Easter means a long weekend so hopefully you’ve got plans with extended family or friends – or both – and that it includes time in Rotorua.
If you need to grab a special treat to bring to Mum’s Easter dinner, or want to level up your Easter décor game, there are a number of cafés, bakeries and gorgeous shops pulling out all the stops to bring you an amazing array of sweets and treats.
Go ahead, put all your (chocolate) eggs in one basket here
Dangerous Chocolate
Be sure to visit this little shop with THE BEST chocolate truffles.The fact that chocolatier Sabine’s customers from Auckland, where her shop first opened, travel to Rotorua to get their fix says a lot about the quality and divine flavours she creates.
Using only fresh ingredients and Callebaut Couverture from Belgium, Sabine hand makes her choccy truffles in small batches, so it pays to get in early. She also hand paints specialty items like rabbits, eggs, chooks and a few giant (read: fillable!) Easter bunnies. Custom orders can be placed, as well.
Because Sabine uses no artificial flavours or preservatives, she suggests her eggs-cellent treats be consumed within four weeks of purchase. As if that would even be a problem!
Leave the baking to the professionals
While you’re in the neighbourhood, why not hop over to Guidough’s (above) and stock up on freshly baked-from-scratch hot cross buns and at least a dozen other sweet treats like their famous cinnamon scrolls and (as well as delicious sandwiches in ciabatta rolls, cransky buns, quiches, giant pretzels and more). Swiss baker Guido and his team create artisan goods the way they’ve been made in his family for generations. Sourdough breads, donuts, cinnamon rolls, pastries, and pies are all made each day in small batches.
Award-winning Ciabatta Café & Bakery, tucked away in one of our industrial areas, offers a range of delicious continental breads and pastries baked daily on site, including their famous cronuts, giant soft pretzels, turnovers, streusel, almond crossaints, and pain au chocolat. If you're looking for savoury, you can't go wrong with any of the fresh ciabatta sandwiches (Smokie, Chookie, Hammie, Lammie, Veggie or Brekkie), the Long Dog (possibly the world's longest hot dog), or a filled pretzel.
Another spot to grab a dozen or more hot cross buns is Patrick’s Boutique Bakery on Lake Road. This hidden gem is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth or an appreciation for artisanal baking. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the passion Patrick brings to his craft – a passion built over 40 years in the industry, both locally and abroad. Hot tip: Patrick's is right next door to Juniper, so keep reading to learn more about that gem as well.
Our list rounds out with Pantry d'Or, whose team has been baking bread, pastries, desserts, cookies and cakes with quality, locally sourced and/or New Zealand grown and produced products for years. Stop in for a hot cross bun or a dozen, plus delicious sandwiches, quiches, or savoury pies (you can't beat their steak and bleu cheese version!).
Easter dining and shopping
Capers Café + Store
Not keen to tackle a roast this year? No problem! Just head to Capers Café + Store for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner (or all four!). This award-winning eatery makes it easy for you and is open right daily from 7am till 7pm (check their socials for any special Easter hours or days). Breakfast, brunch and lunch are available until 2pm.
Their sweet cabinets include amazing treats that are perfect to enjoy with your favourite cup of Organico Coffee or a cuppa tea from New Zealand Tea House, Noble & Sunday, or Libertine Blends. The team at Capers also offer daily happy hour – or should we say hoppy hour? – from 4 to 6pm on beer, wine and Duo Distilleries’ artisan gin made in Rotorua.
While you’re there, check out the Store, especially if you need a gift or two for the kiddos’ Easter baskets, or for Mum and Dad.
Treats for your nest or special somebunny
Easter is a wonderful holiday for decking out the house in themed adornments and embellishments. So, if you’ve suddenly realised your nest is looking a bit soulless, here are two shops that’ll ruffle your feathers in a good way.
Curiosity Blooms
Curiosity Blooms (above and at top) in homey little Ngongotahā village is everything you want in a shop: gorgeous, tasteful interior design and décor items from cushions to wall art; holiday-themed tchotchkes; beautiful jewellery and accessories; and more.
Every holiday brings a huge and delightful selection of themed décor, with Easter being no eggs-ception. Cute bunnies, fluffy bunnies, statuesque bunnies and so much more. Whether you need a gift for your hosts or a dining table centrepiece, this is your shop.
If you need to refuel after your shopping spree, just dart across the street to the delicious and ever-popular Café Dynasti.
Juniper Art + Home
Another gem not to miss is Juniper. This multifaceted establishment offering home decor, florals, houseplants and gorgeous pots, and is a working art and candle studio frequently offering classes. Owner Becs and her mate Shelley create their own candles, jewellery, art and more, showcasing their talent as well as that of other locals, and providing a feast for the eyes and wallet.
