December 1 heralds the first day of summer; and for fans of great café experiences it also marks the return of a favourite Kerikeri institution – the Honey House Café down by the historic Stone Store.

Aficionados of excellent coffee and fresh, delicious food can once again enjoy the offerings of the Honey House, while also using the café’s picnic blankets and cushions to enjoy a riverside picnic – without all the hassle of having to bring your own picnic gear.

“Our trained baristas will be using Vivace coffee beans again this summer, which are roasted and packed in Christchurch,” says the Manager of the Kerikeri Mission Station, Liz Bigwood.

The Media Release is as follows:

 

November 30

MEDIA RELEASE

Honey House Café open for business                                                                              

December 1 heralds the first day of summer; and for fans of great café experiences it also marks the return of a favourite Kerikeri institution – the Honey House Café down by the historic Stone Store.

Aficionados of excellent coffee and fresh, delicious food can once again enjoy the offerings of the Honey House, while also using the café’s picnic blankets and cushions to enjoy a riverside picnic – without all the hassle of having to bring your own picnic gear.

“Our trained baristas will be using Vivace coffee beans again this summer, which are roasted and packed in Christchurch,” says the Manager of the Kerikeri Mission Station, Liz Bigwood.

“It’s a premium coffee bean, and the feedback we received from customers last year was that our coffee was absolutely en pointe.”

Other favourites will make a welcome return this summer, including the traditional rolled Tip Top ice-cream cones – another crowd pleaser.

“People have made the Kerikeri Basin a favourite summertime destination for decades – we even have Visitors Books dating back to the 1920s with people’s comments in them on display in the Stone Store,” says Liz.

“This area has always been a magnet for visitors to the Bay of Islands, and we’re delighted to be able to continue that legacy of offering memorable and enjoyable summertime experiences for families.”

The Honey House Café is the perfect refreshment stop for people experiencing some of the new features of the Basin area including new interpretation signage, which tells some of the stories of people and events associated with the mission settlement and local Maori, which pre-dated the Treaty of Waitangi by more than 20 years.

Visitors can also enjoy an unbeatable shopping experience at the Stone Store, or take some of the fascinating themed tours of 193-year-old Kemp House – New Zealand’s oldest building.

“The Basin area is a must-see attraction and the perfect place to bring visiting friends and relatives,” says Liz.

“With our premium coffee and sensibly priced food, it’s also a great meeting place for local people enjoying the stunning Kerikeri Basin walks.”

The Honey House Café is open daily, 10am-4pm.