Colenso Herb Garden, Country Café and Shop

Colenso Herb Garden, Country Café and Shop Review

Colenso Herb Garden, Country Café and Shop, on State Highway 25 just south of the Hahei turnoff on the way to Tairua, is a relaxed cottage café named after William Colenso, an early explorer of New Zealand. Set in a garden full of citrus and olive trees, lavender, and kitchen herbs, the café serves fresh juices, soups, focaccia sandwiches, an outstanding vegetable frittata, addictive chocolate fudge biscuits (also called slices), and Devonshire teas. In summer a pavlova stack—three meringues layered with cream and fresh fruit—is served. It even featured on television series about Kiwi cafes. The open grassy space, play area, and tame donkeys make this an especially good place to stop with kids. Colenso is open from 10 to 5 daily, October through July, and 10 to 4 daily from May through September. Closed August.