To  my fellow coffee lovers:

This started out as a coffee forum but the forum I was using failed me so I am just going to post here.

This is a list of ongoing posts I will be doing as we travel. Scroll through as you wish to pick up the information since our inception 04 July 2006. Any comments or suggestions please contact me at ronl@paradise.net.nz.

Posted 26 August 09 -
Well here we go again or at least Paula is. We have a new camper van outfitted for her work as a jewellery designer and heading to the North Island to visit her many galleries and shops she wholesales to. I am going to stay home this time in Picton where we have settled after the 5 1/2 years on the road in our bus. I am spending my time on creating itineraries for visitors to New Zealand and am very busy so best I stay here and keep my head down and work.
Paula plans to start north the 1st of September and through October and will be checking for new coffee shops, visiting old ones and generally revamping the North Island list of shops as she goes through.
If you are a shop owner let me know so she can  stop by....or a coffee person tell is your favourite...
I must say I planned to close down the Coffee Guide since it is costing us way to much money to keep it going but Chris Dillon of Supreme Coffee has stepped in and offered help to continue. We shall forever thank him and the New Zealand Roasters Association for the backing they are providing........
Now it is up to all you coffee lovers out there to help Paula and I see everyone shares their personal information on their favourite coffee hang out........................

Posted 10 October 08 -

It isn't as if we stopped drinking coffee since July but just did the normal driving around visiting all our old friends who keep doing a magnificent job. We have cut back on our travels though and will continue to do so. The price of tripping around has got out of hand.
Found a fabulous new place in Blenheim that is the best cafe/restaurant there in our opinion - the Raupo Riverside Cafe, 2 Symonds Street, with Helen and Marcel Rood in charge.  www.raupocafe.co.nz  . Great location, great coffee and food and great staff!

Got another real surprise in Blenheim. Went in search of a used refrigerator and found exactly what we were looking for at Blenheim Appliance, 25A Grove Road. The smell of fresh roasted coffee made Paula ask what it was. It seems Justin Bishop, owner, roasts his own. He ended up stopping at our house in Piction and dropping off some. WOW! Loved it.....email Jumecoffee@xtra.co.nz for more info....worth it.... give it a try!

Posted 21 July 08 -

Well...........rain..rain...rain......Since the roads were closed north(snow) we detoured to New Plymouth. Paula's family there so have had a great catch-up. New grand-daughter and all.....Stay at the Fitzroy Motor camp, one of our favourite......so we got to do coffee at McFarlands in Inglewood, Zanzibar, of course, a favourite, a new one we really like in Fitzroy - Cafe Piccolo Morso (they use Jamie's Inca-Fe a great roast!), Also Anton's Cafe on Devon Street, great place........found a really new spot we like in Opunake, Headlands...new and delightful.
Can't forget the "new" Snickerdoodles at Oakura.....what great bakery food! Yum!!!!
On north to Waitomo where it is a must to stop at Bosco's in Te Kuiti......we rate this as one of the top cafes in New Zealand and they also have Huhu at Waitomo so staying next door at the Waitomo Top ten we did have coffee there to start the day. Off to the Rotorua Thermal Park to hang out a few days waiting for the rain to stop or at least slow down. Had coffee at Lime, went to Capers but when I asked the "barista" what roast they used she didn't know???? Then they wanted $4.50 per cup.......sorry not good enough. Luckily we had spotted a place we wanted to try - themetro - just across the street down a little bit......we can without a quibble rate this as the number one coffee spot in Rotorua......THEMETRO! without question. The manager, Jo-Ann is an enthusiastic barista that knows her stuff and the use one of our most favourite roasts from Matamata - Absolute! Top of the line taste sensation and a pleasant spot..
Next stop in afternoon was in Whakatane at the Bean...........another top coffee.......they just need to use smaller cups!  We love our flat whites but we also  love coffee not to be overwhelmed by milk......I am on a personal crusade for real coffee lovers to have cafes provide the tulip cups for us!!!!!
So we are sitting at the Ohope Top Ten Holiday Park near Whakatane and will do the Bean again......a couple of other cafes in town but have tried them and the bean stands out.....even though the barista today made fun of Paula ordering her flat whites in a smaller cup.
Not a nice thing to do to a customer..............

Posted 6 July 08 -

Running around the Kapiti Coast and Wellington area we found the cafe Caffiend in Petone. Top quality in all areas. Heading north back to our present stop in Otaki Beach we decided to take a drive down along the Paekakariki Beach having heard from a Wellington friend there was a new coffee stop there. Sure enough a couple of real nice people have opened a small gallery shop with coffee take-aways called the Beach Store. Well worth the drive to see what they offer.
Due the big winter storm that has closed down so much of the lower North Island we aren't rushing up the country right now.....
Did get to stop in Bulls at the Mothered Goose.......don't miss it!

Posted 1/2 July 08 -
Well we sure been dragging our feet...........this is the 1st of July. We are sitting at the I-Centre in Palmerston North just having had a delicious Supreme Coffee at the little coffee cart in the square - Espresso Infusion. Top Quality.
We crossed over to the north Island a couple of weeks ago and spent some time in Wellington catching up with old friends. Had lots of Mojo coffees. Like the one on Cuba Street we hadn't been to yet. New French cafe opened down there too and we stopped by but the owner couldn't seem to find the time to deal with us even though we were the only ones at the counter. Served wrong food from ordered and the coffee was not served as we asked....Minus points to him and the shop.
Had a great coffee at Cafe Rosetta in Raumati South, 121 Rosetta Road - the Beach Deli at Paraparaumu Beach, and, of course, Brown Sugar in Otaki. Also had a great coffee and food at the Ambrosia in the Waikani Shopping Centre.....
Heading back to Wellington via Greytown area to catch up with "Hot Club Sandwich" Thursday night at the Blues Club on Cuba.
Along the way we have stopped in Feilding and had a great coffee at Passion. Stopped in Greytown and after looking around picked Cahoots as our choice. Looked as if there are others but we can only do so many in one day!

Posted 18 April 08 -
The time of recuperation for Paula.....so we can enjoy slowing down and stopping for awhile. Spent a week in Picton now finishing up a week in Havelock at the Motor Camp. Great little spot  and right next to Slip Inn on the harbour. Morning coffee gets us a good start there.
Exciting times coming. We just saw the plans of the "new expansion" of Slip Inn - after 3 years they have been approved and soon we can enjoy a totally revamped into large area restaurant on the docks.......They have always been one of our favourites so I am sure they will be even better with the new area to work with. Congratulations and looking forward to our first coffee there.........
Had a wonderful surprise the other day....received a new coffee roast from Sumatra...
Here is the individual responsible - tasted okay..........looking forward to more roasts by Greg...Thank you for the opportunity to give it a try......
Greg Antona
G-Trade New Zealand Limited
Greg Antona (Founder of G-Trade NZ Ltd)
Unit 1 / No 2 Raleigh Rd
Northcote - Northshore
Auckland - New Zealand
Ph: +64 9 9402880
Mobile: +64 21 775287
E-mail: gtradenz@woosh.co.nz

Posted 3 April 08 -

Not much happened this month since we had to be in the Marlborough area for the Mussel Festival where I do their photography. No problem for us as coffee lover though since we were right next to Slip Inn through Easter. Good coffee and a great place to enjoy for the "ramp sport" as the locals call it as they sit in the cafe and watch the boats being loaded and unloaded right beside at the boat ramp.  I sure wouldn't want to  launch my boat there!  We stay at the  Picton Motor Camp where they take real good care of you. A really pleasant place to hang out.  We have a boat shed at the harbour right next door so we are really like "home".....
Spent a lot of time  in Picton also considered home since we really love the place and maintain a post office box there. The morning coffee at Gusto where Debby is the barista (she was in the top ten this year at Christchurch), and afternoon coffee at LeCafe to take advantage of the scenic harbour in front.
Did try a restaurant there that just opened on Wellington Street -The Escape - and also had a fabulous dinner at the old/new restaurant on the corner - the Voyager at Oxley's.......right up there with the best now that it is under new management. Hihly recommended.
Sitting at th Duncannon Holiday Park now for a week or so since Paula is in hospital recovering from an operation. Slowed her coffee consumption down a bit.................4th day tomorrow so will stop and get one for her tomorrow morning at Figaro's.....Picton....
Will have to be in the area for the next 4-6 weeks awaiting Paula's recovery so will probably be in Picton.....

Posted 5 March 08 -

Oh  Yeah! Found a new one and one well worth talking about.. top quality people who own it from Holland (they appear to really know what they are doing) We have missed this one because we don't usually go by this part of the highway. It is the Cafe'Mes Amis, St Highway One, Orari located between Ashburton and Temuka. Great barista using Hummingbird coffee and the food looked absolutely tops even though we never took advantage of it...................

Posted 4 March 08 -

On the way north we looked forward to stopping at the Red Rocket cafe in Timaru....we did but were thrown back when the two coffees cost us $10.20..............the most we have ever paid and it isn't justified. I do know the cost of coffee and the preparation. I don't see how they have an overhead that high! Needless to say they come off our list of cafes to visit. Could have used better training of the barist too!
Due to that cost we passed on afternoon coffee figuring we already paid our limit for the day. We stay at the Geraldine Holiday Park on the edge of the town and consider this park the most tranquil in the country probably due to the fact the giant trees in the park started here in 1864 when the land was set aside for public gardens and has remained so. The area in 1920 a Mr. Coombes was in charge and for the next 18 years continued planting trees and developed the Rose Garden.
It is in the records that as early as the 1880's campers under canvas used the spot.
Anyhow a more than excellent coffee at Verde' this morning made up for yesterday ($3.50 per cup also). This afternoon it will be coffee at Easyway Cafe next door in the Berry Complex (now named Five Peaks?). 

Posted 2 March 08 -

Off to the new month of March with a stay at one of our favourite parks, the Dunedin Holiday park in St. Kilda for a couple of days. Up early to catch the morning Seasider train from the Grand Train Station in Dunedin. Right across the street is a fabulous restaurant that we had breakfast and coffee, both very memorable we even cam back in the evening just to check out the dinner that also met up with our expectations. The restaurant is named Ironic and has just been open three months.  After the first train ride north we returned to have a half hour to catch the Tairei Gorge train into Central. I am not a train person but I really enjoyed seeing the scenery one cannot experience any other way except on this train ride.....
Next day went into Dunedin to one of our favourites - The Strictly Coffee Company - for the morning start. This was the 29th Feb and we were due to be at the finale of the Cavalcade in Waioukarau north of Dunedin for tomorrow's show. Got there and p[arked on the grounds. next morning Craig with his coffee cart Recaffeinate. Always good coffee.
Next day we were in  Oamaru but  Short Black is closed on Sunday so we went out to the Penguin Colony where the H2O had been now a new name with new owners and don't recommend the coffee.............Off north and sitting in the Kelsey's Bush Park outside of Waimate enjoying the solitude...I just wrote an article about this park in the New Zealand Motorhomes Destinations magazine. It is an animal lover's park..........Tomorrow off the Geraldine for a couple of days where we truly appreciate the coffee at Verde and the Easyway cafe.

Posted 24 February 08 -
So another two weeks have passed. Paula returned from the Far North, I enjoyed staying in the Amberley Reserve and going to the Norswester and Brew Moon to get my fix while she was gone. The East Coast of the South Island looked something like the Australian outback.........not a sign of anything green and I was needing a lush green fix so we set off south and into the Mckenzie Country where the beautiful little town of Geraldine is. First stop is the Verde restaurant where we  got a fabulous coffee and muffin as usual. Great owners who care there. Then off to  Lake Tekapo to visit the new  hot pools installation just opened a few days before we got there. it is going to be an awesome place to hang out. Then it was off to Twizal where the cafe to stop at is Poppys again a well done job b the owners.
Off through the Lindis Pass with the sky a clear blue and not a cloud in the sky. Great photos taken.....and on to Queenstown where we stay at the Queenstown Top Ten just given the distinction as the first camp ground in the world to get a Green Globe  certification thanks to the owners who have been at it for over 20 years before it became fashionable. In Queenstown if we walk downtown it is bean Around the World but our real favourite is the Grind in, of all places, the Frankton Industrial Park. We consider this the best all around top cafe i New Zealand...............and a spectacular view on top of it.  10 out of 10  on all  considerations. If you get to this area be sure to search them out..........
After several days in Queenstown we finally got out of the crowds and  headed for our southern home -  Riverton. Went out to do homage to the  Rocks area and then settled in for the weekend  behind the Globe Hotel ....did a  little time in the pub las night and then  this morning walked down the street to a not-to-miss cafe Mrs. Clarks run by Cazna and Pat..............you will be treated to a good cup.
So here it is Sunday afternoon ready to stop pounding on the keys and get ready for the best pizza you can get here at the Globe. Busy week have to be in Invercargill tomorrow and then stop by a B&B and a camp ground in the Catlins then off to Dunedin as we are scheduled Wednesday to do the Seasider and the Taieri Gorge Railway, starting at 9:30am and ending at 6:30pm..... then on the 1st March scheduled to be at the finale of the Cavalcade at Waikouaiti north of Dunedin............going to miss a few cafe coffees I bet!   

Posted 10 February 08 -
From Punakaiki south to Hokitika. Waitangi Day and our favourite cafes were closed. Found a new place with a sign out front  advertising one of our favourite roasts.  First shock was $4.50 per cup!  Next it was one of the worst coffees ever made.  I won't mention the name of the cafe since I have contacted the South Island rep and he  will sort it out.  Had to be in Christchurch the next day so headed out  over the Arthur 's Pass road.  Love that drive.  The  Coast to Coast started the next day with around 800 participants and I think we passed all of them  going over to the West Coast. Stopped at Jackson's Pub hoping they had upgraded their coffee making.
Another time perhaps! Have the best pies though!
Paula was to head to the North Island to pick up some US visitors and drive them around the Far North for a few days. Grabbed one of those camper van relocations and has four days to get to Auckland with it. I settled into the NorthSouth campground by the airport to catch up on some much needed computer work and just chill out.
I am close to a Christchurch suburb where again a favourite coffee roast is offered and I felt life was good. Can you believe they did a worse job than the Hokitika bunch! What's happening? So I am going to sit on the bus until Paula's return (she texted this morning bragging about the coffee she just had at Brown Sugar, Otaki) making my own! or I'll fire up the old bus and go north to the Norwester' or the Brew Moon cafe in Amberley......................I fact I may go now.................   

Posted 3 February 08 -
On from Berlin's from the Buller River into Westport. Here you will find Dirty Mary's, across form the post office. Underground Coffee done perfectly............ Another fabulous coffee stop has to be at the Drifter's in Granity where this funky place is one of the wonderful and fun places to hang out and the coffee is great. From there we traipsed on north to Karamea and beyond to the end of the road at the DoC camp where the Heaphy Track ends/begins depending where you start I guess? A  magic place where the river and the sea collide in total abruptness at the face of the cliff. Lots of wide pen beach covered with sand flies! but you just got to do it!  (great photos on my travel website - www.newzealandtravel.net ).
After a night by the ocean we headed back to Karamea and perfect coffee created by David at the Last Resort. You got to stop here and see the magnificent wood work............... Great people running it also Kathy & David....top barista. .
Back out over the mountains, a stop by the Gentle Annie's area, a stop to  say hello to Kevin at the Big Fish in Granity who told us about the great bands they had the night before!!! Should have stopped on the way up! Another stop at Dirsty Mary's for coffee and then on to stay the night at the Punaikaki Holiday Park..................what a wonderful place to spend the night and two of the nicest people running it you will ever meet, Ross and Lynda Eddy............good pub right next door too! ............tomorrow we continue south along the West Coast highway.

Posted 23 January 08 -

Posted 14 December -
So ready for the holidays? Paula and I moved on from the Mckenzie Country to stop at Oamaru for coffee at the Short Black, one of our favourites, always good always consistent then on south to say hello to our good friend, Fleur, at Moeraki and enjoy one of her coffees.
Our trip took us on to Dunedin to taste the wonder of Strictly Coffee. The next coffee stop was at Gore and the Green Room. From there we went to meet up with some travelers from Cornwall in Riverton. Had coffee and dinner at the Beach House while there. This little place in Riverton rivals the best in the large cities of this country anytime in style, presentations and fine dining. We also found a new coffee shop there that had just been open a few weeks - Mrs. Clark's who use Havana and have a very good knowledgeable barista handling the coffee.
From Riverton off to Te Anau where we always go to the Sandfly, the owner telling us it has just been sold but guarantees the quality of the coffee and everything else will remain on top.............
Then to one of our top cafes, Grind,  in the unlikely place of the Frankton Industrial park. Worth finding.......then on to Queenstown where Bean Around the World, 11 Athol St,  takes our top coffee honours. Arrowtown we choose the Stables over all the others. Joe's Garage makes good coffee but the attitude and the noise is more than we can handle. We like to start our morning in a relaxed and quiet atmosphere not the din of a zoo with staff that have always acted as if they are doing you a fantastic service and you should bow and scrape to get your coffee. Besides the last time there when the staff was told the order he said he didn't drink coffee and that's why he didn't know what we were asking for!
Quick let's get away from this area.....................off to Wanaka where we had an excellent coffee at the Globe by a really efficient barista and employee. They were within a half hour of closing when we got there. First she offered us a coffee card (first time in years), created a superior cup of coffee, and as one of the other employees had begun to run the sweeper around us she told her to stop realizing we would be disturbed. Number One employee...............wished there were more like her around.............
From Wanaka we ended up for our next coffee at McGuire's in Haast. Fine double-shot flat whites in tulip cups by a person who knew what she was doing behind that machine.............thank you........it wasn't a brand we really enjoy so it was a double bonus.
Sitting in Franz Josef tonight at the Rainforest Retreat..............never have found a decent cafe here.............I wonder what tomorrow will bring?          
Posted 1 December -
Have been busy the month of November. Paula sells here jewellery (www.nzjewellery.co.nz)  to shops and galleries and I am taking photos and writing. Went over to Golden Bay where we stay at Pohara Beach Holiday Park and have coffee at the Totally Roasted close by.  Downtown  Takaka the 
On our way south. Stopped at Blenheim at the matua Winery to get our favourite sauvignon blanc for the road and then at Figaro's for coffee in
Blenheim. Stayed at  Marfell's Beach on past lake Grassmere. One of our top DoC camps to park overnight.
From here we went into Kaikoura for coffee at the Beach House Cafe and stayed at the Peketa Beach Park. What a fabulous spot!

Posted 21 Sept 2007 - 6:30pm

Finally got going this winter on our northern trip. Wellington where we enjoyed Mojo's, north to Napier, Gisborne, where we tried a new spot and were very pleased - Verve 12 Gladstone Road, across the northern tier and then up past Auckland to the Far North. Stopped at the usual cafes we already have mentioned, tried a few others we won't mention and then found a couple of startling new ones. Enjoyed on of the finest croissants and their coffee at the Le Croissant in Orewa - The one that really stands out is in Whangarei named the Nectar Cafe under the skillful  direction of Nigel Stowe located at 88 Bank Street.
We arrived at 2pm and it was totally full with people waiting. Never-the-less we did get seated and were treated to the best of everything from service, to food to coffee. If they do not win top awards this year there is something wrong! Full marks for everything.

Sitting in Kerikeri tonight at the Top Ten. The place up here is Posh Nosh still putting out excellent food and great Hummingbird coffee.
Off to the west coast of the North Island and then south tomorrow.

Posted 25 Sept 2007 - 4pm 

Had a real nice surprise! We crossed over to  stay the night at Ahipara on the west coast. Next day we took the back road to Kohukohu on the Hokianga  harbour where we caught the ferry across to Rawene.  We found the Waterline Cafe on the Kohu side  did a fine job with their coffee and surprise! surprise!  as we got  to the ferry  4 kms along there sit Jan McCulloch in her coffee unit called the Ferry Stop putting out real Cuban coffee. Fabulous!

Stayed the night in Opononi at the Holiday park on the ocean. We are losing another one as ot has been sold to developers. Soon there will be no more parks near the ocean anywhere. What a loss to the Kiwi camper. So where's DOC and our government! We won't be able to reclaim this land again as the rich will all own it and have their houses firmly established.............I saw the US go that way and left! But I don't want to leave this wonderful country......

Got a real surprise in the morning. Turned on the key and the engine sounded as if it wanted out! We are now in Whangarei with the mechanics having tore it all apart and debating what the problem is? Might be here a week in their parking lot! Part of the game.
Hope to take a long walk to the Nectar Cafe when we can.

Posted 7 October 2007 - 11am

Well as life goes we are still her an will be awhile longer waiting for a new head for the motor coming slow boat from Japan! On the good side we rented a car and have been exploring the area. First right down the road from our industrial park "holiday park" (alongside the Truck Stop building) we discovered Rodolfo from Argentina with his mobile coffee cart, Cafe Latino! Now here is a guy that knows good coffee. We lived in Mexico for three years and visited Buenas Aires. They know good coffee. He is doing his own roast and it is fabulous.
Located on the corner of Port Road & Kioreroa Road it is worth searching him out! His coffee ranks right up there in our top ten.
In Whangarei we like Bob's for the C4 coffee, the ambiance and the muffins.  They still rank tops in the inner city.
We took a tour to Dargaville and found Bla,Blah,Blah.....in the middle of the town where Mark Willy has been chief cook and bottle washer for eleven years. Top drawer barista too!
Then on to Baylys Beach outside of Dargaville a short drive where the Funky Fish has been supreme for seven years. A very fun and inviting place well worth a visit.
On a further adventure form the magic bus we went up the east coast via the old Russel Road right after Whakapara out to visit a place we had hear about on Helena Bay, the Gallery & Cafe (www.galleryhelenabay.co.nz). We were blown away with both the gallery and the cafe.
Pete Brown has created one of the finest galleries in New Zealand.  Because of Paula's jewellery we go to over a hundred throughout the country and know when we find one of the tops. This is one without question PLUS the bonus - Julie Nuechter & Uwe Krohmann are doing the cafe and the food is superb and the coffee is on the same level. Even though it is off the beaten path, or because of it, we will make a point to visit when ever we can. The best cafe view in New Zealand! Give this one a go for sure.
Back to the gravel now and hopefully this week we are out of here!

Posted 5 November - 3:15pm (sitting at the Te Papa parking lot in Wellington - waiting for the 10pm ferry!

Posted 29 October 2007 - 11am

Finally out of here and back on the road. For us gypsies it is very difficult to sit in one place too long! Had some real top notch feedback from a Whangarei resident, Chris Blair,  as follows:
Hi guys,

Just wanted to put in my opinion, of the coffee at “BOB” and “Nectar” cafes in Whangarei, as this is we live.
Had a coffee (double shot fat white) at Nectar last week after reading your recommendation and it was luke warm and had a taste of perfume (either cup not sterilized or touched by a perfume hand) and my wifes was luke warm also. The setting was pleasant and staff eager to please.
Had coffees at Bob on Sunday (double shot flat whites) and all three were weak with very little coffee taste at all, along with this the staff did not obviously want to be there. I have never had a good coffee at Bob since its been open.
I will try the mobile cart man as a last resort.
If your after consistency in my opinion “Caffeine” is the only café in Whangarei that can do that. If you want the best made coffee in Whangarei then Bex at “Fresh” makes a great double shot flat white, but she’s not consistent.
Sorry tale for Whangarei in general with very very few professionally trained baristas, and I know its about the whole experience but if the coffees crap its game over for me.
I will stick to my Rancilio Silva and Macap grinder and fresh beans from Wildcat or Jungle, (then I can blame myself if its not great).

Happy travels,
Regards,
Chris

and then  after trying out the Coffee Cart the second email:

Hi Ron,

re: caffeine. We frequented daily for about 12 months when I worked across the road from there, so it was convenience more than anything and it was always consistent average coffee with quite good service. Other than that it a noisy little space and the coffee does not have a lot of life in my opinion.

Called in to Rodolfo (café latino) coffee cart guy and it was a joy to have someone actually passionate about making the coffee.

Ordered flat white (double shot) it was hot, looked great and looked and tasted strong. I am guessing the blend he uses from our man in Keri Keri, is a fairly dark roast blend as not a lot of flavours in there, almost completely roasted out, having said that it was fairly smooth. I then ordered a short black (single shot) that was not bitter but not too much happening taste wise outside of the strength of the roast. He also ran the machine too long which meant it was about 60-70 ml instead of 30, but to be fair I have been pulling double shot short blacks into 30-45ml so I guess I like thickness. The crema on top was very blond with no flecking at all, so probably either fast extraction or beans not so fresh. I did notice he used coffee already left in the grinder and did not grind for the cup, a bit of a no no in my book, but then I am pedantic when it comes to coffee as you may have guessed. I also like to see the portafilter cleaned between shots rather than just knocked out.

I would recommend to those who just want a strong hot coffee and no so nutty as I am, but it was great to be served by someone with a bit of passion for a change.

Off to Auckland tonight to attend a 2 day coffee school, so I am really looking forward to that.

Happy and safe travels to you guys !

Lots of great input.........................thanks, Chris. I have created a web page for comments from Chris on our North Island Cafe page.

Leaving the Far North and heading south we found some absolutely positively top quality cafes -
1. Licorice Cafe -  south of Lake Taupo on State Highway One at Motuoapa. Got to meet the owner Peter Hopper and a passionate barista using Supreme Coffee. Doesn't get much better than this! On your way north (or south) don't miss this place.
2. A wonderful surprise when we went to the Waitomo Caves area and found a brand new cafe - HUHU -  The best surprise is it is  ownede and run by Bruce Maunsell, owner of Bosco in Te Kuiti, one of our favourite cafes in the North Island. When I walked in the first thing I noticed was the muffins and the only place I had seen such a beaut was at Bosco. Then Bruce came out and we knew we were onto a winner, Bruce and Atomic coffee.
His wife, with a partner, also has a new gallery just below the cafe.......tops! 
3.  We had never taken the  "Forgotten World Highway" south from Taupo to Taranaki so this was our opportunity. We were overwhelmed with the fine little town of Taumarunui on a Sunday morning and enjoyed th work of a smiling barista, Jamie Downes, at the Rock Cafe in the middle of town.
What a great guy and good coffee maker.
4. We stay at the Fitzroy Holiday Park, on the beach and have always appreciated the Hub Cafe in the Fitzroy Village Arcade. This time we were pleasantly surprised to have some of the best service we have ever had in a cafe and truly enjoyed on of our most favourite coffee roasts, Inca, roasted right here in  the area by Jamie Hodson and partner. If you haven't tried it please do.................fabulous!

On that note we have been here several days trying to catch up with  Paula's jewellery orders and I have a ton of holiday itineraries I am sorting out for people. The closer to the summer months the harder it is to book vehicles and accommdations for those who wait too long!
So about caught up. Want to see if we can run  Jamie down and get some Inca coffee for the road and then off south to Otaki and Brown Sugar!

Below here is the info before Winter of 2007 from the beginning:

I have created this "Coffee Lounge" so you can see where we go and who we visit. Hopefully you will share with us your coffee experiences too.

We are hoping to find those of you who are avid coffee lovers and live in or have visited New Zealand to share with us your experiences.

There are a lot of cafes that serve really good coffee we have not visited that we would like to know about them from you.

I am also looking for individuals whom I can create a web page for here on the Coffee Guide web site that will provide specific areas particularly Auckland and Christchurch as we do not get there often enough to do them justice. Perhaps Wellington too since we no longer live there.

All in all we are trying to create an honest web site dealing with top cafes for their coffee first and their food in addition with the ambiance and service a big part of it. First the coffee must be very good to excellent.

I would like to also create a page or even more for the comments of everyone stopping by so as to share what is being bantered around. if you have coffee savvy and inside info let us know.

More later..........................please enjoy being a part of this Coffee Lounge.

============================================================================

I just finished my article for the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association bi-monthly magazine out in September.

I have introduced the new web site of New Zealand Coffee Guide and mentioned several cafes we have visited the last few weeks while cruising the North Island.

The organisation has a membership of 30,000 members who read their magazine and my column - On the Road. I will be mentioning the cafes we visit from now on as we travel and make reference to this website.

I hope the cafes and roasters will get positive returns from these traveling members of our New Zealand society. I know a lot who will appreciate the information on the site and will be a guide to their cafe and coffee desires.

It will be a 30,000-person market that I am able to provide with information on everyone involved with the New Zealand Coffee Guide.

Have been in the Far North the last couple of weeks and have really enjoyed the new discoveries of excellent coffee making cafes.

We stopped by the Heron's Flight Winery. We have bee going there almost since it began. It looks as if they are building. Will be stopping by there on our way south to ask David what's going on. Top coffee spot.

Also stopped in Matakana to discover the Black Dog Cafe that does its own delicious grind and also provides it to the Sawmill in Leigh. Right down the road in Matakana is the Patisserie also that just opened and knows how to serve a very fine coffee. Will be doing an article for Café magazine on this.

Will be going to the Jews Brothers concert Sunday the 20th at the Sawmill to say hello to our old friends and have a talk to the cafes above to get more information.

Kerikeri is where we are today and the Posh Nosh is the cafe for good coffee up here and delicious food. They have their own blend of Hummingbird coffee - Phuel. "Top of the Line" coffee experience.

Will be visiting the cafes of Pahia tomorrow. A couple of favourites there.

later from the gypsies.................

Have enjoyed the couple of days running around Wellington again. Got to enjoy Sunday brunch at the Matterhorn. The best service, the best ambience and the best menu in the city for Sunday brunch.

We stopped first at Mojo's to start the morning their fantastic coffee so we wouldn't be pressed to hurry into a cafe for brunch. Walked throughout the Cuba Street area and checked on all the old haunts.

What I find really depressing is it seems as if someone made one copy of a breakfast menu and then every cafe in the country uses it. The chance to find anything different is rare.

Matterhorn had an exciting menu topped up with great coffee....11/10

Another place we frequented up the coast is Ambrosia, 10 Seaview in

Paraparaumu Beach where Mojo coffee is served along with great pastries.

Also had a few coffees in Otaki while staying there - Brown Sugar and Streetwise both putting out great coffee, Supreme roast.

Crossing over to the South Island tomorrow where we will cruise until next June going to as many cafes and restaurants as possible.

Another good crossing and there it was, Picton, what a great little spot.

Have two extreme favourites here in cafes, Gusto and LeCafe. I'll give the edge to Gusto as the barista is passionate. She got 17th spot in the South Island this year her first attempt.

For the finest in visual it is hard to beat LeCafe on the waterfront. They also have some damn good entertainment now and again.

Seamus' Irish Bar isn't a bad place to hang out either.

Doing some work on our boat shed in Havelock so have been there for several days. Stay in the Havelock Motor Camp and enjoy the food and coffee at the Slip Inn in the harbour.

Going to Blenheim for item we stopped by Figaro's to see how Joe was doing and enjoy his coffee making with same as usual top quality.

Will hang out here a couple of weeks before beginning our first circle of the South Island checking out the cafes/restaurants and whatever else we can discover.

Fabulous place to have a taste of the wines of Marlborough.

Type in "New Zealand Coffee Guide" and we are the top three sites on MSN

and number six on Google...............Getting there!

We are receiving emails now daily with questions plus many remarks from cafes and baristas.

Here are samples to give you an idea:

I was able to provide a couple in the viciinity that would be perfect.

They have since got back in touch and let me know they were going to go by our recommendations. Hope they have fun!

Here is one from a US couple:

We answer all enquiries with as much info as we can. For those cafes and roasters in Auckland and Christchurch perhaps you can be of help here!

Ron

Post Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 12:49 pm Post subject:

Letter to the Editor DominionPost re:Fair Trade Coffee

Quote:

"Our prices for Coffee

"We've tried very hard to ensure our customers can buy "fair trade" organic coffee, roasted in small batchs, at the same price as any other coffee.

(This is in answer to a Oct 21-22 article - Fair Trade Market Booming)

To encourage this, we sell it to retailers at the same price as all our coffee.

You will, therefore, see our fair trade organic products in many outlets alongside our other coffees and priced the same.

Your article on fair trade reinforced the age-old idea that to choose fair trade and/or organic coffee means you must pay through the nose, which isn't the case with our coffee.

If you want to put such figures out, you need to find more than a single source from whichto price us."

Unquote'

George and Sue Cowper

Hummingbird Coffee

Thank you George and Sue!

I would like to be able to provide more information on coffee roasters.

Have a look at the "Coffee Roaster" link and then a look at how

Switch Coffee has provided information I have requested.

Any of you who wants to do the same thing just send me the info.

It's all free you know!

Thought I would share this email I got today - proves we are going in the right direction for our web site visitors:

Quote:

Thank you Robert! Will be there over Christmas and definitely have a coffee there on your word.

Anyone else with a place they have discovered?

Post Posted: Fri Nov 24, 2006 8:52 am Post subject: On the Road Again! - Finally

Headed south from Kaikoura on Route One through to Cheviot with plans to stop at Gore Bay for the night. A secluded place right on a great surfing beach. Instead we cut inland toward Culverden since I had decided to stop and talk with the folks who run the Red Post Inn where they serve Supreme Coffee.

Spent the night at the Balmoral Reserve an expanse of ground with a large amount of mature trees that would provide us with someprotection from the hard core Norwester blowing through the country. Had a quiet and peaceful night.

In the morning we headed for the Rocking Frog Cafe in the small town of Waikara. A real treat of a place that serves Hummingbird coffee and does a great job of barista work. Had to do two of their double shot flat whites to kick start the day. Then it was off to stop by the Pukeko Junction Wine Shop for a visit with Kevin to see what new Waipara wines he had in stock. Fantastic place to find a real bargain of top quality wines. Good cafe with Hummingbird coffee there also but we didn’t partake this time.

We turned back north a few kilometres to Amberley to have afternoon coffee at the Norwester’ Cafe. This we consider one of the best cafes in the South Island. Never had a bad cup and this time was no exception. We had to have two as we sat around talking with the staff and one just wouldn’t do it.

So it was a four espresso day. We have gone out to the coast to spend the night at the Amberley Reserve. Good excuse to be able to have our morning espresso at the Norwester’. So we will work away for the evening and retire early to a good book. Paula is very busy getting orders completed for her shops - Christmas time you know!. An easy

Saturday on the road and we won’t be going very far Sunday either since we plan to stop and visit friends who live in Rangiora and then a stay at the North-South Holiday Park outside Christchurch.

Hope your day didn’t disappoint you.

Now here is a winner! A couple of real "switched on" guys pumping out some fine tasting 100% fair trade and organic certified coffee.

They are passionate and care about their coffee and the presentation. We were met with a genuine smile and a highly professional and knowledgeable two people.

Lots of background and understanding that has been channeled into some of the best espresso Paula and I have tasted.

Just brand new on the block as far as a roasting business but with the depth of good training they are already providing some of the top coffee in New Zealand having won an award already this year.

Check out their web page on this site under the South Island cafe listing

and be sure to stop by the New Brighton Mall, #7 Carnaby Mall for a takeaway cup of fabulous coffee. They are just a roaster and not a cafe by the way.

Spend 100% of their time making good coffee.

Let me know what you think!

Post Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 5:37 pm Post subject: Christchurch to Oamaru

Mountains dusted with snow, Northwest winds trying to blow the bus off the road we headed south across the flat Canterbury Plains. Usually stop in Geraldine on the way down but bypassed this time through and it was straight through to Timaru where we park on a cliff overlooking the sea on the south edge of the city. Coffee was at the Red Rocket cafe where we nestled up next to the fire with the paper and enjoyed our flat whites backed up with a ristretto latte each. Great way to start the day.

Paula took care of her jewellery business in Timaru and we headed on to Oamaru. We stopped at the penguin colony where Paula sells some of her new penguin designs. We had been watching the new restaurant next door being built and now nine weeks ago they opened.

No question on their success, wonderful architecture, great staff and their food and drink are tops................The barista, Jess Robertson, is on to it and did us a beautiful coffee with Underground Roast. Fantastic Roast by the way!

On south to Riverton!

Had a rude surprise when we went through the Kaikoura region and found one of our favourite restauants had a closed sign out.

emailed them and got the following answer:

Sorry to hear we no longer can get a morning coffee. Oh well have to stop by for dinner instead.

Post Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 4:24 pm Post subject: from Riverton to Queenstown

Our annual pilgrimage ove the Marble Mountain to Golden Bay and a stay at the Pohara Camp Grounds. Just down the road is the Totally Roasted Coffee Company and their cafe. Always look forward stopping there and tasting their brew. Rate it top notch.

A visitor from Sydney who used this site to locate good coffee shops in their visit here emailed me saying that the best coffee he had tasted in New Zealand was the Courthouse Cafe in Collingwood so we made a point to stop by and see if he knew what he was talking about.

Sure did! David, a passionate coffee owner from Wellington using Atomic coffee, puts out a fine coffee. We had to do it a couple of times when there just to make sure. Highly recommended.

On the way back over the mountain we did the side route through Marahau and Kaiteriteri. The cafe at the Information Centre in Marahau puts out excellent coffee plus has a top quality staff. Didn't eat there but the food also looked first rate. Looking for the owner to get in touch so I can do a web page on them so everyone can get the info.

We will be enjoying Picton and the Marlborough Sounds area for the rest of the holiday season and then back on the road again circling the South Island. Hope your holidays are going well. Perhaps we will meet somewhere on the road..................

I have a new Travel CD out now - The New Zealand Travel Guide - On the Road. The most comprehensive travel guide in New Zealand with loads of information and over 300 photographs. If interested have a look on my travel site at www.ronlaughlin.net.

If you are interested in a copy of the CD and a coffee lover send me an email and I will see you get one for half price plus postage.

Remember - Life is good as long as the coffee is!

Post: 24 January 2007 – On the Road Again south……….

Had a wonderful holiday and now it’s back to work…Tried several times to upload to the old Coffee Lounge forum. Something had been changed and I couldn’t get it to work so I am now doing it this way.

The old forum had been set up to receive comments from anyone checking in but no one did so I guess it doesn’t matter. I’ll just keep rattling on and if anyone wants to comment on anything they can send an email.

I am disappointed especially since I have had few responses from cafes and roasters. After all I am writing about them in a positive manner and showcasing them to everyone. The coffee lovers using the site are very happy to have the list of good cafes. All I can say if I had a café I would be very happy someone advertised my place free to so many travelers. Just good business I would think.

Anyway we have left the Nelson area and passed through Murchison where of the four cafes there we can’t really place any of them on our web site. On to Greymouth where we once had one we felt was tops but they failed us this time. I could have made better instant. Did find the DP1 Squared Internet café at 104 Mawhera Quay by the river that didn’t fail us. Recommended!

On to Hokitika where the West Coast Wine Company is still creating good coffee with Caffe Laffare and the French Café still does okay.

Will hang around here a few days to get some photos of the Sand and Driftwood creations on the beach and do an article on the Shining Star Camp Ground for New Zealand Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations magazine I write for. Right now I need another coffee!

Post Posted: Thursday 1 February 07 Post subject: Across Arthur's Pass to Christchurch and Akaroa

Had one of those things happen every now and again. The water pump went out just before crossing over Arthur's Pass (thank goodness) so we spent  the weekend in Greymouth. Had plenty of opportunity to try the DP1squared cafe and can definitely say it is the best in Greymouth. Finally took off through Arthur's Pass and the weather was fabulous. Stopped at the historic Jackson's Tavern for a great coffee and one of their "fresh-out-of-the-oven" venison pies.  This is a must stop  when on this route.
It is just a short distance on the highway from Kumara.  On the other end we always try to stop at Springfield at the "Store" for a Supreme coffee.

Spent a couple of days  at the  North/South  Holiday Park to get some  work done.  It is now  Thursday afternoon and we are parked beside Lake Forsyth being entertained b the young black swans milling around our bus. On the way here we found a brand new and exciting cafe called the Packinghouse Cafe outside of Halswell on the road to Akaroa. Have a look at the new webpage I just put up for them. (Halswell page).

Here is an interesting e-mail I got yesterday:

  Post Posted: Saturday 3 February 07 Post subject: From Christchurch to Geraldine

Spent the night at the Raikia Motor camp on the Raikia River. The annual salmon  fishing contest coming up the 23rd of this month. Going to try to get back. Headed off to Ashburton first thing in the morning to have a Supreme coffee at the Lunch Cafe but was disappoined to find out they closed on the weekends.  Had a coffee down the street but  it left us wanting more.
Headed for the Easyway Cafe in Geraldine where they cured our needs with the usual  fine Vivace espresso. Will hang out here today and tonight.  -  We did and the next day tried a new place, Verde Cafe Deli, 45C Talbot Street, Geraldine, run by Sue & Robin. A real winner across the board.

  Post Posted: Thursday 15 February 07 subject: Through Central Otago to Arowtown/Queenstown

Was just emailing to mention the cafe 'Doria' in Wellington.
I recently moved up to Wellington from Christchurch and it has taken a while
to find a few good cafes, but Doria is top of my list now! They make awesome
coffee, and THE BEST muffins in the world! If you have not been there yet, I
highly reccommend a visit, and you have to try a blueberry and chocolate
muffin too!!
Taranaki St, Wellington - near the Courtenay Place intersection

Rebekah Ford