New kids on the block
- Written by
- Harri Sharman
5 hot hospitality spots to visit this summer
Who’s excited for summer coffee dates, dinners, and drinks? With summer socialising comes the opportunity to get to know some great new hospitality venues that have opened recently. From high-end cafes to quirky brunch spots, here are some awesome new hangouts to visit in Rotorua and Taupō. Grab your mates and check them out!
Junction on Fenton 
Great flavours meet authentic hospitality at this new Rotorua café. Junction on Fenton serves high-quality breakfast and lunch in central Rotorua. They focus on providing excellent food and beverage options, along with training options for the next generation of hospitality superstars. You’ll be warmly welcomed at this unique destination café that provides students with a fast-paced commercial learning environment under the expert guidance and management of a highly experienced crew. Junction on Fenton aims to demonstrate the spirit and normalisation of biculturalism, particularly through education and food choices.
Find them:
1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua
07 245 7009
junctiononfenton.nz
Boasters at Eleven-Eighty
Boasters is an inner-city Rotorua coffee roastery, now with a coffee house café serving up their delicious beans espresso style. It’s a great relaxed space popular among locals and tourists alike, thanks to great coffee alongside locally sourced cabinet food. There’s a tempting selection of food ranging from the healthy to the naughty, and the business prides itself on a sustainable mindset, so you can feel good about treating yourself. Pick up a bag of their coffee to enjoy at home, packaged in compostable coffee bags.
Find them:
1180 Haupapa Street, Rotorua
021 345 269
boasters.co.nz
Roots Waffle
Love waffles? This place is for you! Roots Waffle Café brings gorgeous, fluffy Belgian-style waffles to Taupō. There’s a huge range of sweet and savoury waffles to delight the senses, including a buttermilk fried chicken waffle topped with spicy maple and pecan maple butter. The menu takes inspiration from the owners’ South African roots, with traditional dishes like the bobotie waffle and ‘eggs bene on safari’ waffle. Gluten friendly and vegan waffles are also available, alongside a range of sweet and savoury cabinet options. There’s also great barista coffee, roasted by Mojo Coffee. It’s an ideal spot for families, with a fun children’s play area, and baby changing facilities. Enjoy the pet-friendly outdoor seating area, where all tables also have hooks for dog leads. They can even whip up a ‘puppaccino’ for your pooch!
Find them:
99 Tongariro Street, Taupō
027 220 4352
rootswaffles.co.nz
Mavericks Gastropub
One of Taupō’s newest eateries, situated in the modern development of Wharewaka on Lake Terrace. The gastropub and conference facility have drawn inspiration from an old-world aviation theme. Inside you’ll find a quirky vintage aviation-inspired interior, including a replica WWII US Navy spotter plane hanging from the ceiling! The service is attentive and laid-back, and diners can expect an extensive, eclectic, something-for-everyone menu – think steak, seafood, Mexican and Kiwiana classics. If you’re after something more casual, the newly opened Hard Deck Garden Bar serves up a more casual fare with loaded fries, scallop and bacon burgers, and platters to share. With views over the lake and mountains this is the ideal place to be in summer.
Find them:
650 Lake Terrace, Taupō
07 377 3543
mavericksgastropub.co.nz
Roquette
The newest eatery on our list, Roquette’s Taupō opening in December has excited fans of their Whakatāne restaurant. Bringing their high standard of food, with a focus on fresh, fine ingredients, to a contemporary and intimate setting, the new location will bring a taste of the coast to central Taupō. Opening from mid-December, just in time for festive celebrations.
Find them:
13 Tongariro Street, Taupō
07 213 2449
roquette.co.nz