The Top 5 Bakeries in Tauranga: A Delightful Journey for Baked Good Lovers
If you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Tauranga, you are in for a treat! This lovely coastal city is home to an array of wonderful bakeries, each offering unique specialties that cater to diverse tastes. From artisan breads to mouth-watering pastries, we’ve put together a list of the top five bakeries you must visit in Tauranga. Indulge in a heavenly selection of baked goods, each crafted with love and care in the heart of the Bay of Plenty.
1. Blomquists Bakery
Location: 1289 Cameron Rd, Greerton Village, Tauranga
Website URL: blomquists.co.nz
Best For: Artisan bread lovers and those seeking wholesome, handmade platters and catering options.
Backstory: With over a century of baking tradition in Tauranga, Blomquists Bakery is renowned for its rustic specialty breads and family favorites that never go out of style.
What to Try: Don’t miss their artisan 24-hour sourdough cobb – it’s a local favorite that will transport your taste buds straight to heaven.
Popular Menu Items/Services: Explore their range of wholesome, handmade platters perfect for gatherings, catering options, and savor a cup of their fair trade coffee while you’re there.
Ambience and Vibe: Walk into a clean and cozy atmosphere where friendly staff are eager to serve you, promising a delightful experience from the moment you step inside.
Who Should Visit: Ideal for locals and visitors alike looking for high-quality, artisanal baked goods that honor the tradition of baking with heart.
Local Insight or Fun Fact: Blomquists Bakery offers nationwide delivery by courier for select products, making it easy to share their delicious treats with friends and family far and wide.
Customer Experience or Testimonial: “Enjoyed my visit to this cute little bakery in Greerton. The incredible Gingerbread House displayed was mesmerizing! Great service, tasty food, and delicious hot chocolate made for an unforgettable visit!” – Rochelle
Why We Love It: Blomquists Bakery stands out for its rich history, artisanal approach, and unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
2. Breadhead
Location: 2A Saint John Street, Tauranga
Best For: Sourdough enthusiasts and those seeking a wide variety of artisanal breads and pastries.
Backstory: Once the beloved Love Rosie Bakery, Breadhead has risen to fame under new ownership, bringing handcrafted sourdough loaves and a range of delectable treats that keep locals coming back for more.
What to Try: Make sure to indulge in their olive walnut sourdough loaf – a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures that will elevate any meal.
Popular Menu Items/Services: They serve up an extensive selection of baked goods, including classic sourdough loaves, flaky croissants, chewy bagels, and delightful Danish pastries — a true feast for the senses!
Ambience and Vibe: Experience the vibrant bustle of a dedicated bakery where the aroma of freshly baked goods permeates the air, inviting you to stay awhile.
Who Should Visit: Bread enthusiasts and adventurous palates eager to explore a unique range of flavors will feel right at home here.
Local Insight or Fun Fact: Breadhead prides itself on offering a plethora of sourdough varieties, including the intriguing miso tahini loaf, adding a local twist to traditional baking.
Why We Love It: Breadhead is celebrated for its exceptional sourdough and diverse array of artisanal baked goods, truly a must-have for any bread lover!
3. Flaveur Breads
Location: 31 Totara St, Mount Maunganui & 94 2nd Ave, Tauranga
Best For: Health-conscious individuals seeking gluten-free and probiotic-rich breads.
Backstory: Flaveur Breads emphasizes slow-fermented artisan sourdough, multi-grain delights, and gluten-free options that cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
What to Try: Their slow-fermented sourdough loaf is not only delectable but also supports your gut health – a win-win!
Popular Menu Items/Services: Indulge in their gluten-free breads, delicious multigrain selections, and irresistible soft pretzels that will have you reaching for more.
Ambience and Vibe: A clean, modern bakery experience awaits you, focusing on creating healthy and nourishing options that feel good to eat.
Who Should Visit: Anyone with dietary restrictions or those simply seeking healthier baked goods will appreciate the thoughtful offerings at Flaveur Breads.
Local Insight or Fun Fact: Flaveur Breads also has a bakery café where eager patrons can catch a glimpse of the art of bread-making in action — a treat for both the eyes and stomach!
Why We Love It: With its commitment to health-focused, slow-fermented breads, Flaveur Breads provides delicious options for a variety of diets, making it a unique favorite in the region.
4. Patrick’s Pies
Locations: Bethlehem Town Centre & Tauranga Crossing
Best For: Pie lovers and those in search of award-winning baked goods.
Backstory: Renowned for excellence, Patrick’s Pies has bagged numerous various awards, including the coveted Bakers Supreme Pie Award nine times, showcasing their commitment to quality.
What to Try: The classic mince and cheese pie comes highly recommended – it’s a comforting, delicious classic that defines what a great pie should be.
Popular Menu Items/Services: In addition to their award-winning pies, they also serve scrumptious sausage rolls and innovative flavors that keep the taste buds intrigued.
Ambience and Vibe: Walk in to a bustling atmosphere filled with the earthy scent of freshly baked pies that draw both locals and tourists alike.
Who Should Visit: If you’re a pie enthusiast or someone seeking exceptional baked goods, this is the place for you!
Local Insight or Fun Fact: Patrick’s has impressively won over 70 awards for its pies, making them a true icon in Tauranga bakery scene.
Why We Love It: Patrick’s Pies has consistently proven their dedication to creating award-winning pies, blending quality ingredients with artisan techniques.
5. The Whipped Baker
Location: 17th Avenue, Tauranga South
Best For: Those craving a wide variety of sweet and savory baked goods.
Backstory: The Whipped Baker is a whimsical bakery known for its incredible donuts, which are an art form of their own, alongside a splendid variety of other baked delights.
What to Try: Explore their donuts with unique flavors and fillings, designed to take your taste buds on a fun and adventurous ride!
Popular Menu Items/Services: In addition to their famous donuts, they provide a gorgeous array of cupcakes and savory baked goodies that are both delightful and fulfilling.
Ambience and Vibe: This colorful and lively bakery encourages creativity and playfulness, making it an experience in itself.
Who Should Visit: Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a fun bakery experience with extensive options that cater to both sweet and savory cravings.
Local Insight or Fun Fact: The Whipped Baker is a local favorite for its diverse range of decorative donut flavors that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate!
Why We Love It: With its joyful approach to baking and springing creativity, The Whipped Baker brings a playful spirit that is simply irresistible.
Conclusion
Tauranga’s bakery scene is a treasure trove for baked goodies enthusiasts. From the rustic charm of Blomquists Bakery to the playful delights at The Whipped Baker, there’s a something for everyone in this beautiful city. Whether you’re after fresh artisan bread, award-winning pies, or innovative pastries, these top five bakeries will not disappoint. So grab your friends, plan your bakery hop, and dive into the sweet, savory world of Tauranga’s finest baked goods!
