Bakeries & Sweet Treats in Whangamata
No Whangamata holiday is complete without a visit to the local bakery for a pie or a stop for an ice cream after a day at the beach. Whangamata’s bakeries and sweet treat spots are a beloved part of the town’s food scene, serving everything from classic meat pies and fresh bread to artisan gelato and decadent cakes. These are the places you visit in jandals with sand still between your toes.
Bakery
The Whangamata bakery is a town staple. Fresh bread, pies, sausage rolls, filled rolls, cakes, slices and muffins are baked daily. The bakery is a popular breakfast and morning tea stop, with locals and visitors alike queuing for their morning pie or a loaf of fresh bread. During summer, the bakery is one of the busiest shops in town.
Bakery Favourites
- Mince and cheese pie — the Kiwi classic
- Steak and cheese pie — hearty and filling
- Sausage rolls — perfect for a quick snack
- Fresh bread — white, wholemeal, sourdough and specialty loaves
- Filled rolls and sandwiches — great for a beach picnic
- Cakes and slices — for afternoon tea or a treat
- Scrolls and pastries — sweet and savoury options
Ice Cream & Gelato
Ice cream is practically mandatory in Whangamata during summer. Several spots along Port Road serve scooped ice cream, soft serve, gelato and real fruit ice cream. After a hot day at the beach, joining the queue for an ice cream cone is a Whangamata tradition shared by every generation.
Popular Choices
- Real fruit ice cream — fresh fruit blended with ice cream, a Kiwi favourite
- Scooped gelato — artisan flavours in a cup or cone
- Soft serve — classic vanilla with a choice of toppings
- Hokey pokey — New Zealand’s iconic ice cream flavour
- Sundaes and milkshakes
Other Sweet Treats
Beyond bakeries and ice cream shops, Whangamata has cafes serving excellent cakes, scones with cream and jam, donuts, and other sweet treats. These are perfect for an afternoon break between beach sessions or as a dessert after lunch.
Tips
- The bakery opens early — grab a pie for breakfast before the surf
- Ice cream shops are busiest in the late afternoon after the beach
- Ask about daily specials at the bakery
- Gluten-free and dietary options are increasingly available
- The bakery is a great place to grab picnic supplies for a day at the beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a bakery in Whangamata?
Yes, Whangamata has a bakery on Port Road serving fresh bread, pies, sausage rolls, cakes and more.
Where can I get ice cream in Whangamata?
Several shops along Port Road serve ice cream, gelato and real fruit ice cream. Look for the queues on a hot day — that is usually the best spot.
What time does the Whangamata bakery open?
The bakery typically opens early in the morning, around 6-7am. Check with the bakery directly for current opening hours.
