Kerikeri Bakehouse and Cafe — Restaurant in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

You know that random Tuesday afternoon when it's kind of rainy and depressing out? Then you're like "wow I really want seafood chowder". Well - all that happened and I ended up at Kerikeri Bakehouse (via a Google Maps review) while passing through up to Cape Reigna.

My girlfriend and I entered into the cafe and immediately noticed the lack of seating. Well, maybe not actual seats, but moreso bits of table that weren't covered with used bowls, plates, and cups at the many empty seats. Nevertheless we made our way to the register and ordered the seafood chowder from a not-overly-friendly worker and made our way to a semi-clean piece of table. Sidenote that the chowder cost us $14.90; whereas their website advertises it at $11.90 - I didn't bother mentioning this to the cashier, but I'm a person who likes some level of price consistency.

Overall the seafood chowder was alright. They didn't cheap out on the amount of seafood but it really could have used something else to make it special. The bread that came with it was good.

Not a big deal, but their giant WiFi sticker in the window is a bit misleading. Being that so many cafes are offering some amount of free WiFi, it was disappointing to be asked for $5 for internet access upon connecting.

Alright place to stop, not the tidiest front of house, prices on their website are wrong, staff wasn't overly friendly, no WiFi - very meh overall. If I had to pick a side between 2 or 4 stars it would...

You must stop here to grab a quick bite, breakfast, brunch, lunch or just cause. A superb bakehouse, the range of pies are absolutely amazing. From the classics to some more premium flavours like surf & turf. The sausage rolls WOW just go for the large or go home. Just wow overall on all the products on offer, the portions are huge too! I only got a small savorie smoke fish pie which was to die for as I also wanted to try the breakfast menu! And so glad I did. Everything was hot, fresh and cooked to perfection. This is THE bakehouse of kerikeri. My one suggestion would be more seating outside or cafe like tables, as there were small groups on the large tables and a large group on a small table. And to have the cutlery right next to the cashier as well. Took a moment to find it in the middle and then there was nothing left, and the staff were a bit busy to think about refilling. Also have the drinks on the outside? As customers can pick and pay, saves breaking your neck to see what's in the fridge behind the cabinets of food. All in all great good, great service and will...

Great food, but really need to train and hire more staff. The tour busses come through here and waited an hour just to get to get food which, was incorrect goods over and over then sold last scone for example to person behind me after I repeatedly asked for it. The system is just flawed. Then, I was overcharged , and by this point, I just wanted to leave, so I left out of pocket. Went back the next day to try again, was quiet, but still got bakery order wrong. Didn't know products such as melting moment? I got thought to be pretty simple but such lovely staff difficult to be upset. But unfortunately, and fortunately for them, their bakery food are your basics except for some gourmet pies that are scrumptious (shout out to the curry lamb pie and chocolate tart)! So is not to be missed, but expect a high-class looking massive bakery with excellent and lovely people, bakery basics, pies, cream buns, etc, but just be clear and pray you miss the bus loads of tourists on their stop...