Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty - New Zealand's North Island - page 637

( 0800 770 777, 07-308 6400; www.livingston.co.nz ; 42 Landing Rd; d/f $130/220; ) It's a bit of a hike
into town, but this spotless, ranch-style motel is the pick of the half-dozen dotted along
the Landing. Expect spacious, well-kept units, comfy beds and large spas in executive
suites.

Motuhora Rise B&B
MAP

B&B $$$

GOOGLE MAP

( 07-307 0224; www.motuhorarise.com ; 2 Motuhora Rise; s/d/tr incl breakfast $205/230/350; ) At the top of
the town in both senses (steep driveway!), this jaunty hilltop spot feels vaguely Rocky
Mountains, and affords a distant glimpse of Motuhora (Whale Island). Expect a gourmet
cheeseboard on arrival, along with other extras such as a home theatre, outdoor spa, and
fishing rods and golf clubs. Kid-free zone.

Eating

Wally's on the Wharf
MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 07-307 1100; www.whakatane.info/business/wallys-wharf ; 2 The Strand; meals $6-19; 11am-7pm) Wally
knows a thing or two about fish and chips: hoki, snapper, flounder, john dory and tarakihi
- done in the deep fry, on the grill or in terrific fish burgers. Whitebait fritters in season,
and chips that score well on the crispometer. The reconstituted squid rings are a tad disap-
pointing (but the seagulls don't seem to mind).

FISH & CHIPS $

L'Epicerie
MAP

CAFE, FRENCH $

( 07-308 5981; www.lepicerie.co.nz ; 73 The Strand; mains $10-16; 7.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat,
8.30am-2.30pm Sun) Ooh-la-la! This classic French cafe in downtown Whakatane is a real sur-
prise, serving terrific omelettes, croissants, crêpes and croque-monsieurs at communal
tables. Fabulous coffee and deli shelves crammed with preserves, breads, mustards and
deliciously stinky French cheeses complete a very Franco scene.

Niko Niko
MAP

JAPANESE $