Eastwood Café

Located on the open, airy ground floor of the Scion Research Centre, Eastwood Café in Rotorua is a tad off the beaten track but worth the detour. Dine alfresco if the weather is fine, or grab one of the numbered tables indoors. The beauty of wood is the star of the space, with the minimalist design and exposed wooden beams a nod to Scion’s forestry connections, and Eastwood also specialises in wood-fired pizzas. 

Of the pizza selection, there’s the classic Caprese, of course, but also some more divisive (but always delicious) options. The Porky-Pine has smoked ham and the always controversial pineapple, and the punny Notorious P.I.G. does indeed come loaded with three types of meat and a blend of mozzarella cheeses. 

The rest of the menu is a brunch lover’s dream (it’s offered daily!). The hearty Green Bowl is heaped with seasonal greens, squeaky-salty halloumi, za’atar avocado and a runny poached egg, and the Avo Toast with marinated tomatoes on milk bread enjoys cult-like status. If you don’t have to drive, there’s also a range of picture-perfect brunch cocktails to accompany your meal, including two frozen/blended treats. Or have the barista whip up an excellent coffee made with beans from Atomic Coffee Roaster.

And once you’ve fuelled up on some pretty spectacular fare, you’re only a short way away from the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest and Redwoods Treewalk experience.