Bella Vista's Blog

Breakfast / Brunch: THE KIRK CAFE. 6 Te Aroha Street, Hamilton
Take one quick look at the Instagram grid for The Kirk Café and you’ll be straight on the phone to make a booking! The Kirk is known for its impressive presentation, serving up creative and colourful dishes that look like they belong firmly in the pages of a food magazine. Described as the ‘best little gourmet café and brunch spot in Hamilton’, The Kirk Café is open from 8.00am until 2.30pm from Monday to Saturday and opens at a leisurely 9.30am on Sundays to cater to the later risers. With a welcoming interior and a gorgeous sunny outdoor area for warm and bright mornings, The Kirk café is one of the many nice places to eat in Hamilton within walking distance from our motel, and a lovely spot to begin your day.

On the menu are options for healthy and not-so-healthy dishes. They cater to keto diets, gluten free diets and diets that are yet to begin. The sticky fried chicken eggs benedict is a popular choice—but you’ll have to get there early to lock it in. Because it’s always in hot demand and when it’s gone, it’s gone! For something lighter, there’s a delicious superfood vegan granola or eggs with your choice of sides. No matter whether you’re after sweet or savoury, The Kirk Café has something delicious to offer. Make sure you take your phone too – Instagram awaits!

                             

Lunch: GOTHERNBURG. 17 Grantham Street, Hamilton
Looking for lunch restaurants in Hamilton for a special occasion, a birthday surprise or just because you deserve a fantastic meal with impeccable service to boot? You won’t be disappointed with Gothenburg—it’s the highest rated Hamilton restaurant on Tripadvisor and the reviews are what restaurateur dreams are made of. Located in central Hamilton overlooking the Waikato River, Gothenburg has a beautiful dining room with floor to ceiling windows. Gothenburg is fabulous for dinner too, but during the day it has such a beautiful outlook that it’s a tier above other lunch restaurants in Hamilton.

Gothenburg has an extensive tapas menu, evenly split into vegetable tapas, meat and poultry tapas and seafood tapas. There is a huge range and we can tell you now that you’re likely to have a tough time choosing! Some of the options include spicy Kim Chi and pork dumplings, a brioche crayfish roll and sundried tomato and mozzarella arancini. And if you’ve got room, the dessert and cheese menus will be the icing on the cake of your Gothenburg experience.

Dinner: PALATE. 20 Alma Street, Hamilton
If you have an anniversary or a birthday coming up and you’re looking for Hamilton dinner places that offer something special, jump on the Palate website and make your booking now. There’s a seven course degustation menu with matching wines, and if you choose this experience you’ll get VIP where you can see the talented team at work. Otherwise, the a la carte menu offers two courses for $60 or three courses for $75—a very reasonable price for the outstanding quality of the dishes.

The Palate experience is all about top quality food and wine. All the staff are passionate about what they do and this becomes clear from the minute you step through the door. Palate has won multiple awards since it was established in 2005 and has become a bit of a Hamilton institution… Hamilton dinner places don’t come much better than this!

                                  

Hiking is incredibly popular here in New Zealand, and we often have visitors staying at our Hamilton motel who make it their mission to complete at least one hike in every city or town they visit. While our city is relatively flat, we’ve got plenty of great hikes to try out in the hills and countryside that surrounds. Here, we’ve rounded up the top five best hikes near Hamilton based on popularity, accessibility and reviews from our guests.
 

Hakarimata Summit Track
This hike kicks off in the outskirts of Ngaruawahia, about 25 minutes away from our Hamilton motel. While the Department of Conservation calls it an ‘easy’ track, it’s worth keeping in mind that the summit is 335 metres high and there are 1349 steps to climb. But if you’ve got a moderate level of fitness and are keen to try out hikes around Hamilton, please don’t let the steps put you off! Rumour has it that some people even run the track for fun. When you reach the top after about one and a half to two hours, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views across the Waikato Basin and all the way down to Mt Ruapehu on a clear day. The Hakarimata Summit Track is a must if you’ve got a few hours spare and are after cheap things to do in Hamilton.

Nikau Walk, Kaniwhaniwha
The Nikau walk can be found near the small township of Pirongia. From our Hamilton motel, you’ll drive for half an hour on State Highway 3 and then Te Pahi Road until you reach the Pirongia Forest Park / Kaniwhaniwha Reserve. The Nikau Track is a three-hour return walk and there are lots of highlights to enjoy. It’s a great choice for hikes around Hamilton that come with a side of adventure—the Kaniwhaniwha Caves are located near the start of the Bell Track, 5 minutes from the junction with the Nikau Walk, so take a torch and explore them while you’re here. On your seven-kilometre walk, you’ll follow a trickling stream around a loop surrounded by lush green with nikau palms, ferns and plenty of birdlife.

Wairere Falls, Okauia
It’s a bit of a drive out to Okauia—just under an hour to be exact—but it’s worth the trip if you love a good waterfall! Wairere Falls is actually the highest waterfall in the North Island, sitting at 153 metres high. The walk to the viewing platform at the base of the falls take around an hour and a half, but it’s a lovely walk through the cool bush and over little wooden bridges. If you’ve still got energy when you arrive at the base, you can spend another 30-45 minutes climbing to the top of the falls which will give you epic views over the valley and the Waikato Plains.

                                            

Hamilton Lake Domain
Ok, so it doesn’t strictly fall under the best hikes near Hamilton, but Hamilton Lake Domain is still a great place for a long, leisurely walk in the fresh air. It’s perfect if you have kids, a pram or require a smooth and flat surface for wheelchair access. The path around Hamilton Lake Domain is almost four kilometres long and you’ll enjoy watching the birdlife in the area including ducks, Pukeko and geese. If you’re there are the right time, you might even be lucky enough to see little ducklings or goslings on the lake. Cheap things to do in Hamilton don’t come much better than this!

                                   

When staying in a new city, especially for just a short time, it’s well worth researching the most popular attractions to make sure you get the best out of your visit. Our list of the four must-do things to do in New Plymouth has something that will appeal to everyone - couples, families with children and those travelling solo. The best place to stay to enjoy everything in this lovely city is our New Plymouth motel accommodation.

Mt Taranaki

As far as New Plymouth attractions go, Mt Taranaki has to be at the top of the list! For those who are used to seeing mountains as part of a group or within huge stretches of alps, the conical Mt Taranaki standing solo near the coast almost looks surreal. Ski season on Mt Taranaki is at Manganui ski field from around June to October—and at only $50 per person it’s among the cheapest in the country. And if you’re looking for places to visit in New Plymouth outside of these months, Mt Taranaki and the surrounding Mt Egmont National Park still have plenty to offer… Stroll through the lush Pukeiti Gardens, chase nearby waterfalls and explore more hiking tracks than you can shake a walking pole at.
 

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre

You can’t drive past the building that houses the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre without doing a double-take, but there’s so much more to be seen inside. Behind the shimmering mirrored façade lies a collection of contemporary art including film, sculpture, painting and photography. An entire wing is dedicated to the work of local artist Len Lye—the legend behind the
famous Wind Wand on the Coastal Walkway. The major exhibitions change out every four months, so it’s one of those things to do in New Plymouth that you can experience more than once and enjoy something new and different every time. Bonus: It’s just a couple of doors down from our New Plymouth motel!

Todd Energy Aquatic Centre

The Todd Energy Aquatic Centre is one of the best places to visit in New Plymouth if you have children or you’re looking something to do on a rainy day. Kids will have hours of fun zooming down the hydroslides and frolicking in the wave pool. There are also inflatable toys, tarzan ropes and a toddler pool indoors—and a diving board, picnic areas and a playground outside. When you’ve had enough of swimming, relax in the spa pool or hit the sauna for a good sweat session. And if you really want to burn some energy, you can leave the car behind… The Todd Energy Aquatic Centre is only a ten-minute walk from our New Plymouth motel.

Brooklands Zoo

Looking for more New Plymouth attractions that cater to children? Well, what child (or adult) doesn’t love watching cute animals go about their daily business? The animals at Brooklands Zoo are mainly of the lovable and furry variety..Think meerkats, squirrel monkeys and friendly farmyard animals. There’s also a playground on site and a delicious ice cream shop to sustain you as you browse the exhibits. Entry to the zoo is free but if you can make a donation, you’d be supporting a very good cause! The Zoo rehabilitates injured or orphaned native and protected birds and has on-site breeding programmes for their cotton-top tamarins and capuchin monkeys. Its only 6 minutes from your New Plymouth accommodation so its a must see. 
 

New Plymouth is one of those great cities where the best things to do are free! The unique natural surroundings play a big part in this; personally, we think that all the best free things to do in New Plymouth are in the outdoors. So if it’s a cold day, just make sure you rug up for your Taranaki activities. And if you need any more tips or ideas, just come and see us at the Bella Vista New
Plymouth Motel reception – we’re always happy to help!

Coastal walkway

The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is so good that it has won countless awards for its functionality and innovation. The 10-kilometre-long walk and cycle path passes through farmland and along the coastline, offering incredible views of rugged rocks, powerful waves and the striking Mt Taranaki looming in the distance. The walkway is home to the famous Len Lye Wind Wand—a
48 metre sculpture that bends with the wind and is lit up in the evenings. Seeing the Wind Wand is one of the best free things to do in New Plymouth in its own right. If you’re short on time, skip straight to the middle section of the walkway to check out the New Plymouth icon. This coastal walkway is only a hop, skip and a jump from your New Plymouth motels

Surfing

If you’re an avid surfer, you’ll know all about New Plymouth’s reputation for great breaks. Surfers flock to New Plymouth from all over the country to experience the waves—and it’s not just Fitzroy Beach in the city where you’ll find swarms of surfers. There’s Back Beach, Kumera Patch, the Rockies and Stent Road too. Or travel a bit further to Oakura or Ahu Ahu for some more great
spots. You can hire a board if you didn’t come prepared or take a surf lesson if you’re just starting out. Anyone who has been lucky enough to experience the surf here on a good day will tell you it’s definitely one of the best New Plymouth things to do!

Pukekura Park

Pukekura Park is one of the best free things to do in New Plymouth for families. In a prime position in the middle of New Plymouth, Pukekura Park is a lush 52-hectare space featuring lakes, gardens, playgrounds and more. It’s a great place for children to burn some energy—they’ll love running over the arched bridges, spotting different wildlife and barreling down the flying fox. There are also other New Plymouth activities hosted here intermittently throughout the year – concerts, sporting events, festivals and art installations. We suggest checking the events calendar regularly to see if there are any Pukekura Park activities in New Plymouth that coincide with your visit. The park is only 6 6-minute drive from your motel accommodation in New Plymouth.

Egmont National Park

We know it’s not technically in New Plymouth, but it’s so close that it definitely deserves a mention in our list of free activities in New Plymouth. Egmont National Park is where you’ll find the spectacular Mt Taranaki. Experienced hikers can make their way to the top and there are kilometres upon kilometres of other walks for less ambitious explorers to wander. There are 13 entrances to the national park, eight huts to sleep in and hundreds of photo opportunities—from roaring waterfalls to quiet swamps and dense rainforests.
 

If you’re spending time in New Plymouth, be sure to make time to experience the city’s lively
dining scene. The relatively small CBD means that most of the top restaurants in New Plymouth
are in walking distance, and at Bella Vista Motel we’re lucky enough to be just steps away from
one of the very best places to eat in New Plymouth! Which one is it? Read on to find out…

Arranged Marriage
This popular CBD eatery has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor, making it one the the best places to
eat in New Plymouth based on hundreds of customer reviews. Locals and visitors have nothing
but good things to say about the outstanding service and the authenticity of the delicious South
Indian cuisine. The dishes hail from the Kerala region where strong spices and plenty of coconut
deliver flavours that are powerful, unique and oh so more-ish. And the menu has plenty of dishes
where veggies, lentils and cheeses are the hero ingredient, making Arranged Marriage one of the
best restaurants in New Plymouth for vegetarians.

Social Kitchen
Social Kitchen has quickly grown to become of the the top restaurants in New Plymouth, and a
quick look at their Instagram page will have you instantly sold. The moody pictures showcase
immaculately presented dishes and a warm, luxurious atmosphere accentuated by a roaring
charcoal oven. True to its name, the cuisine at the award-winning bistro is all about sharing. Each
plate offers a delightful fusion of flavour with elements that intrigue—salted fennel, beer mustard
and bone marrow butter to name a few. Social Kitchen is just a five-minute walk from our New
Plymouth motel, so we recommend taking the opportunity to try a couple of their tasty cocktails
while you’re there.

Monica’s
Our New Plymouth motel is lucky enough to have the wonderful Monica’s Eatery right next door!
And this one is our top pick for daytime delights. Open from 6.30am on during the week and
7.30am on weekends, Monica’s is one of the best restaurants in New Plymouth if you’re looking
for creative, substantial meal to enjoy in a light-filled setting. The menu offers sweet and savoury
dishes with some exciting twists… Enjoy your oats with peaches, chocolate and coconut cream or
opt for eggs with hummus, zucchini and olives. And for lunch, you’ll find far more interesting
choices than predictable burgers and steaks. There’s a selection of flatbreads, pastas, seafood
and tasty vegetarian dishes—there’s something for everyone at this top restaurant in New
Plymouth.

The Federal Store & Bakehouse
All the New Plymouth locals know about The Federal Store—it’s one of those hard-to-find places
where the cabinet food is equally as good as the dine-in meals. The Federal Store is one of the
best places to eat in New Plymouth if you’re looking for a fun and quirky vibe. There are retro
tables with mismatched chairs and those tomato-shaped sauce bottles that’ll make you nostalgic
for decades passed. The Federal Store is a five-minute drive from our New Plymouth
accommodation and the ideal place to pick up some tasty food if you’re planning a beachside
picnic or a road trip up the coast.

Palmerston North is a great place to visit. The 8th biggest city in New Zealand has a modest population of around 88,000 so it’s not too busy, it’s easy to navigate and there’s a great mix of cultural, sporting and outdoor activities to be found. As far as Palmerston North attractions go, there is far more to explore than just the famous clock tower! As proud local residents, we’ve listed our top Palmerston North things to do to help you plan your stay at our Palmerston North Motel.

Te Manawa Museum, Gallery and Science Centre

Situated in the heart of Palmerston North, Te Manawa Museum celebrates art, science and heritage through its exhibitions, gallery and interactive family activities. Open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm, Te Manawa offers something for everyone and often has international exhibitions on display—making it one of the best things to do in Palmerston North for all ages. Art lovers will adore browsing the gallery and its collection of spellbinding photography, painting and other crafts by New Zealand and international artists. Kids will be captivated by the many hands-on activities that introduce them to elements of science in a
fun and engaging way—water play, digging for fossils and more. No matter what your age or interests, Te Manawa is a great place to kill a few hours—and it’s only a 15-minute walk from our Palmerston North motel.

Victoria Esplanade gardens

Looking for free things to do in Palmerston North? The 26-hectare Victoria Esplanade is easily Palmerston North’s biggest and best park. It includes an incredible playground, paddling pool and wildlife recovery centre—but one of the Esplanade’s biggest drawcards by far is its spectacular gardens. The colourful Dugald MacKenzie Rose Garden features upwards of 5000 roses in hundreds of different varieties. Whatever your favourite colour or class, you’re to find it here! Grab a pamphlet online and weave your way around the different beds, picking out your fresia from your diamonds forever. Visiting Palmerston North during the winter? The roses are only in full bloom from November to May, but the camellias mean the gardens are still worthy of a visit over the winter months. Its only two minutes from our Palmerston North motels.

Manawatu Gorge walk

This one’s a bit outside of Palmerston North but if you love walking and wildlife and you’re in search of Palmerston North things to do, you must make the short trip to complete the Manawatu Gorge Track! The closest entrance to the 11.2km track is in Ashurst, about 20-minute drive from our Palmerston North motel. The track climbs upwards and follows the gorge through the native forest towards the town of Woodville, offering breathtaking views of the Manawatu River below and the dramatic wind turbines that sit atop the ranges. If you don’t have a few hours to spare or you can’t arrange transport to meet you at the other end of the track, a shorter 4km loop can be accessed from the Ashurst end. Whatever your choice, you’ll love the fresh air and natural beauty you’ll discover on the gorge walk.

New Zealand Rugby Museum

Ok sports fans, listen up… Palmerston North has you covered! The New Zealand Rugby Museum is something special that you won’t find in any other part of our footy-mad country. Learn about the history of rugby in New Zealand, hear the stories from past players and see the incredible collection of memorabilia that dates back to 1870. As far as Palmerston North attractions go, this is one of the best. There’s also an interactive space too with a scrum machine, tackle bags and sprint timer—the perfect place to show off your skills or see if you’ve still got it! The New Zealand Rugby Museum is open to the public for a small entry fee from 10.00am-4.00pm daily. Its only 4 minutes drive from our Palmerston North accommodation.

Travelling with children can often be a challenge, especially if you’re not sure how you’re going to entertain them for days on end! But rest assured, there are plenty of fun things to do in Palmerston North that will absolutely delight children and probably put smiles on the faces of adults too. Read on to discover the four best kids activities in Palmerston North that have been frequently tried, tested and given the big ‘thumbs up’ by our youngest guests…

Lido Aquatic Centre

The Lido Aquatic Centre is one of the best kid's activities in Palmerston North for water babies! The indoor hydro slides and outdoor water park (closed during winter) will have children entertained for hours. There’s a lazy river, inflatable toys and diving pool, and a café available with a range of hot and cold food options. If you’re really organised, you can even bring in your own food for a picnic or to cook up on the BBQ. Kids keen but you’re not sure if it’s quite swimming weather? The indoor pools are heated, and there’s also a spa and sauna available if you’re really feeling the chill. This is only two minutes from our Palmerston North Motel

Cloud 9

Cloud 9 trampoline park is a one of the ultimate fun things to do in Palmerston North, and it’s a great one for those dreaded rainy days! All ages are welcome here—there’s a special toddler and baby play area, a zone for under fives and a full-size Olympic trampoline for the big kids. Parents and caregivers love Cloud 9 because they can sit back and enjoy a coffee with a view of the entire park while they watch the children burn some serious energy. It’s not just trampolines here either—there’s a ninja assault course, climbing wall, rolling log, tumble tracks and an arcade too! Its only 5 minutes drive from our Palmerston North accommodation. 

Victoria Esplanade

Looking for free things to do in Palmerston North? There are so many activities on offer at the Esplanade, that we’re not quite sure where to start! You could easily bring a picnic and set up here for a full day of family fun. Begin at the enormous playground which caters wonderfully for kids for all ages, then take the wheels over to the junior road safety park and watch the children pedal or scoot their way around the miniature road, learning about road rules and safety as they go. If it’s a hot day, make your way to the paddling pool and let the children cool off while you sit and enjoy the colourful surrounding gardens. Then finish your
esplanade experience with a ride through the grounds on the scenic miniature railway. It's only 2 minutes from our Palmerston North motel accommodation. 

Robertson Holden International Speedway

Kids activities in Palmerston North aren’t that hard to find, but this one is a real novelty for those into cars, noise and dirt! The speedway season runs from October to April and races start from about 6.30pm on Saturday nights and are only 4 minutes from our Palmerston North motel. Watch a range of different stock cars scream their way around the track in spectacular fashion, skidding, sliding and squeezing their way through the pack to be crowned the winner of their race. If you’re lucky there might also be a demolition derby on the night—where the last car standing is the winner! Crashing is encouraged, so watching this is a real blast for the kids. No matter what’s on the program, we recommend bringing earmuffs for the little ones… To say it gets loud is an understatement!

Whatever your reason for staying at our Wellington motel, you simply must find the time to enjoy some of our city’s fabulous eateries. The range of cuisine is nothing short of impressive and there’s no need to fork out hundreds of dollars for the privilege of enjoying a good meal. We think we’ve got a pretty good handle on some of the best places to eat in Wellington, so here are our top five picks for when you’re dining on a budget… 
 

Little Penang, Victoria Street 

Little Penang on Victoria Street in Wellington city is incredibly popular. This unassuming little eatery pops up on all the lists of the best cheap eats in Wellington and it has hundreds of five-star reviews on Tripadvisor. The cuisine is Malaysian, so the menu features lots of noodle and rice dishes with all your favourites like laksa, mee goreng and roti on the side. And if you’re hoping to try something different, give one of the curries a go! They’re all either chicken or vegetable based, simmered in tasty Malaysian spices and you can choose from mild, medium or spicy… This is one of the best restaurants in Wellington for those on a budget and it’s the type of food that’s good for lunch or dinner any day of the week. (Don’t go on a Sunday though—they’re usually closed). Ready to tuck in? Its only 10 minutes from our Wellington motel nz. 

LUCKY, Courtenay Place 

Looking for fast food that’s a tier above all your usual haunts? LUCKY is the place for you! It’s conveniently located on Courtenay Place which means it’s ideal for a quick bite if you’re on your way to or from an event in the city. The menu is small—but what they do here, they do very well. And what is it that they do, you ask? Burgers, fries and popcorn fried chicken. That’s it! It’s a no-fuss kind of establishment offering cheap eats in Wellington and it’s open every day for lunch and dinner. Do yourself a favour and drop in, its only 8 minutes from the motel in Wellington 
 

1154 Pastaria, Cuba St 

OK pasta fiends, listen up… This Cuba Street gem is none of the best restaurants in Wellington if you love Italian! You won’t find a better pasta in this price range in our fair city. 1154 (Eleven Fifty-Four) Pastaria make all their pasta in-house daily, they use super fresh ingredients and there are some surprising combinations on the menu in addition to your trusty favourites. If you can’t decide what to pick (we have that trouble too!), their Instagram is full of mouth-watering, aesthetically pleasing photos of pasta plated to perfection… Good luck! It's only 8 minutes drive from our Wellington motel

Greta Point Café, Hataitai 

We just had to throw a breakfast option in—and we’re lucky enough to have Greta Point Café just down the road from our Wellington motel on Evans Bay Parade. Places to eat in Wellington that boast water views are always popular—and even better if the service and food is equally impressive! If you’re craving an eggs benedict or searching for good coffee, Greta Point Café has you sorted. From Bella Vista Motel Wellington, it’ll only take you three minutes to walk here, so with all that time you save you can top off your meal with another coffee or a sweet treat from the cabinet… We recommend the carrot cake! 

Whether you’re looking for family fun in Wellington, a cultural experience or an opportunity to get out and about in nature, you’ll find there’s plenty to do in the windy city… There’s culture, cuisine and adventures for all ages, and a long list of both paid and free things to do in Wellington. So what are our top four suggestions? Read on to find out!

Te Papa

Te Papa is one of the most popular things to do in winter in Wellington – you could just about fill in a whole day at this amazing place! The Museum of New Zealand is open every day from 10am to 6pm (except Christmas Day) and admission is free for everyone. So what is there to see and do here? You can see the only colossal squid on display anywhere in the world, delve underground to explore the innovative technology that keeps our modern buildings safe during earthquakes and immerse yourself in New Zealand’s natural environment, where children can dig for fossils and marvel at luminous glow worms.These experiences are all permanent – but there are also some famous exhibitions that make their way to Wellington for a stint at Te Papa for a limited time—think modern art, light installations and fascinating collections of goods, memorabilia and artifacts. Some of these exhibitions have costs associated but they’re in no way essential viewing—Te Papa is widely known as one of the best free things to do in Wellington with fun for the whole family. The best thing about staying at Bella Vista is that it is only 8 minutes from our Wellington motels nz.

Zealandia

Zealandia is described as an ecosanctuary in the heart of Wellington. It’s a picturesque, 225 hectare space in the suburb of Karori where you can see some of Aotearoa’s most special wildlife thrive in a lush and open setting. There are a range of private tours and group walks available—you can see the nocturnal species that only emerge at night or experience the sounds of the birds that sing as the sun goes down. What might you see? Well, the elusive Kiwi for one! And also the Tuatara, Kaka, Takehe, Weta and more native trees and plants than you’ll find anywhere else this close to the city (just a ten minute drive from the CBD, to be exact!) There are 32 kilometres of walking tracks so it’s a great place to take the kids to burn some energy too. Another great option for family fun only 19 minutes from our Wellington motel accommodation.

                                                    
 

Cable Car

This one is mainly for the kids… But we bet you adults will enjoy it too! The little red carriage runs up and down the Wellington hillside from Lambton Quay up to the suburb of Kelburn. It’s family fun in Wellington that’s available rain or shine! Grab return tickets and jump off at each of the four stations if you wish—or  just take the cable car straight to the top and explore the shops and museums that sit atop the Hill. The Cable Car Museum will teach you all about how the Wellington icon has evolved since it was first introduced in 1902. And the Cable Top Eatery boasts an impressive view and a bright, sunny deck to take it all in while you enjoy your coffee, cocktails, brunch or dinner. There’s locally-made gelato, handmade pizzas and often live music too. Kids will love the novelty of the cable car experience, gliding high above buildings and among treetops with glimpses of glorious Wellington Harbour below. This is only 13 minutes from our Wellington motel.

Weta Cave Workshop

Ever wondered just how the most mind-blowing special effects are created? We’re lucky enough to have the world-renowned Weta Workshop here in Wellington, and they’ve opened their doors to the public to reveal some of their secrets through a series of fun and informative tours! You can’t get inside the actual Weta Workshop, but these tours are as close as it gets to the real deal. Learn all about the memorable props, costumes and creatures that were created for hit films like The Lord of the Rings, and hear about the huge role miniature effects play in film-making magic. You can even check out the incredibly detailed miniatures that were created for Thunderbirds are Go and marvel at all the lifelike creations. This unique indoor activity is perfect for winter in Wellington and the Weta Cave is just over the other side of the bay in Miramar – less than a ten minute drive from our Wellington motel.

Rotorua is not really known for being a ‘foodie’ destination—but that’s just because we’re better known for our culture and natural beauty. It certainly doesn’t mean we’re lacking in the eatery department… In fact, we’ve got some really impressive restaurants that have built cult followings both locally and across New Zealand. If you’re wondering where best to go for a special occasion, a holiday night out or a wholesome family meal, read on for our picks of the five best places to eat in Rotorua.

Atticus Finch

If Atticus Finch sounds familiar, it could be because it’s also the name of the hero in famous novel ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. Or maybe you’ve just overheard people constantly saying great things about this top Rotorua restaurant!  Atticus Finch describes its vibe as ‘speakeasy meets metropolitan bistro’. It’s fun, lively, unique and conveniently placed in Rotorua’s Eat Street—the go-to destination for those in search of a great meal and atmosphere to match. The food at Atticus Finch is designed to share, featuring tasty morsels like crispy mozzarella risotto balls and cauliflower and spinach bhaji fritters as well as larger plates like fennel salt crusted pork belly and dry style aubergine curry. Yum! Heralded as one of the best restaurants in Rotorua, Atticus Finch is definitely worth a visit!

El Mexicano Zapata

Another popular restaurant on Rotorua eat street, this Mexican cantina claims to be the best Mexican restaurant outside Mexico. A bold claim, yes, but you mightn’t find it such a push to believe once you’ve visited and tasted the delicious food. Open seven days a week, El Mexicano Zapata is currently rated the best restaurant in Rotorua on Tripadvisor. What’s popular? Pretty much everything! Chimichangas, empanadas, tacos, nachos and all our favourite little Mexican treats like jalapeno poppers, guacamole and churros. And diners don’t just rave about the food—but the service, music and margaritas always get a mention too. The menu here is quite substantial and everything is delicious, so don’t be surprised if you find yourselves returning for round two!

The Factory Smokehouse and Grill

The Factory Smokehouse and Grill is one of the best places to eat in Rotorua if value for money is what you seek! They serve up huge, juicy burgers, melt-in-your-mouth ribs, charred corn on the cob and tender wings with a huge choice of sauces. 98% of their menu is gluten-free and it’s clear they know a thing or two about catering to children too; the kids menu features dishes fittingly called the “I’m not hungry” and the “I don’t know.”

Devon Seafoods

Sometimes nothing beats a trusty serve of fish and chips, and we’re lucky enough to have one of New Zealand’s best fish and chip shops right here in Rotorua. As with many great takeaway restaurants, the Devon storefront is friendly and unassuming. The fish is fresh, the chips crisp and fluffy and there’s a great selection of burgers, toasties and other deep-fried foods too. Devon Seafoods is one of the best places to eat in Rotorua if you’re looking for something cheap, quick and delicious to take home and enjoy.

Skyline Stratosphere

Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant and Bar serves up breathtaking views alongside incredible food. Located on Mt Ngongotaha which is where you’ll find the gondola, luge and ziplines, the views from Stratosphere are epic at any time of day, whether you’re going for a nice long lunch or a romantic dinner above the lights of Rotorua. This is one of the best restaurants in Rotorua to celebrate a special occasion. There’s a dress code, which always makes dining feel a little bit more special, and you can pay extra when you make your booking to secure yourselves a table by the window. So what’s on the menu? Too much to list! It’s a buffet restaurant, so there are Asian dishes, salads, seafood, pasta dishes and so much more... You'll never leave dissatisfied with the quality or quantity of food at Stratosphere, and the ride to and from the restaurant on the gondola just adds to the excitement of experiencing one of the best places to eat in Rotorua.