I have yet to find a good coffee between Tauranga and Auckland. It's a barren wasteland of…read moresuperettes and truck stops (don't even 'Copper Kettle' me). Today I decided to give Waihi township a quick look through. I have to admit - usually we're making this drive at unusual hours, and we're ready to go full throttle and crank some KFC by the time we hit Waihi. But not today! A) because it was 8:30am and B) because I was driving solo and thus not tormented by peer pressure and my innate weakness for chicken. There weren't many places open this early in the morning (on a public holiday, no less). But a few cars were parked outside an unassuming 'German Bakery' on the main drag. I pulled up, stepped past the quaint round tables with checkered cloth that huddled together outside trying not to fall prey to the torrential downpour. I entered the chain-drop curtain thing to find a tidy, warm and wonderfully aromatic bakery. A quick peek behind the counter revealed - tah dah! - an espresso machine. Golden. I ordered a double shot mocha with soy ($6.50 - they charge for soy), and sat down while the lovely German fellow (who had emerged from a back room somewhere at the 'clink' of the chains) prepared my caffeinated dream. While I waited, I read the brief info sheet that lay on every table - it detailed the process of preparing and baking sourdough, and the nutritional benefits of it versus other breads. Though I only wanted coffee, I was now convinced that I needed some sourdough in my life. There was a huge variety of freshly baked loaves, but I decided to be traditional and bought a classic white ($6). The coffee was lovely. Very much better than I usually get on this drive (although the sugar factor was probably at play in this one - will order a flat white next time to double check). I haven't eaten the sourdough yet - I'm saving it for dinner. But if you're heading through Waihi I'd definitely give the German Bakery a look through - it's a neat little find! P.S. My coffee came with a bite of something delicious. I could not begin to tell you what it was, but it appeared to contain nuts and fruits and was fresh from the oven.

Best coffee I have ever tasted and the sourdough breads best ever - so full of flavour and not full…read moreof air, will last for days in pantry, poppy cake lovely too.

What a lovely hidden gem in tauranga. This tidy little cafe is so gorgeous with plenty of parking…read moreand plenty of indoor and outdoors seating. Located in a tidy and trim plaza, the cafe has beautiful assortment of baked goods that are like tiny pieces of art with edible flowers and icing as well as lovely allpress coffee/ espresso. The interior features a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, sky lights and just exudes this light filled airy atmosphere perfect for lingering over a cup of coffee or doing some work with the free wifi. I will definitely be back to try their menu options but can highly recommend their lemon berry cake with fresh cream and blueberry compote. What a beautiful pairing with their double shot flat white ! Very happy about this find in little tauranga!

The food and service is fantastic. They took there time and explained the menu choices with pride…read moreand detail. Will be back.

My husband and I came here for lunch on a weekend for lunch before going to the Te Aroha Mineral…read moreSpas for a soak. The inside decor is cute and inviting and our food was pretty good, including the coffee. My only issue was the slowness of the service and a request for a code to use their free WiFi that never materialized. I would definitely return if I'm back in the area.

The ultimate meeting venue, quirky decor accentuates the atmosphere…read more As soon as walk in from the street you are met with a comprehensive black board menu and dishes of the day for lunch at the counter. Thecoffee is the best in the Thames valley and the chocolate brownies are delicious. Posh fish and chips are great value but beware, you need a good appetite. And whilst your at it check the toilets out wacky but smart with individual towels and every thing engineered from old hand tools. Highly recommended also is the sit out side partly covered area you can people watch the folk of Te Aroha or watch the colours of the mountain change. Prices are average, parking is easy and dress code is casual but clean. See you their on Monday. Mines a flat white.

Our second meal here was much better (service and food). We were seated at a nice table inside with…read moreviews to the beach. I ordered a beet salad with goat cheese, arugula, almonds, shredded chicken and balsamic vinegar. My husband ordered a steak with potatoes. We had a yummy brownie sundae for dessert. Ben was a good server.

Great location, good food, good service Had the Rosti tower…read moreand hubs had chowder, both recommended. Good coffee.