In summer everyone wants a garden table at this excellent cafe. For a lazy brunch, try the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or the legendary Big Breakfast. Ask about occasional Friday-night music sessions. Keep an eye out for the fluffy cat who may well run the place.
Hot Waves
Coromandel Peninsula
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.86 MILES
Walk through a mine tunnel, watch a stamper battery crush rock, learn about the history of the Cornish miners and try your hand at panning for gold…
4.57 MILES
Beautiful Cathedral Cove, with its famous gigantic stone arch and natural waterfall shower, is best enjoyed early or late in the day – avoiding the worst…
3.75 MILES
Long, lovely Hahei Beach is made more magical by the view to the craggy islands in the distance. From the southern end of Hahei Beach, it’s a 15-minute…
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8.1 MILES
Around seven million years ago Paaku was a volcanic island, but now it forms the northern head of Tairua’s harbour. Ngāti Hei had a pā here before being…
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7.89 MILES
This expensive but intriguing Disney-meets-Polynesia thermal complex comprises a series of hot pools in a lush jungle-like setting complete with an…
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School of Mines & Mineralogical Museum
23.1 MILES
The Historic Places Trust runs tours of these buildings, which house an extensive collection of NZ rocks, minerals and fossils. The oldest section (1868)…
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16.55 MILES
From Tapu, a mainly sealed 6km drive leads to the Rapaura Water Gardens, a marriage of water, greenery, sculpture and platitudes. It has accommodation on…
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16.53 MILES
The Waterworks, 5km east along the 309 Rd from SH25, is a wonderfully bizarre park filled with whimsical water-powered amusements made from old kitchen…
Nearby Coromandel Peninsula attractions
0.1 MILES
Near Hot Water Beach, Moko is full of beautiful things – art, sculpture, jewellery – with a modern Pasifika/Māori bent.
3.75 MILES
Long, lovely Hahei Beach is made more magical by the view to the craggy islands in the distance. From the southern end of Hahei Beach, it’s a 15-minute…
4.57 MILES
Beautiful Cathedral Cove, with its famous gigantic stone arch and natural waterfall shower, is best enjoyed early or late in the day – avoiding the worst…
6.69 MILES
Shakespeare Cliff Lookout has excellent views over the ocean and Cooks Beach. It’s accessed across the harbour from Ferry Landing.
7.49 MILES
A small but interesting museum focusing on local history – especially Whitianga’s most famous visitors, Kupe and Cook.
7.89 MILES
This expensive but intriguing Disney-meets-Polynesia thermal complex comprises a series of hot pools in a lush jungle-like setting complete with an…
8.1 MILES
Around seven million years ago Paaku was a volcanic island, but now it forms the northern head of Tairua’s harbour. Ngāti Hei had a pā here before being…
8. Broken Hills Gold-Mine Workings
15.1 MILES
Located 12km south of Tairua is the turn-off to Puketui Valley and the historic Broken Hills gold-mine workings, which are 8km from the main road along a…