& Q A Helene Judge
Ka¯piti Food Fair co-owner
What’s one place you’d take every visitor to New Zealand, and why?
Ka¯piti Island. The bird life and crossing the marine reserve from Paraparaumu Beach is an exhilarating quick trip with ever-changing views.
Looking back from the island to the mainland is fascinating.
The summit gives amazing 360-degree views south to north, east to west, and across the rugged western side of the island.
The serenity is wonderful, and it’s interesting to uncover the conservation sanctuary and Ma¯ori history of the island.
What’s your secret backyard favourite spot?
taki Forks, because there are a huge number of magnificent swimming spots and, at the top of the Forks, is the Department of Conservation campsite.
This is an awesome place as there is no internet
or mobile service, so you don’t have any choice but to relax, swim, read, eat, drink, and go exploring.
What’s your favourite place for a pie/coffee?
Dark Horse Coffee in Paraparaumu because the coffee is dark and rich with hints of chocolate, and it packs a real punch.
Ka¯piti has many amazing bakers, and within a short distance of my home office are Choice Pies and Custard Pie, which make delicious food.
What’s one NZ spot on the top of your bucket list?
I’ve never been to Hobbiton in Matamata, and every year I say we must go on a road trip, taking the B roads there and back from Ka¯piti, including a stop on the Forgotten World Highway. Hopefully soon!
The Ka¯piti Food Fair is on Saturday, December 5, from 10am to 4pm at the Mazengarb Reserve, Paraparaumu.