WHERE TO EAT

Chez Louis

Forget fish and chips on the beach. There’s only one thing to enjoy on the white sands of Ōhope, and that’s a woodfire pizza from the Chez Louis caravan. Louis Desbats chased a rugby ball from France to New Zealand 15 years ago. But he discovered that while we excelled as a nation at most sports, our food can be slightly less stellar. Although a carpenter by trade, Louis had spent a summer or two making pizza, and now travels the region in a caravan/mobile pizzeria complete with a wood-fired oven. His pizzas are legendary — perfect, homemade dough with just the right amount of topping.

Chez Louis’ Facebook page (ChezLouisWoodfirePizzas) posts the pizzeria’s nightly whereabouts. In Ōhope, it is often outside the medical centre on Pōhutukawa Avenue.

Fisherman’s Wharf Café

Timing is everything at Fisherman’s Wharf Café. Situated above the gentle tides of the Ohiwa Harbour, the eatery is in prime sunset position, with a large deck and big windows perfectly placed to let nature entertain. Once the show is over, and orange and pink have turned inky blue, the food becomes the main event. Every town has a “celebration” restaurant, and Fisherman’s Wharf is just that for Ōhope. Diners can treat themselves to the best lamb in the area, and will always order dessert (the banoffee pie is pure indulgence).

For those either watching their wallet or feeling like something quick and easy, takeaway fish and chips are also available from the outdoor window. 340 Harbour Road, Ōhope Beach, (07) 312 4017, on Facebook

This is an excerpt from The Insider’s Guide to New Zealand 2020. See opposite page for this edition’s locations and how to pre- order your copy.