Overview
Whether you like dining in a train carriage, drinking home-made craft beer or kayaking to your local riverside bar, we've got your ten best Auckland countryside cafes and restaurants, brimming with the type of character and uniqueness you won't see on Ponsonby Road - and all under half an hour's drive from town.
1. Hallertau
329A Main Road, Kumeu, Auckland
How many cafes or restaurants can boast actually brewing their beverages on-site? I don't know. But the on-site brewery at Hallertau is one of the reasons why we love this little country establishment, a lot. The craft beer makers also had us at creme brulee, their colourful bunting and their super attentive and good looking staff - lots of man buns abound. We approve.
2. The Tasting Shed
609 State Highway 16, Kumeu, Auckland
The Kumeu-based restaurant has four separate spaces for whatever weather conditions. The Cabana and al fresco Living Table are especially relevant to the interests of those who like having sunshine and food in the same place.
3. Riverhead Tavern
68 Queen St, Riverhead, Auckland
A restaurant and bar for those who prefer kayaking or taking the boat to their local watering hole. The oldest riverside tavern in Auckland also boasts a weekly Sunday blues music session, as well as a brilliant vista of the nearby river.
Note: For those who were wondering about the boat access - access by boat is restricted to high tide. For all other times you'll have to use the more conventional car option.
4. Fernielea
302 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Coatesville, Auckland
Fernielea is the kind of cafe you go to when you want 'escape the city' and have a nice dose of peace and quiet and whatnot. Also if you want to have a really great eggs benedict.
5. Catalina
Corner Of Buckley Avenue And Hastings Crescent, Hobsonville Point, Auckland
Built in 1938, the ex-Hobsonville Airbase nowadays functions as the ragingly popular Catalina Cafe. Most cabinet meals are relatively affordable, and the coffee is hard to beat. The only downside to this cafe is its incessant crowds and little children present during the weekends, so it's best to visit during the week days.
6. Ribier Restaurant
329A Main Road, Kumeu, Auckland
For those who like game meat, Ribier, "Auckland's best kept secret", is a fine dining experience, with stripped back interiors. Visually-speaking the restaurant's a little bit bare, but the food's amazing enough to warrant a visit anyhow.
7. Black Cottage Cafe
308 Riverhead Highway, Coatesville, Auckland
The sister cafe to Paper Moon, Black Cottage Cafe is the current 'hip' new opening in the country circuit. Try anything on the menu, except the Welsh Rarebit.
8. Hawthorne Dene Historic Country Cafe
280 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland
It's historic, and another self-described "best kept secret" of Auckland. Until now. The cafe have some excellent meals, as well as hosting art exhibitions from time to time. Another thing I really like about them is their deep fascination with flowers - check out their Facebook photos, you'll see what I mean.
9. Carriages Cafe
299 State Highway 16, Huapai, Auckland
For a little bit of a different location for your usual cafe dining experience, try Carriages. You can sit in your own historic train carriage, or if you want some fresh air, the deck outside overlooks a decently-sized duck pond, full of ducks.
10. Blossoms
Corner State Highway 16 & Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Rodney, Auckland
Even though it's last on the list, the sweet little hangover cure that is Blossoms shouldn't be overlooked. The cafe stocks some excellent freshly baked goods, which you can enjoy while looking at their pet chickens wander around in the garden. Life in the countryside is good.