The Old Packhouse Cafe — Restaurant in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

BE CAREFUL IF YOU BUY CHEESE AT THE OLD PACKHOUSE BUTCHERY! THEY SELL EXPIRED PRODUCTS. Me and my partner went to this market on Saturday 05th of February 2022 as we were traveling the area and heard about it from friends. We bought soap, ceramics, super yummy biltong beef meat and lovely honey. All in all everything was great, and we also went to the Old Packhouse Butchery where I was delighted to see award-winning cheeses and bought Brie, Marore, and Farmhouse Cumin and Garlic. So far so good. I remember telling the man who was at the counter how happy I was about finding those cheeses and was surprised he didn't react at all. Then we went traveling further and the day after I understood why he showed no reaction. I expectantly opened the Marore cheese. It was sticking to the wrapping, looking and smelling terrible. I knew at once there was something wrong with it, it was obviously too old already. And trust me, I know my cheeses as a French citizen and love a good Munster, Maroilles or Reblochon, or a St Nectaire fermier, and it takes a lot for me not to want to eat cheese, even at an advanced maturation stage... Then I looked at the date on the package, and that cheese was expired for more than a week. My partner was there and told me he remembered the seller looking at the sticker on the cheese, and then packing it as if nothing had been wrong. Obviously he saw we were traveling and thought we wouldn't be able to complain or expose him. Wrong thinking, thank you internet. The other cheeses were lovely, and all the other products were good. We enjoyed the market but being taken for fools by that seller ruined the experience. So to everyone, go enjoy the market and support local sellers, but if you go to the Butchery, be weary of what you buy there and check the date of expiration of the products before trustingly throwing them in your shopping bag. This was obviously no mistake, the seller knew perfectly well what he was doing. The guy was an older dude, bald, and you may find him sitting outside at the back of the butchery smoking, that's the last...

Okay so if I were to rate the place by the lovely staff members (especially the young Māori girl who is FOH, she deserves a raise by the way) and the delicious chocolate donuts - this place would get 5 stars. However, these reviews are about the entire business and therefore will only be getting two stars from me due to a unfair experience by the owner(?)/manager(?). We’ve been to the cafe maybe two or three times, and my friends even more than that. On each of these occasions I reckon we spent about $30 each time? Coffee, sausage roll, salad and donut. While we are there we like to do a bit of life admin, browse on our phones, you know, like normal cafe goers. But during our last, and final visit, the owner had a full on go at us for “hanging around and using the power and the wifi”. We were totally stumped and embarrassed as everyone looked at us like we were some bludgers. It’s 2021 honey, if your cafe doesn’t have WIFI for customers to use then maybe you should consider another profession. Not only was the owner(?)/manager(?) totally out of line, but she also managed to change the taste of my chocolate donut which then tasted like angry old lady so I left it behind on the table as we left. To the lovely staff, thank you. To the owner, you need a lesson in...

If you’re in Kerikeri, The Old Packhouse Market is an absolute must-visit! From the moment you arrive, the vibrant atmosphere and warm energy of the market draw you in. The friendly stallholders and diverse range of offerings make it a fantastic way to spend your morning.

One of the standout finds for me was a jar of daikon kimchi—simply sensational! I regret not buying more because it was freakishly delicious. If you spot it, don’t hesitate to grab a few jars—you’ll thank yourself later.

My husband was equally thrilled with his culinary discoveries. He couldn’t get enough of the mussel fritters, artisan breads, and the selection of pies. The quality and variety at the market are truly top-notch, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Beyond the food, the market showcases an impressive array of handmade crafts, art, and fresh produce. It’s not just a shopping destination but an experience that captures the heart and soul of the local community.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, The Old Packhouse Market is a treasure trove of unique finds, delicious eats, and an overall lively atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone just passing through or even seeking a memorable weekend activity...