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    Robert Harris

    3.0 (1 review)

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    Recommended Reviews - Robert Harris

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    2 years ago

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    The Nest - Covered balcony

    The Nest

    4.8(5 reviews)
    41.0 km

    Nice setting with large interior, coveted balcony and lovely garden area. Right on the main read…read morenext to Alexandra Hotel and Five Stags restaurant. With the awning around the balcony down it looked closed and sign hard to see. Worth stopping to make sure. Very bubbly friendly staff. Delicious banana and fudge muffin and good coffee, but could have been hotter. Recommend it as a good stop off. Opposite is the small heritage and visitors centre. And just along the road is a walkway down to and looping back along the river (45 mins) taking in the remains of the Redoubt (fort)

    On our way from Karuma to Waitomo, we stopped for breakfast in Pirongia on Franklin road…read more We tried the first roadside cafe, we came upon (don't remember the name), but we weren't impressed with the menu or the seating. It was only then that we noticed "the Nest" next door. Not a very attractive building, we would have easily overlooked it and we were hesitating to enter. But once inside, we were pleasantly surprised by the cheerful, slightly hipster vibe. The seating areas with ample room for small and bigger groups, comfy chairs and couches for having espressos and a pleasant sunroom. There even appeared to be some kind of picnic area complete with blankets and so on. We ordered our food at the counter and then seated ourselves in the sunroom. With the decor between antique, vintage and eclectic, the statement piece was definitely the giant antique copper / brass espresso machine by Elektra. A real beauty that I wouldn't mind owning myself. The business owner himself served at the counter and was good for conversation and interested in his customers. My husband ordered the scrambled eggs and I had the poached egg with avocado and the most delicious hashbrowns I have ever had. We both had capucinos too. The only thing I would have liked to see is a little more generous servings of bread. Maybe 2 slices per person instead of one. But, I have to say that when my husband asked for extra bread, the owner didn't charge him for it. The breakfast was served on warm plates (YES!!!!), tastefully plated, capucinos presented with coffee art. Both eggs and bread fresh and flavorful. We wanted to come back here the next morning, before driving back to Auckland to catch our flight, but why oh why weren't you open yet at 8 AM??? I had so much looked forward to a repeat of the day before, but alas, it was not in the cards..... Perfect breakfast place!

    Photos
    The Nest - Flat whites, nest scramble, and eggs benedict with asparagus.

    Flat whites, nest scramble, and eggs benedict with asparagus.

    The Nest - Smart interior

    Smart interior

    The Nest - Garden seating

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    Garden seating

    Punnet - Warm up by the fireplace

    Punnet

    3.9(7 reviews)
    26.8 km
    $$

    I've been here twice now and both times, under different circumstances, I loved it…read more Came here a few months ago with my new moms coffee group on a weekday morning at 10:30. It was packed! I was surprised, given its location, but after having the coffee and food, I totally understand. There is plenty of seating, both indoors and out, depending on how you're feeling. I'd say stay indoors (on a sunny day), if you need to avoid the sun or the little kids. If you are bringing your little kids, then outdoors is the place to be. Came with the family today (Sunday), because I really wanted my husband and older son to check it out. My son (3-years-old) had a blast! There is a large outside play area (at least, for a cafe), including a boat, an airplane, a train, a tractor, a few slides, a couple tunnels, a trampoline, a play house and a couple of swings. Some of the stuff is probably geared toward the slightly older child (under 12), but there is a small slide and toddler swing for the smaller set. This place is the perfect haven for parents with small kids. The food and coffee are fantastic, and you can let the little one run around outside getting out their natural energy that you're so trying to replicate by getting your caffeine on here. We had our usual, flat whites with vanilla. My husband and I each had one, and he actually ordered another. I've never seen him do this before. The water for the table was served in little old-fashioned, glass milk bottles. The water had fresh strawberries, lemon slices and lime slices in it. So light and refreshing and just perfect for the warm morning. We also had some breakfast. They do have a kids menu, though at this particular time, we didn't order from it since our son had eaten at home. I ordered the chia seed pot because it sounded interesting. I'd never had chia seeds before, so I can't really compare it to anything, but it was delicious! The bowl was beautifully presented, with almond milk, coconut shreds, strawberries, raspberries, almonds, creme freche and edible blooms (see my picture). My husband went more simply, just the scrambled eggs on ciabatta. They were pretty damn good eggs. It's so gratifying to have scrambled eggs done well. We arrived at 9:15 and had our pick of outside tables by the play area, but by the time we left at 10:00, it was pretty full. So, get there early for good outside seating. There are some shaded areas but some in full sun. Though, they thoughtfully have some self-serve sunscreen outside to use.

    Haven't been here often as have always been disappointed but was taking Dad to the airport early so…read morethought would give it another go Mistake. Worst flavour coffee in the Waikato it is so bland it's not the barista food is over priced but tasty but the staff are excellent

    Photos
    Punnet - Relaxed dining

    Relaxed dining

    Punnet - Almond millk chia seed pot

    Almond millk chia seed pot

    Punnet - Cashier area and bakery case

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    Cashier area and bakery case

    Woodturners Cafe

    Woodturners Cafe

    4.2(5 reviews)
    40.2 km

    I was looking at previous reviews and looks like they have upgraded the area. It was an…read moreunexpectedly nice stop on our way to Coromandel. We just wanted coffee for the ride but ended up exploring the place because it was visually aesthetic and there was so much to look at. Their coffee did not disappoint either! My husband, who has not heard about lamingtons was pleasantly surprised about its taste and how perfectly it goes with coffee. Don't miss on this stop if you're in the area. You won't regret it!

    Wow. My partner and…read moreI stopped here whilst driving down to the mother in law's place in Katikati. I'll be honest here - as a resident of Melbourne, I think that this little place actually blows a fair amount of Melbournian cafes out of the water. It doesn't look like much from the highway, and we only stopped here because it was later in the afternoon and it was the only open cafe we found. We went in expecting stale scones and passable coffee and boy, were we ever surprised! Aesthetically, this cafe gorgeous. Filled with goods from local vendors, it seems like an ideal place to pick up flowers, artisan foods and even furniture made by the local school. They had a delightful display of cookies, scones, pies, sandwiches and salads, but also a full menu including all day breakfast and everything you'd expect from lunch. We ended up ordering some coffees, juice, cookies and scones, as we didn't want to spoil dinner. The coffee was great - hot and perfect. We sat outside undercover and even though it's on the side of a highway, the place is oddly serene. The shortbread cookie I ordered was pretty good, not too sweet but really hit the spot. My partner, who is a chef, said that they were by far some of the best scones he's ever had, and wanted the recipe. I wish that we could have tried something from the hot food menu! As we were leaving we noticed that there was a chalkboard displaying that they were a finalist in NZ restaurant of the year, which after eating there wasn't surprising in the slightest. If you're driving south from Auckland, make this the place you stop.

    Photos
    Woodturners Cafe
    Woodturners Cafe
    Woodturners Cafe

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    Robert Harris - cafes - Updated July 2026

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