It’s not often that you write a blog about a takeaway bar, but I felt compelled to mention this one. Opononi Beach Takeaways (or “Opo takeaways” as it is known) is outstanding in the fact that it is exactly what it should be – a good old fashioned kiwi takeaway shop!

Step back in time to the 70s (before McDonald’s or sushi came to town), and this is what we used to eat on a Friday night.

Set right on the Opononi waterfront, get in line with the locals, order your burger, then stake out a place on the tables in front or perch on the seawall and stare out across the harbour to the imposing sand dunes.

Their signature burger is the “Opo burger”… or as I call it – “the vegetarians friend” (because not a single vegetable was harmed in the making of this burger!). Its just a bun with fried cheese on both halves sandwiching the freshest battered fish you can get.

Welcome to Opononi!