Set near the Surf Life saving club, nested among the sand dunes, Waimea makes for a good alternative to the other cafes in Waikanae if you fancy a change or are based at the northern end of Waikanae.

There are tables both outside and inside with an indoor fire place for the colder months. The menu uses local, fresh seasonal ingredients where possible and has breakfast dishes (until 3pm) main dishes (from 5pm) all day sides, small plates and entrees and a pizza menu from 11am. There’s also a kids’ menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner options that are all more basic and smaller portion sizes than the regular menu dishes.

Staff are friendly and accommodating of kids. There’s a change table and some toy cars outside.