Still relatively unknown to many locals is an award-winning cidery tucked away in the greenbelt of Te Puna. For a number of years, The Cider Factorie have been showcasing their ciders from their Cellar Door, slowly expanding their operation as demand increased. You may have noticed the 'Cidery' tourist sign pop up a little over a year ago near the Wairoa Bridge, marking the beginning of their recent expansion.
Following the yellow cidery signs out to Oikimoke Road seems to lead you to a dead end, but when you arrive at the The Cider Factorie Restaurant + Cellar Door you have the 'Ahhh' moment. The view from the car park is impressive enough with uninterrupted views across the water to Pilot Bay and Matakana Island.
The outdoor cidery is on show for the public to see as you move from the car park to the restaurant entrance where you are met with an equally impressive view of the inner harbour and across the Kaimai range. When you enter, the inside of what was once an avocado packing shed is now an impressive bar, built using timber milled from their property with ciders on tap which are all made on site. Exposed beams, concrete floors and industrial lights are all part of the 'factory' feel they kept within their concept for the restaurant interior.
Simon and Rowena Pearce, the couple behind the brand 'The Cider Factorie', began their careers in the wine industry gaining experience both locally and abroad, which they now channel into their cider production. Part of the experience of their time in different wine regions such as the Hawkes Bay, Margaret River and Yarra Valley was the opportunity to enjoy artisan products directly at the source, and it seems they aren't the only ones.
