Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.schnapparock.co.nz
;
cnr Marina Rd & Marlin Pl; breakfast/lunch $10-27, dinner $26-35, bar snacks $8-19;
8am-late, closed Sun night Jun-Oct)
Filled with expectant divers in the morning and those cap-
ping off their Perfect Days in the evening, this cafe-restaurant-bar is often buzzing. Top
NZ bands sometimes play on summer weekends.
Marina Pizzeria
(
www.marinapizzeria.co.nz
;
Tutukaka Marina; pizzas $15-30; 4pm-late Fri, 10am-late Sat & Sun)
Everything
is homemade at this excellent takeaway and restaurant - the bread, the pasta, the pizza and
the ice cream. Hearty breakfasts are served from 10am on weekends.
PIZZERIA
$$
TOP OF CHAPTER
Russell Road
The quickest route to Russell takes SH1 to Opua and then crosses by ferry. The old Rus-
sell Rd is a snaking scenic route that adds about half an hour to the trip.
The turn-off is easy to miss, located 6km north of Hikurangi at Whakapara (look for the
sign to Oakura). Stop after 13km at the
Gallery & Cafe
(
www.galleryhelenabay.co.nz
;
1392 Old Russell
Rd, Helena Bay; mains $14-18; 10am-5pm)
high above Helena Bay for fairtrade coffee, scrummy
cake, amazing views and interesting Kiwiana art and craft.
At
Helena Bay
an unsealed detour leads 8km to
Mimiwhangata Coastal Park
, which features
sand dunes, pohutukawa trees, jutting headlands and picturesque beaches. DOC-managed
accommodation includes a simple but comfortable cottage, and a beach house ($613 per
week), both of which sleep seven to eight people. Basic camping (per adult/child $10/5) is
available at secluded Waikahoa Bay.
Back on Russell Rd, you'll find the
Farm
( 09-433 6894;
www.thefarm.co.nz
;
3632 Russell Rd; sites
from $13, dm/s/d $20/30/80)
, a rough-and-ready backpackers that rambles through various build-
ings, including an old woolshed fitted out with a mirror ball. The rooms are basic, and the
Farm is popular with trail bikers during the summer holidays; off season it's a chilled-out
rustic escape. On offer are horse treks (1½ hours, $50) or motorbike rides (one hour $60)
through the 1000-acre working farm.
At an intersection shortly after the Farm, Russell Rd branches off to the left for an un-
sealed, winding section traversing the
Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve
. Unless you're planning to
