It was a great way to finish off our experience at Waihi’s Gold Discovery Centre. The sight of 100 tonne dump trucks got squeals of delight from our young one as my husband struggled to keep our little guy from running off to them. After an amazing morning, it was naptime for the little guy and lunchtime for us. We toddled down the road to Banana Pepper Cafe where we were spoilt for choice. We were stuffed to the brim with excellent nosh, delivered promptly considering the large crowd, and the cafe’s award-winning caramelised rhubarb and wildberry tart is fantastic and goes very well with their coffee. With full bellies, we wandered back up to some shaded chairs by the Pumphouse to pass the naptime away and enjoying the views over town and the Waihi plains. With a little bit of time left in the day we squeezed in a quick swim at nearby Waihi Beach, completing a remarkable day out in Waihi, New Zealand’s Heart of Gold. GTNZ
DID YOU KNOW? Maori name - Heretaunga Population - 159, 783 Area - 14, 111 km2 Main reason to visit: The region’s many award winning wineries Fun fact: Hawke’s Bay is world renown for its 1930’s Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical architecture
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