The Best ... in New Zealand
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So... I'm back in New Zealand for summer, and trying to find excuses to travel around the place.
eg: last time I was here, I rode around the North Island visiting every waterfall I could think of.
For this time - I was thinking of visiting/tasting all the "Best ... in New Zealand"... eg: the Best Pie in NZ (apparently - Tauranga?); the Best Fish and Chips in New Zealand (I haven't found a definitive award for that, other than the Best CHIPS in NZ - Okato); etc, etc.
And figured... maybe I'd just let the Fern do the work for me... suggest the best pies, fish/chips, sausages, restaurants, etc in NZ - and I'll use that as a basis/excuse for getting on the bike and visiting some spots I wouldn't normally otherwise.
I'm typically based in central North Island - but very keen to travel further afield than normal... I've probably got all summer.
Discuss. -
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@Crucial or the new bridge at Taipa, thanks Whinny
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@chimoaus said in The Best ... in New Zealand:
Best Birdwatching experience is Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Like going back in time with all the native birds. South Island would be the Kaikoura Pelagic to see Albatross and lots of seabirds.
Add Kapiti island to that list as well
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@taniwharugby said in The Best ... in New Zealand:
@Crucial or the new bridge at Taipa, thanks Whinny
Use to bomb the old bridge hard has a kid. Was pretty much the only white boy doing it
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@chimoaus said in The Best ... in New Zealand:
Best Birdwatching experience is Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Like going back in time with all the native birds. South Island would be the Kaikoura Pelagic to see Albatross and lots of seabirds.
Motuara Island at the top end of Queen Charlotte Sound was amazing when we called in doing Outward Bound some mumble3 ... years ago. Hopefully still is.
Not sure how you'd get there though.
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Best place I recall swimming was at Hatepe south of Taupo with Mrs Boo (who avoids swimming). This was very dependent on the weather. It was absolutely pefect. Flat calm. Early evening. Beautifully warm. Crystal clear. Shear fluke we were there at the right time, right place.
Marima Domain near Pahiatua is pretty cool. Worth a picnic and a swim in the River.
Similarly Ashley Gorge inland from Chch.
Can't fault the trip to Cape Reinga. Went about 6 years ago and me was completely wowed.
Waitangi Treaty House too.
Oh yeah, you were asking about food and stuff too ...
Mangonui Fish Shop was awesome, after being subjected to Aussie feesh for 12 years.
Recall having awesome fish and chips back in the day from a shop over the river/estuary in Whakatane.
For the best mussels ever try the Tutu 4wd bus trip from Kaitaia across the Ahipara gumfields. They stop (at least they used to) on the reef around the corner (south) of Reef Point and tell you to knock yourself out. We weren't that adventurous (bigger ones the further you ventured out) but they were the tastiest mussels ever. Try them with Kaitaia Fire (local chilli sauce).
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@booboo said in The Best ... in New Zealand:
Mangonui Fish Shop was awesome, after being subjected to Aussie feesh for 12 years.
Funny you say that as I think their fish is cooked Oz style rather than NZ style. Don't get me wrong, it was nice, and the pineapple rings were awesome, but I had to have some local fish and chips in Hastings to scratch that fish and chips itch when back in NZ over winter.
@Toddy said in The Best ... in New Zealand:
Best ice cream
Rush Munros in Hastings, you can have some real fish and chips nearby too.
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@Bovidae said in The Best ... in New Zealand:
For fish 'n' chips, anywhere near the sea. Thames is very good, as is Raglan wharf.
If you are travelling on SH3, stop in at Viands in Kihikihi for pies. They have won plenty of awards.
So this - Viands is awesome (hometown!) as is fish n chips at the wharf at Rags.
I personally think that the Kawhia fish shop is better though, if they have fresh snapper.
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@booboo speaking of gumfields, the Matakohe Museum is worth the visit if you are in the area.
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@taniwharugby said in The Best ... in New Zealand:
@booboo speaking of gumfields, the Matakohe Museum is worth the visit if you are in the area.
Do they still have the cafe across the road that sells those enormous burgers?
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Great Fish and Chips places
Lockies in Hampden. Best Blue Cod and Chips (I promise)
Kaiaua (as @crucial said) Order and then grab a table outside on near the water and enjoy.
Thames Bait shop F&C. Really good but views a bit average of a tidal mangrove estuary.
Tauranga Wharf fish and chips. Really good and popular. Sometimes they have greenbone/butter fish. If they have that, buy it! You can choose your pieces of fish. -
@gt12 said in The Best ... in New Zealand:
@Bovidae said in The Best ... in New Zealand:
For fish 'n' chips, anywhere near the sea. Thames is very good, as is Raglan wharf.
If you are travelling on SH3, stop in at Viands in Kihikihi for pies. They have won plenty of awards.
So this - Viands is awesome (hometown!) as is fish n chips at the wharf at Rags.
I personally think that the Kawhia fish shop is better though, if they have fresh snapper.
Agree about Kawhia too. We had fresh hapuka there and it was delicious. Mangonui was OK but didn't live up to the hype.
The best fish 'n' chips I've had in recent years was in Bluff. Blue cod.
