under $15
- 12Step 1: Pick your style from a burrito, tacos, enchiladas, quesadilla or tostada. Step 2: Choose your fillings from slow cooked beef, pulled pork, chicken or beans for the vegetarians. Step 3: Devour. Simple, delicious and cheap meals in Taupo with $10 cocktails too.
- 23You can always count on Indian food to be filling, fast and have some amazing specials for those that are a little tight around the wallet area. Dine in (or takeaway) before 7pm and enjoy a succulent butter chicken curry with rice and a huge naan bread for just $15. Or go bananas on their Mon - Weds special of any main curry for just $10. Perfect for groups wanting to share.
- 34Ploughmans RestaurantRainbow PointThursdays at Ploughmans is all about steak. Grab a big juicy sirloin for $15 (with a plate of sides) and add a pint of beer or glass of wine for just $5. The steaks are plump, cooked to perfection and will leave you feeling plump as well.
- 44Friends CafeTaupoIf you are feeling a little peckish in the morning then it’s going to be hard to walk past Friends Cafe. The bacon smells wafting out the door will get you seated quicker than you can decide between poached, fried or scrambled eggs. Start the day right with the Taupo breakfast special for only $10.
Cole B.'s
Keep the kids active with these school holiday ideas
- 11Oceans Alive New Zealand LtdMoturoaIf you want your kids to experience something a little different these school holidays then you should have a chat to the team at Oceans Alive. Kids can learn to scuba dive with trained PADI instructors from as young as 10 years old. In just 3 days your kids will have learned all the necessary skills including first aid and learning to swim properly in a safe environment (and heated pool).
- 26Todd Energy Aquatic CentreNew Plymouth CentralEvery kid loves the thrill of a hydroslide. Whooshing down the darkened tubes from side to side before spilling out in a giggling mess is all part of the fun. The Todd Energy Aquatic Centre is also home to some of the best swim coaches in NZ. Organise some swim lessons during the school holidays to keep your kids safe around the water for your own piece of mind.
- 31ActionakiOpunakeFamily fun days out are always a blast. And what better way to bring a family together than a round of paintball? The kids will love dodging through the obstacle course as they get to unleash the pellets of paint all over you as you duck for cover. Bring some BBQ goodies and make a day of it.
- 42Taranaki Pioneer VillageStratfordEver told your kids how you used to ride a horse to school, barefoot and in the snow? Well now it's time to show them what it was really like! Step back in time over the school holidays at the the Taranaki Pioneer Village. Take a ride on the 'Pioneer Express' train, learn how to craft with metal and wood, and play dress ups with all the vintage clothing.
- 51Save the kids (and yourself) from the Wiggles and enroll them in the West Coast School of Rock these school holidays. The crew loves to teach kids to sing, jam on the guitar or drums and even helps budding song writers reach stardom.
Cole B.'s
Discover peace with these school holiday ideas
- 11Mountain Valley Adventure LodgeTe PohueBurn some energy these school holidays with the kids on the Mohaka River. They can learn to kayak with experienced teachers or raft the white water (there are small Class 1 rapids for timid first timers) on trips lasting from 1 hour to a full day. It's one of the best ways to experience some of the last remaining untouched scenery in New Zealand.
- 22Napier Aquatic CentreOnekawaHydroslides, hot spas and heaps of fun. That's all you need to know about the Napier Aquatic Centre over the school holidays. There's plenty to keep the little ones interested and getting them swimming lessons is one of the best things you can do as we are surrounded by water. Boost their confidence for the summer ahead.
- 31Rochelle Spence Dance StudioNapier SouthHelp your kids get their groove on over the school holidays with dancing lessons at Rochelle's dance studio. It doesn't matter if they have a love for hip hop, ballet or jazz, or two left feet, their "unique" skills will be honed here.
- 41Farmhouse KitchenHavelock NorthInstead of tidying up the bombsite left in your kitchen after the kids have decided they want to channel their inner Jamie Oliver, send them over to the Farmhouse Kitchen Cooking School. The kids will learn how to prepare a meal plan, harvest the garden and then whip up a 3 course lunch in the kitchen while being instructed by the experts. They will even learn to do the dishes!
- 57National Aquarium of New ZealandNapier SouthYou might have taken the kids to the Aquarium before but they probably haven't been like this before... This time they get to swim with the fishes, or more specifically, the SHARKS! They start the day learning to snorkel before plunging flipper first into the stingray and shark tanks for a once in a lifetime experience.