Peak House

Almost as nice as the views from the summit of Te Mata is a cold beverage on the way down. Peak House is a casual restaurant and venue halfway up Te Mata Peak Road, close to the Giant Circuit and Rongokako Trail. For many years, locals mourned that the place, a local icon built in 1967, sat empty on the cliffside, fallen into disrepair. Current owners Haydn Middleton and Juliet Burton weren't deterred by the building's history, which had many owners come and go after failing to get the business running successfully. “The amount of people who come in and say how much they wanted to see Peak House functioning again reassures us that we made a good call,” says Haydn, who grew up in Napier. With a lick of paint and a menu that's even more enticing after a long walk, the location now pumps with customers who come for brunch, beers and burgers. Peak House also offers low-budget accommodation and a grassy outdoor spot suitable for weddings and live music. 357 Te Mata Peak Road, Havelock North. (06) 280 5474, thepeakhouse.co.nz