After Hill House had to relocate from the Nathan Homestead heritage centre in Manurewa this year due to seismic works, the cafe found a new home at Pah Homestead in Hillsborough. Their new set-up has all the warmth and vibrant character that made it so beloved in the first place — it’s still a quintessential community cafe, just in a new neighbourhood. People talk a lot about the delicious, gooey cinnamon buns, but the lesser-sung hero here is the cheese scone — a bold delight, packed with funky mature cheddar. True scone enthusiasts can even get it as the base for dishes like bolognese, mushrooms or eggs Benedict. You don’t have to eat a scone, though. Try the stack of rosti, avocado, salsa and poached eggs or the indulgent carbonara omelette. And just recently, they opened a second location back in southeast Auckland. Hurrah!

While you’re in the area: Monte Cecilia Park