Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
steet operation, with old-style motel rooms and a funky dorm lodge (a triumph in genu-
ine retro).
Headlands
HOTEL $$$
( 06-761 8358;
www.headlands.co.nz
;
4 Havelock St; d $120-250)
Just 100m back from the
beach, Headlands is a new(ish) operation encompassing a mod, airy bistro (mains $10 to
$35; open 8.30am to late) and an upmarket, three-storey accommodation tower. The best
rooms snare brilliant sunsets. B&B and DB&B packages available.
Eating
Sugar Juice Café
CAFE $$$
(42 Tasman St; snacks $4-10, mains $10-34; 9am-late Tue-Sat, to 4pm Sun; )
Sugar Juice
Café has the best food on SH45. It's buzzy and brimming with delicious, homemade,
filling things (try the crayfish-and-prawn ravioli or cranberry lamb shanks). Terrific cof-
fee, salads, wraps, tarts, cakes and big brekkies too - don't pass it by. Also open
Mondays in summer.
Information
Opunake Library
( 0800 111 323; opunakel@stdc.govt.nz; Tasman St; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri,
9.30am-1pm Sat; )
Doubles as the local visitor information centre, with a couple of in-
ternet terminals and free 24-hour wi-fi in the forecourt.
SNELLY!
Opunake isn't just about the surf - it's also the birthplace of iconic middle-distance
runner Peter Snell (b 1938), who showed his rivals a clean set of heels at the 1960
Rome and 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Old Snelly won the 800m gold in Italy, then fol-
lowed up with 800m and 1500m golds in Japan. Legend! Check out his funky run-
ning statue outside the library.
Hawera
POP 11,100
