Auckland - New Zealand - page 133

ing) and the ubiquitous sheep and dog show, including a shearing demonstration (show-
times 11am and 2pm).
Warkworth & District Museum MUSEUM
( www.wwmuseum.orcon.net.nz ; Tudor Collins Dr; adult/child $8/2; 9am-3pm) Pioneer-era de-
tritus is displayed at this small local museum. Of more interest is the surrounding Parry
Kauri Park , which harbours a couple of giant kauri trees, including the 800-year-old
McKinney kauri (girth 7.6m).
Eating & Drinking
Chocolate Brown CAFE, SWEETS $$$
( www.chocolatebrown.co.nz ; 6 Mill Lane; mains $10-20; 8.30am-4pm) Decked out with
quirky NZ-themed art - mostly for sale - this cafe turns out excellent coffee, robust eggy
breakfasts and delicious homestyle baking. Definitely leave room for a few cacao-in-
fused goodies from the chocolate shop next door; there are also plenty of gift packs for
the folks back home.
Ransom Wines WINERY
( www.ransomwines.co.nz ; Valerie Close; tasting with purchase free, otherwise donation to Tawhar-
anui Open Sanctuary $5; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun) Well signposted from SH1, about 3km south
of Warkworth, Ransom produces great food wines and showcases them with good-value
tasting platters (per person $20), crammed with smoked meats and local cheeses. A tast-
ing flight of five wines is $12.
Tahi Bar CRAFT BEER
( www.tahibar.com ; 1 Neville St; noon-late Wed-Sun) Tucked down a quiet laneway, Tahi fea-
tures eight ever-changing taps of New Zealand craft beer. It's an exceptionally friendly
spot with decent platters and pub grub and a rustic and sunny deck.
Shopping
Honey Centre FOOD
( www.honeycentre.co.nz ; cnr SH1 & Perry Rd; 8.30am-5pm) About 5km south of Warkworth,
the Honey Centre makes a diverting pit stop, with its cafe, free honey tasting and glass-
fronted hives. The shop sells all sorts of bee-related products, from candles to mead.