Working remotely is no mean feat. You’re heavily reliant on good wifi, good seating and enough space to comfortably place your laptop and your coffee. Thankfully after setting up a wholesome (heavily caffeinated) routine of trying a new cafe in the Mount Maunganui area everyday, I’ve got your primo spots covered – and you won’t want to miss them.
Eddies & Elspeths
Strangely two businesses in one, yet it works. Elspeth’s bakery is to the left, providing the most delicious baked goods from sausage rolls to almond croissants and fresh bread. If you’re looking for a small bite to eat, head to the left. If you’re aiming for a more hearty meal that’s probably going to become your new favourite brunch spot, head over to Eddie’s on the right. I’ve never had a bad breakfast here, and the staff are super friendly. If you get a chance to visit, I highly recommend the Cauli toast!
Key Points:
- Free wifi
- Incredible healthy brunch options, including DF & GF
Downsides:
- Very popular, therefore you’ll need to get in early to get a table.
- It’s a bustling busy place, so if you’re after serenity, you’ll need your noise cancelling headphones.
The General
Labelling themselves as ‘workplace friendly’, the General has pretty much everything you could need. Conveniently placed just a 3 minute walk from the main beach, it’s a popular spot amongst tourists and locals. Not only is there plenty of seating inside as well as out, but majority of the tables are for two people, so you feel less guilty taking up all the space on a big table. With plenty of snack and brunch options alongside good coffee, you’ll be satiated all day here.
Key points:
– Free wifi
– Plenty of seating (although does get very busy too)
Little Guy Bagel & Brew
Despite having no free wifi, this has to be one of the best -secret- spots in the Mount. From the outside, it appears to be a little renovated house, just big enough to hold the till & kitchen area. However, the seating area out the back is the hidden secret you’ll want to share. Featuring multiple glasshouses, the outdoor garden area has covered seating with cute little tables inside. Find a spot here and you’ll feel like you’re working in the serenity of the outdoors, with the comfort of a room (and of course, a great bagel & brew).
Key Points:
- Quiet & peaceful
- Great coffee
Downsides:
• No free wifi
Mixture Eatery
Just outside the main bustle of the high street but close enough to walk, sits Mixture Eatery. It’s chill, laid back vibe is known for being the place to go, especially for the office workers in the area. Offering fresh, healthy and tasty brunch options, it’s a great spot – particularly for the gluten free team. It has plenty of seating with a number of large tables for multiple groups to use.
Eightyeight Cafe
Quite possibly the best coffee in the Mount, Eightyeight is a small but popular spot for any caffeine fiend. Although it offers brunch options, you’ll be spoilt for choice from the cabinet food featuring a wide range of both sweet and savoury. There isn’t a huge amount of seating, but there are spots out the back in a little covered courtyard area, making it feel like the perfect hideaway.
Key Points:
- Free wifi
Downsides:
• Not a huge amount of seating – get in early!
Bonus: Soul Bowl
I had to sneak this one in because it’s just too good to miss. Soul Bowl originally started as a hole in the wall, but due to it’s growing popularity, moved to a permanent spot on the high street. It has arguably the best Acai bowls in the country, along with plenty of seating, but be warned – the food is addictive.
Key Points:
- Free wifi!
Whether you just want to do some light browsing, or you have some serious online hustling to do, Mount Maunganui has no shortage of incredible brunch spots to choose from. The hardest part? Knowing which one to try first.
Let me know how you found each spot!
Harriet 📷