Honey Sundays

Tucked into a sun-drenched corner of Herne Bay, Honey Sundays is more than just a cafe, it’s a slice of surf culture in the ‘burbs. Since opening in March 2023, this vibrant community hub has been offering a welcoming space where locals connect, unwind, and soak up the relaxed energy, whether you’re grabbing a coffee & bite to-go, or settling in for a slow morning.

Sole owner-operator, Elyse, a longtime coffee industry professional and surfer, spent years researching, networking and slowly bringing the idea to life. The dream was to create a café that embodied her passions, coffee, surfing and community. It took help from the village to get Honey Sundays to where it is now, including from Elyse’s parents who travelled to Auckland each week to help transform the space, by building, repurposing materials and painting the entire building, featuring the signature ‘honey’ colour outside the iconic takeaway window.

At the heart of the menu is a mix of wholesome, fresh food with a few indulgent treats for balance of course! Specialty coffee, Allpress Espresso, is a must-have, while organic acai bowls, nutrient-packed smoothies, and cabinet offerings made daily, provide the perfect pick-me-up. Signature items include the cult-favourite The Green Room Smoothie, acai bowls, cinnamon buns, and their famous sell-out cheese scones, a recipe that was passed down from Elyse’s mum.

Honey Sundays is built on a deep ethos of community and connection, and is inspired by surf culture from NZ, Australia, and Indo. The space radiates a coastal feel, with a calming aesthetic and a carefully curated selection of local goods. For those chasing the waves, there is an impressive collection of longboards for sale by McTavish and Thomas Surfboards, shaped out of Australia and sold in collaboration with NZ surfboard importer, Flow & Grace. The store also boasts framed prints from well-known Kiwi photographer Rambo Estrada, Pineline Fins, Lady Waves & Inner Relm swimwear. There is also an assortment of other goodies for sale by the likes of Mangawhai Honey, Sticky Johnson Surf Wax, Everyday Solitude, matcha products and a range of cute books and gift cards.

With a commitment to high-quality offerings, community and an ever-evolving space, Honey Sundays brings a refreshing energy to Auckland’s cafe scene, no matter how far away from the waves you are.