Meet, shop, eat
Spend a pleasant day shopping in the quaint and colourful Bethlehem Town Centre.
Spend a pleasant day shopping in the quaint and colourful Bethlehem Town Centre.
Words Catherine Sylvester
A mainstay of the local community for 16 years, Bethlehem Town Centre is reminiscent of the way shopping was done in the days before malls and retail centres dominated the scene. With an open-air village feel to it, the centre is designed as a one-stop shop with everything on hand for a leisurely day out.
This February saw the addition of a vibrant weekly market to bring the community together during the summer months. Held on Sunday mornings in the centre’s Main Street, local creatives can be found showcasing their talents, with everything from art and jewellery to garden ornaments and microgreens on display.
“We even had a kindergarten selling cookbooks filled with recipes shared by local families,” says centre manager Lauren Todd.
There is ample entertainment for the young – and young at heart. “Have a Go” circus workshops, and free face painting and candy floss have proved popular attractions with grandparents bringing their grandkids out to play.
Lauren suggests cocktails and a bite to eat as an ideal way to round out the day.
A central feature of the complex is the native tree walk which features mature tītoki, kahikatea, kāpuka, pūriri and mikimiki. "The centre is pet-friendly too, with outdoor seating at the cafés, and an on-site groomer and DIY dog wash,” Lauren says.
The markets have generated such interest with those hoping to hold a stall that many new faces appear weekly. This in turn brings variety and flavour to those on the hunt for a great find and a fabulous day out.
Shopping guide
Here are just a few of the businesses you’ll find inside the Bethlehem Town Centre complex.
Immerse Nail & Beauty Therapy
Passion, excellence and professionalism are what the team at Immerse Beauty Therapy bring to every treatment they offer. Whether it’s the face, nails or body that need a little bit of extra care and attention there is something for everyone. A luxurious respite from the day-to-day is a welcome treat for all.
232 Cakery
For the sweet tooth on the lookout for the sweetest gifts, 232 Cakery is just the place you need. Tasty fresh cream cakes, macarons and pastries are just some of the offerings you will find whipped up by the team. For that special occasion, mouth-watering cakes and desserts can be ordered to savour at home.
Bin Inn
Care for the environment and quality of goods is what you’ll find at Bin Inn. They stock a large range of organics, plus keto and gluten-free food. Fresh bread is delivered daily from Mount Sourdough, and if you like your milk the old-fashioned way – in a glass bottle – then the creamy Raglan milk in stock will make you smile. You can even make your own peanut or almond butter, without any of the nasties.
Shoo
For the discerning footwear aficionado, Shoo is for you! Proudly carrying quality shoes from over 25 renowned New Zealand and international brands, the team are dedicated to ensuring the right shoe match is found to complement every shopper’s collection. Favourites such as Kathryn Wilson, EOS and Tamara London are just some of the beautiful offerings in store and online. For those a little further afield, Shoo offers an e-commerce site for convenience.
Patrick’s Pies
Proud to be award-winning pie makers, the team at Patrick’s Pies have whatever you need to fill the gap once your errands are all done for the day. Theirs was the winner of the Bakels Legendary Sausage Roll competition in 2020, and they’ve taken home the Supreme Pie Award seven times! Best to grab a few to pop in the fridge for an easy weekend lunch or dinner too.
The Orchard Restaurant and Bar
Whatever the weather or occasion, The Orchard Restaurant and Bar has something for everyone. Open seven days, with all-day dining available, you can cosy up by the fire on those cooler evenings or relax outside in the sunshine watching the world go by on those finer days. Whether it’s dinner for one, or a larger group of up to 60, your dining needs can be catered to. The best part? Your beloved pup is welcome outside too!
Eat, drink, beach, repeat
The foodie scene in Waihi Beach is just as impressive as the stunning sandy shores.
The foodie scene in Waihi Beach is just as impressive as the stunning sandy shores.
Words Hayley Barnett
Small New Zealand beach towns aren’t usually known for their kai. Seafood, maybe, but even then it’s typically deep-fried in batter and had every nutrient eliminated in the process.
Waihi Beach is a little different. There may only be a handful of eateries, but you can guarantee you won’t walk away disappointed.
Dine in style while overlooking the water at Flatwhite, enjoy the ambiance of the Mexican hideaway that is The Secret Garden, enjoy classic Kiwiana meals at Surf Shack Eatery, or head further out for an incredible meal and experience at The Falls in the Karangahake Gorge.
Read on to discover an eatery to suit your tastes and needs, and a top spot to rest your head, found on booking.com
FLATWHITE
In New Zealand, for some mind-boggling reason, it’s hard to find a restaurant on the beach with views, so it’s a nice surprise when one is situated right in the middle of stunning Waihi Beach. Serving up brunch, lunch and dinner seven days a week, it’s a perfect spot to drop by after a long beach walk. Dining at nighttime may mean you miss the views, but the food and dining experience means it’s often packed out on the weekends, even during the winter, so make sure to book.
THE FALLS
If you haven’t heard of The Falls, you must be living under a rock or off the grid, which is exactly how you’ll feel when you visit this near-self-sufficient space offering unique dining experiences, workshops and functions. Showcasing local and homegrown produce and set inside a barn-like room with open beams and a cosy fireplace, they offer incredible seasonal food, much of which is grown right there next to the kitchen. Diners can wander around the gardens, and then head into the shop – a cute little food store where you can buy some of the delectable delights that feature on the menu.
The garden-to-table ethos was the idea of couple Brad King and Emma Walters back when they opened in 2011. They both enjoyed cooking simple, seasonal soul food and wanted to share their passion in a piece of forested paradise just above Owharoa Falls.
Today they’re kept busy hosting numerous dining experiences focused on sustainability, as well as cooking classes, gardening courses and plenty of weddings.
SURF SHACK EATERY
On your way out of Waihi Beach, along Emerton Road, there sits an old cottage which is easy to miss. The house itself isn’t much to look at, but once inside, the smells emanating from the kitchen will immediately put you at ease. The food is unpretentious and the huge dishes will cure any sized hangover. This is simple Kiwi fare at its best. They claim to have the best burgers in New Zealand and, despite not ordering a burger, I’d believe them. The Streaky Bacon Butty is a diner favourite but if you’re looking to fill a bigger gap, the award-winning “Full Kiwi” breakfast will certainly do the trick. There’s a kids’ menu to keep the little ones happy and a bunch of delicious salad choices for the health freaks.
RABBIT MOON
If you’re after a good coffee in a sunny spot, look out for a cute cottage next to the Info Centre in the Waihi Beach shops. Rabbit Moon offers up homemade baking like pies and quiches, as well as bagels, toasties and crepes. It’s a great place to have breakfast before hitting the shops next door.
@rabbitmooncafe
THE SECRET GARDEN
Heading into The Secret Garden, I wasn't sure what to expect. We walked past a few times before realising this place was something special. In that respect, you could say this is Waihi Beach’s best-kept secret.
The restaurant and bar is nestled amongst the shops in the beachside township and offers a cosy hideaway with some of the best Mexican food you’ll find in the Bay. As you walk in through the Balinese-style garden, what looks like a little stone walkway transforms into a quirky, bustling bar, complete with retro lounge room, DJ corner and a huge plant-filled oasis out the back.
The cocktail menu alone will impress those who love a good tipple, and the Mexican fare feels authentic and tastes delicious.
We sank into the comfortable couch, sinking our feet into the pebble flooring, and people-watched for hours, which is not the experience you expect in Waihi Beach on a cold winter’s night. But that’s what's so great about this place. It’s a home away from home, but with the added bonus of some culture and a party vibe any time of year. This is also the local hangout for music fans and musicians, with events happening on the regular.
secretgardenwaihibeach
BEACH PACIFIC APARTMENTS
When searching for a place to stay in Waihi Beach we wanted somewhere near the water that was central to everything we needed. Cue Beach Pacific Apartments, which popped up on Booking.com immediately, with a coveted “superb” rating. In hindsight, the location didn’t matter all that much. We could have happily looked after ourselves in the huge self-contained apartment, but that would have meant missing out on the culinary awesomeness of Waihi Beach.
Located smack in the middle of town, its central location is perfect for strolling around the shops, to the beach and up into the hills for a great view of the coast.
Equipped with an outdoor private spa, we made use of the outside spaces, including a vast deck with views of the township. The apartment itself was incredibly spacious – three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining space and lounge area. There were a few apartments to choose from, varying in size, but this snap rooftop decision was definitely the right choice. It would suit families or a few couples looking to make the most of the eateries and shops.
It was a shame we only stayed for two nights. We easily could have stayed, well, forever.
Hayley stayed at Beach Pacific Apartments courtesy of BOOKING.COM
Take a fresh look
If you need to unplug, and reboot over summer, then head to Whakatāne, where some wild wonders and epic excursions await you.
If you need to unplug, and reboot over summer, then head to Whakatāne, where some wild wonders and epic excursions await you.
Words Shiree Schumacher
Summer feels like it’s been a long time coming and what better place to brighten the spirits than one of the country’s sunniest destinations, Whakatāne. The certified suntrap also boasts an 11km stretch of golden shoreline at Ōhope that’s been voted New Zealand’s most loved beach. But there’s plenty more to do other than feel all that sand between your toes. Whether it’s action and adventure or serenity for the soul you’re after, you can find it all around here. And for foodies, we’ve picked some of the best places to relax and reflect on your day’s activities as you dine alfresco.
PLAY
Port Ōhope Wharfside
Check out the pop-up activity hub across from Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy the vista of the Ohiwa harbour upon a stand-up paddle board or cruise around on an e-bike or e-scooter (ages 11+) – all for hire. Some wharf jumping will guarantee a cool down, and refreshments from one of the harbour-side food trucks are never far away.
Riverbugging
If adrenalin is your jam or you’re keen for a family-friendly adventure, take the kids (10 years+) for some riverbugging down the Rangitaiki awa. You’ll be kitted out to keep you safe as you all bob, wind and whitewater your way through pure nature, each upon your own cute “buggy”.
Moutohorā
A short boat trip from Whakatāne is the sanctuary that is Moutohorā (Whale Island). Vibrant birdsong greets you at this pest-free haven – home to some of our most endangered wildlife. Learn about the flora and fauna as you’re guided through the regenerated native bush, take in magical views across to White Island, visit a fur seal colony enroute, and finish with a dip in the waters of Onepū Bay, Moutohorā’s secluded beach where you can even dig your own geothermal spring pool.
West End
Ōhope beach’s West End has quite the reputation with surfers, yet it provides a safe, sheltered spot for swimming and kayaking, too. While you can count on catching waves here daily, they don’t break hard so surfie learners and experts alike will find their perfect possie along this stretch. Salt Spray Surf school offers lessons and surfboards for hire nearby.
Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park.
About an hour and a quarter drive from Whakatāne is one of the world's last prehistoric rainforests. Walk the track to the picturesque Waiatiu Falls and imagine the dinosaurs of Gondwana striding among the ancient towering kahikatea, tōtara, matai and rimu. The park is valued as a taonga (treasure) containing the living children of Tāne Mahuta, the Māori god of the forest. Local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whare is the active kaitiaki (guardian) of the park working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to protect the natural, historic and cultural resources for the benefit and well-being of future generations of Aotearoa and visitors.
EAT
Gibbo’s on the Wharf
Taste the freshness of their daily catch or grab one of the much-loved Gibbo burgers. If you just can’t decide, then try the seafood basket: fish and chips, a crabstick, mussels, squid rings and oysters – and take away to the beach or settle into their wharf-side table to eat while it’s piping hot.
Cadera Mexican Bar & Restaurant
Little says summer more than munching tapas by the sea under one of Cadera’s yellow umbrellas. This sunny eatery at Ōhope beach offers a wide menu including succulent tacos, smoky spare ribs and an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Happy hour is from 4 to 5pm daily so say salud to good times with a ruby raspberry margarita or raise a glass with friends over a bucket of chilled Corona.
Fisherman’s Wharf Café
From the restaurant’s open dining deck, watch the yachts gently bobbing under the golden sunset while you sip a fine wine. The menu is worth raving about – and the desserts won’t disappoint. For oyster lovers, the harvest fresh from the sea is a must, or try them tempura battered, nestled back into their shells. Sunday brunches are sometimes available, too.
Little Havana Bar & Restaurant
Spice things up with some Cuban vibes at Little Havana where they’ll happily accommodate large groups, for a fiesta. Join friends outside with a cool jug of sangria or try one of their international red vinos. The food is an ode to Cuba’s Spanish, South American, French, African, Portuguese and Caribbean influences with a touch of familiar Kiwi fusion. From the fresh tarakihi tacos to the paella, the flavours will have your taste buds dancing the mambo.
The Craic
If you’re feeling the call of some Celtic revelry, take a pew outside the historic Whakatāne Hotel at The Craic Irish pub. You can tap your toes to one of the live bands while enjoying the pub fare – from good ol’ bangers and mash, to creamy carbonara, there’s a pleasing selection – and many a cold brew to wash it down with.
Diamond in the rough
Looking for a destination golf course where the views are as beautiful as the quality of the course? The revitalised Summerhill Estate golf course is worth the drive.
Looking for a destination golf course where the views are as beautiful as the quality of the course? The revitalised Summerhill Estate golf course is worth the drive.
Words: Dan Collins
It only takes 15 minutes to drive up to Summerhill Estate from Pāpāmoa, but when you reach the edge of the vast golf course it feels as if you're a million miles from anywhere.
Driving through the gates, the wild grass transforms into long, rolling fairways, with a backdrop offering unobstructed views that stretch down along the coast as far as Whakatāne and Mount Maunganui.
Away from the traffic and sounds of the city, the only noise is birdsong and the occasional bit of chatter from fellow golfers.
With its breathtaking views, the quality of the course and its peaceful solitude, it’s hard to think of anywhere more ideal for a relaxing game of golf.
“Playing here is an opportunity to experience somewhere that is a little bit special,” Tonia Procter tells UNO. “The incredible views also make it a great place to bring visitors to show off the area.”
Owners Mark and Tonia Procter have owned the course since 2014. Back then it operated on an honesty box payment system, was a bit tired and was overdue for some attention. It was not unusual for a wayward sheep to be blocking the fairway. It was a far cry from what you see today.
Tonia admits that she and Mark were green when it came to golf. Even so, they could see the diamond glinting in the rough.
“We thought, 'Well, this has got potential, let's give it a go,'” Tonia says. “Even though it wasn’t exactly the plan to own a golf course!"
What they were looking for was a new home. They had sold their house on Tara Road before construction on the motorway began and wanted to build a home. They were after a bit of land and had been looking at lifestyle blocks. Although neither was interested in an orchard or spending their days fussing over kiwifruit. Tonia had her hairdressing salon, while Mark worked in the log export business, something he still does today.
“We stumbled across the property after it had been on the market for some time," she says. "It didn’t look anything like this then and it probably looked like too big a project to take on.
“We knew we had to learn a lot about golf and course management, and figure it out fairly quickly! Thankfully experience and advice was at hand with both Bay of Plenty and NZ Golf being very supportive, as well as other local courses, who were very helpful and patient with questions from a new owner. When you don't know the correct answers or solutions to something, you need to talk to someone who does know and not be afraid to ask for help."
The 9-hole course covers 26 hectares with three different course configurations. The New Zealand-affiliated course is not only situated in one of the most remarkable and scenic spots, but it also offers a challenge.
Its undulating fairways only provide two par threes to ease into. With the exception of two long par fives, the rest of the course is made up of par fours that will test your skills.
Despite not knowing much about golf, the pair had a very distinct vision for the course. “We realised that if we spent energy improving the course itself – the greens, the tees and the fairways (with guidance from their talented green keeper Steve Watson) – then that would start to interest golfers," explains Tonia. "We are very fortunate to have Steve as our green keeper, he does an amazing job."
The pair also had a strong idea of how they wanted to operate. Perhaps it was their newness to the game that allowed them to see things differently.
“Golf can traditionally have an intimidating feel about it,” Tonia says. “We wanted to create an environment that was a high-quality destination for a golfer without all of the other formalities. We wanted to keep it inclusive and welcoming and not make people feel that it’s an intimidating situation to come here and play.”
To that end, you’re welcome to come up with the dog and take stroll through the walkways.“You just need to be aware of golf balls,” she smiles.
This welcoming philosophy is also behind other decisions. They keep a limited membership to allow more green fee-paying golfers, to keep the course open for anyone who would like a round.
“We’re aware that people are time-poor and we want to be there for people who find they might suddenly have time one day. Then they can just pick up their clubs, give us a call to book and head to the hills.”
There's also a nice spot to enjoy a coffee, glass of wine or a cold beer after your game. There’s a bright and breezy outdoor pavilion beside the café that basks in the sunlight and those amazing views. It’s also right beside the first tee so you can wave out to your mates turning up for their round while you enjoy your post-round drink and a hot meal.
Word is spreading about this hidden treasure up in the hills. It could very well be golf’s best-kept secret. It may be a destination course but it’s the quality of its fairway, greens and challenge that keeps people coming back.
Tonia is also passionate about welcoming new players to both the game and the course. They are running a new event over the summer to encourage more women to come and have a go.
“On Tuesday evenings, we welcome ladies to play 5 at 5 – a format where the girls have the opportunity to play five holes with other like-minded ladies, then enjoy a glass of wine at the pavilion after. On Wednesday nights we hold our Twilight competition where everyone is welcome.
"They can come in around 5pm, play five holes and then come back for a glass of wine. The course is open just for the girls on that night. They can simply have a go.”
All of this sounds like it should cost the world. It should. But that would go against what Tonia and Mark are creating up on the hill. They want people to come and enjoy Summerhill, to enjoy playing on a quality golf course and not be constricted by the formalities of old or prohibitive cost.
“Our goal was to create a quality golf course with a welcoming feel without the traditional structure and formality that would usually be present,” Tonia says. “We never wanted to compromise on quality. Why shouldn’t all golfers get to play on a beautiful quality course and have it be relaxed at the same time?”
And now, after eight years of living and breathing golf, the big question is, does Tonia now play golf herself?
“I am trying to play,” she laughs. “I'm better now than when we started!”
