Just a 30 minute drive from North Shore is Puhoi — a lovely little area where you’ll find the amazing Puhoi Valley. There’s probaby a lot more to see in the area and the drive up is just amazing, but the reason we’ve been up there twice is really the Puhoi Valley Cafe & Cheese Store. So it’s a cheese store with a lot of amazing, delicious cheese. But is it kid-friendly? The answer is a resounding yes!
Puhoi Valley Cafe and Cheese Store
First, they have great food that kids will love. They even have meals especially for kids. We ordered a platter with 3 kinds of cheese, sliced baguette and a few sausages and the kids loved it just as much as the adults. The cheese was just remarkable — whether you go for hard cheeses, soft ones or aged ones with a strong flavour, you really can’t go wrong. Not sure what to get? You can ask them for a suggestion and they’ll give you their most popular options.
Mediterrenean Platter from Puhoi Valley Cafe and Cheese Store
Second, they have a play area so keeping the little ones busy is not a problem. If they’re not into playgrounds, there’s always the pond with ducks and a lot of running space just outside the cafe.
The playground area for kids.
The kids enjoying the playground at Puhoi Valley Cafe and Cheese Store.
The outdoor area at Puhoi Valley Cafe & Cheese Store
The kids running around the extensive grounds at Puhoi Valley Cafe & Cheese Store
Third, the ice cream is just amazing — and what kid can say no to ice cream? They have award-winning flavours and selections for both ice cream and sorbet.
Jellybean loves the ice cream at Puhoi Valley Cafe & Cheese Store.
If you’re looking for places to visit near Auckland when you’re on your North Island trip, Puhoi Valley is a must.