Eva's Guidebook. SUNNY OTAKI - small town, big heart

Fresh produce, antiques, plants, gifts, hand made goods. Every Sunday in summer, every other Sunday in winter

Time tables are found under the coffee table. There is plenty of parking in Waikenae. Its about 15 to 20 min by car. You have to have cash as you pay on the train. The train leaves about every hour during the day. It's the easiest and fastest way to go to Wellington. There is one service a day in each directions directly from Otaki. Other than that there are some busses, but you really need a car to get around here.

Remember this is a small town, so if you're walking down the street and someone crosses your path give them a friendly 'kia ora' and a smile 😃

while Otaki and Waikanae have some nice food places, there is no delivery and no uber eats. We also don't have any fast-food places apart from fish and chips and one subway up by the highway. The easiest way to eat is to be prepared and grab some groceries for simple meals on your way. We have a small oven and a plug-in stove as well as a microwave in the studio. Otherwise you can always go out for dinner. (See my local restaurant recommendations)

Everything you need for a few days away is in the studio. From sheets to towels, dishwashing liquid and laundry powder, as well as some toiletries everything is here. Bring some clothes, shoes and your toothbrush and you are all set.

Ōtaki has a great Māori population. So here are some useful phrases: Kia ora = Hello Mōrena = Morning Ata mārie= Good morning Ka pai = good Ngā mihi = thank you Tēnā koe = Hello (more formal. Usually uttered directly to just one other person.) Tēnā koutou katoa = Hello, everyone. (This is usually said to three or more people) Ka kite anō = See you later! Haere rā = Goodbye! Kei te pēhea koe? = How are you doing? or How’s it going? Kei te pai = Good (The usual answer to “Kei te pēhea koe?”) Tino pai = Very good (answer to “Kei te pēhea koe?”)

Travelling with kids in New Zealand is generally extremely easy. Everyone and everywhere is very child friendly. There are a lot of free activities for kids, especially in the holidays. At the studio we have some games, toys, kids' books and DVDs to entertain your little ones. We also have a porta cot that we are happy to set up upon request.

If you after some clothes or books, or toys or literally anything else you might have forgotten or would like you should check out our local Op shops (second hand shops) there are quite a few of them and they have some great stuff! You can always find a treasure there! The best ones are probably cob webs (on Main Street) its really small, but full of goodness and Arohanui which has just had a major overhall (also on Main Street but further down the road on the other side) There is also another one on Matene Street as well as one up by the highway.