A Tasty Trail Through Hauraki Coromandel
There’s something about a good pie that just hits right, warm in your hands, flaky on the outside, hearty on the inside. And here in Hauraki Coromandel, we take our pies seriously. No gimmicks, just honest flavours, quality ingredients, and the kind of baking that’s done with heart.
If you’re cruising around the coast or heading inland, you’ll find no shortage of stops worth pulling over for. Start with Chill Café in Whangamatā, where their Chicken, Cranberry and Camembert pie took out Gold in the 2023 NZ Supreme Pie Awards (Café Boutique section). Creamy, tangy, and just a little bit fancy, it’s one of those pies that turns a snack into a proper moment.
Over in Thames, there are two must-visits. Burton’s on Pollen is a local staple, with shelves stacked full of golden, generously filled classics. And just down the road, Food for Thought has quietly racked up some accolades of its own, with Highly Commended awards for their Steak & Gravy (2016) and Chicken & Vegetable (2017). Solid pies, made with care, the kind that remind you why you love road trips.
Up in Coromandel Town, Coromandel Pies is a bit of a legend. You’ll spot their distinctive wrappers all over the peninsula. Their roast pork belly and steak & cheese numbers are the stuff of repeat visits, best enjoyed with sauce and a view.
If you’re passing through Paeroa, make time for Providence Pantry, a quiet achiever known for rustic, hand-crafted pies that feel like they’ve come straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
And in Waihī, locals don’t have to go far for gold, the Waihī Bakery took home a Gold Award for their Steak and Cheese pie at the 2017 NZ Supreme Pie Awards.
So whether you're on the road, fresh off a beach walk, or fuelling up for your next adventure, there's a good pie waiting nearby. No need for a silver knife or a fancy plate, just warm hands, a bit of napkin, and a moment to enjoy something truly good.
Because around here, a great pie isn’t hard to find — but it’s always worth the stop.
