Leigh Sawmill

I can't recommended the Leigh Sawmill enough! It's a perfect night out of the city, only an hour away; but feels like a world away. A native timber mill in the 1930's, today the Sawmill is a restaurant/micro brewery/ eclectic music venue. Much of the original interior remains; saws included. The vibe is chilled and local, with a plush outdoor area heated by an open fire. They get some wicked bands up there and it's an awesome, intimate venue. It's also a restaurant and cafe and they do a lush wood fired pizza. As much of the menu is sourced locally as possible, including fresh sea food from the Leigh Wharf just 500m away. They brew their own beer onsite (not bad either) and have an extensive list of local wine If you take a too stronger liking to the local beverages and don't fancy driving home, cottage accommodation is available onsite. For something cheaper (and more fun) there is also the Goat Island Campground around the corner

I stayed at this hostel for one night in a decent dorm room, perfect for my early morning snorkeling trip to Goat Island. The check-in service at the bar reception was adequate. The price was reasonable. PROs: - Reasonable price - Soap and towel provided - Heater in room - Functional kitchen CONs: - Only bottom sheet, pillow, and pillowcase provided; bring your own sleeping bag liner - Only two outlets in room for six people - Limited facilities (two showers, two toilets, three sinks) for sixteen people during busy times.

(Note: Please note that the translation has been slightly modified for clarity and ease of understanding.)

If you're looking to escape the confines of Auckland city but don't want to stretch too far, a sunny day jaunt to Leigh and nearby windswept Pakiri beach is hard to beat. While up there, pop in to the Leigh Sawmill Cafe for a long lunch you won't regret it. Its pizzas are legendary (each one named for members of the cafe's founding family) and the salty kumara chips are pretty amazing too. Beer from the micro brewery next door is on tap my favourite is the pale ale. The place is light, airy and casual, with friendly service. The outdoor picnic tables and children's play area makes it a great place for families. I recommend going up for a gig and staying in their bunkrooms for a weekend away, but you have to book ahead as they fill up fast. The place gets packed in summer, so make the most of spring and visit before then!

How frickin great is the Sawmill? Whether you go for a gig or to stay the night while visiting friends in the area as we do, this place is legendary with a well deserved reputation for fun. There are often a few drunks in the carpark (thankfully usually making their noisy exit) but it's still a place for families. Which is quite an achievement. The brunch is the best in the area and the laidback vibe of the courtyard invites a nice slow start to the day. The accommodation is basic but smart enough just beware of the creatures if you are insect averse. Here, the cockroaches are like pets and sometimes just need moving along. Last time we stayed we were off to a wedding and a lovely lady who works there made a quick trip home to provide a hair dryer, it's that kind of place. And don't worry, hair dryers aside, the suites have everything you need and the bunkrooms and shared bathrooms have extra towels and stuff if you need them. A note to the uninitiated though: the walls here are paper thin and on every occasion we've been here, we've had to bear auditory witness to our neighbours' sexytime in way more detail than could ever seem possible. Very very funny and it makes for a hysterical whodunnit conversation over breakfast but if it's not the shagging, it's the music so don't come here if you a light sleeper with precious sensibilities.