Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 09-434 3847;
www.pacificrendezvous.co.nz
;
Motel Rd; apt $199-250)
Perfectly situated for
spectacular views on the south head of Tutukaka harbour, this is a great choice for famil-
ies and small groups. Most of the units are 1960s duplexes with multiple bedrooms, but
they're all individually owned and decorated.
Eating & Drinking
Havana Cabana
SOUTH AMERICAN $
(
www.havanacabana.co.nz
;
23 McAuslin Rd, Sandy Bay; snacks & meals $5-16; 11am-8pm daily
Boxing Day to early Feb, Sat & Sun only early Feb-Easter)
Nestled away near the beach at Sandy
Bay, around 20 minutes' drive north of Tutukaka, this colourful caravan turns out excel-
lent Cuban and South American food. Tuck into empanadas, tacos, great roast pork
Cuban sandwiches, or Caribbean jerk pulled pork, all washed down with Cuban coffee or
frozen pina coladas.
Schnappa Rock
CAFE, BAR $$$
(
www.schnapparock.co.nz
;
cnr Marina Rd & Marlin Pl; breakfast/lunch $10-27, dinner $26-35, bar
snacks $8-19; 8am-late, closed Sun night Jun-Oct)
Filled with expectant divers in the
morning and those capping off their Perfect Days in the evening, this cafe-restaurant-bar
is often buzzing. Top NZ bands sometimes play on summer weekends.
Marina Pizzeria
PIZZERIA $$$
(
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.
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
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.
