WHERE TO EAT

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Chef Kamal Rathore trained in classical French cuisine but gave that up to open this cafe in Ōtaki’s main street. The delicious chocolate mousse alone is worth the trip.

50-50

This modern Kiwi restaurant, a street away from the water in Paraparaumu Beach, is one of the region’s best eateries. Working for Gordon Ramsay in Tokyo and the UK, in Queenstown and on super-yachts, helped hone chef Helen Turnbull’s inventive spin on food. She takes admirable risks with an ever-changing menu made using ingredients foraged nearby.