On our list of many wonderful things to do in NZ was to walk along the Hauraki Rail Trail from Karangahake Hall to the Waikino Railway station and Cafe, then back again. A total of 15km. A couple of weeks ago we finally go to do it, and as I love eating out, I was very much looking forward to lunch at the cafe. My husband and I both ordered the Scotch burger (scotch fillet) and thought we would order a drink and cake after that. I had spotted my favorite peanut brownies that looked delicious! At $5 each they were pretty pricey "but they are big" I justified. Anyway, out came the burgers. $19.50 each - no chips, just the burger. The most unloved, uninspired, tasteless, boring burger I have ever had. The meat was sinewy and unseasoned, and the vegetables consisted of lettuce and tomato. We should have complained, I don't know why we didn't. Needless to say we left without parting with any more of our money. Pity about that peanut brownie! Instead we had a most enjoyable double scoop waffle cone ice-cream from the diary in Paeroa - now that was value for money!

This is a great spot to sit and have some lunch / refreshments whilst cycling the rail trail. You can walk to the battery museum and watch the train come and go... lovely cafe!

We’ve stopped here a number of times when travelling in the train or even just as a coffee stop.
Coffee can be hit and miss but never terrible, and the home made baking always makes up for it.
Especially fun if you’re there when the steam train pulls in.

Fuelled up on coffee here post hike. Lovely place to take a break and the coffee was good. Interesting bits and bobs in and outside the cafe to read and look at about the history of the area.

We stopped here after biking from Waihi train station. A lovely experience - great service, and delicious home made food. The open fire in the dining room was a definite plus, and I loved all the historical railway memorabilia.