This is more than just a café, as Flat Hills is also home to friendly animals that can be fed, bouncy castles, a maze and a small playground area (although the equipment is probably better suited to kids up to about 5 years). There’s also lots of space for kids to run around, including some undercover if the weather isn’t great. There’s also a small play area inside.

The cafe itself is child friendly serving counter food and a reasonably full menu of standard fare (breakfasts, burgers, hot and cold sandwiches and hot meals). There’s also a kids’ menu, highchairs and a change table (in the disabled toilet).

Flat Hills comes highly recommended as a great place to stop on SH1 by the Kids on Board Facebook community, especially for people looking to break a journey approximately halfway between Taupo and Wellington (it’s about 20km south of Taihape). The only problem being getting the kids back in the car to carry on your journey.