New Brighton Good Life Guide: Sam & Caroline At The Burger Joint
Meet Sam and Caroline, the creators and owners of The Burger Joint, a very popular burger restaurant and takeaway shop in New Brighton, they sat down to chat with our pals over at Neat Places about their top things to see and do in the suburb.
The pair have lived in South New Brighton for over ten years with their two children (now teenagers), two dogs, and three cats. Caroline had always dreamed of living by the sea since she first moved to New Zealand 25 years ago.
The Burger Joint was first created through their passion for hospitality and the drive to create something for their community to fill a void. Being lovers of vintage vehicles, they purchased a 1961 Starliner Caravan, which they operated as a food truck in New Brighton for three years. They loved the buzz it created and eventually they were encouraged by friends and locals to open a restaurant.
“Sticking with our commitment to New Brighton, we picked a local spot, used a local Architect, Jason from Pivnice, and a local builder, Jeremy from JJBuilt, and created The Burger Joint.”
The Burger Joint Owners, Sam and CarolineSticking with our commitment to New Brighton, we picked a local spot, used a local Architect, Jason from Pivnice, and a local builder, Jeremy from JJBuilt, and created The Burger Joint.”
Rinse, Workout And Repeat
195 Marine Parade, New Brighton
The He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools have quickly become a beloved spot for the family. They purchased a pass that grants them access to any session, providing a great opportunity to unwind. The pool temperature is perfect, and the sauna and steam room are additional treats. They frequently exercise at Shoreline Fitness before taking a dip in the pools for ultimate relaxation. Don't miss out on the facility’s sunrise sessions, and during the summer, they offer DJ-hosted late-night sessions.
A Move In The Right Direction
Waitikiri Drive, Bottle Lake
Bottle Lake Forest is an absolute must! It's a playground for running, walking, and mountain biking. You can even cycle there from New Brighton, which is something the family have been meaning to do for a while now. Their plan is to kickstart the adventure with a cup of coffee from Green Bear at The Common Ground in South Brighton before cycling up the dunes to the forest. In the meantime, they are content to slide their kayak or paddleboard out onto the estuary.
New Brighton is blessed with so many fantastic walking tracks right on the community’s doorstep – they are simply spoiled for choice. Sam and Caroline’s go-to is grabbing the pups and strolling along the beach from South Brighton to North Beach, where they grab a jolt of caffeine from the North Beach Coffee Shed. The Estuary walk is another of their favourites, teeming with an abundance of birdlife and picturesque vistas. They even have a killer loop from their house that takes you along the estuary to the pinnacle of Rocking Horse Road and back down the beach, concluding with a coffee somewhere delectable!
Feast By The Beach
7/78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton
Tucked away in Seaside Mall is Chanakya, a South Indian restaurant that offers fantastic cuisine, including their famous chili cauliflower dish, which is a hit with the locals. Additionally, there's a new establishment in town called Three Donkeys, situated in Carnaby Lane, which has been earning high praise from the patrons.
Community Vibes
Carnaby Lane, New Brighton
The Carnaby Lane Markets are fantastic, featuring live music, delectable cuisine, and a vast array of stalls. With a pint of SouthPaw beer in hand, visitors can bask in the vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the lively New Brighton of the past. Organised four times a year, the market is just one of the many reasons why the locals believe that New Brighton is a hidden gem. Sam and Caroline believe living and running a business in the beachside suburb is truly a privilege.
There’s always something going on within the community - coastal clean ups, markets, and the beach on our doorstep.
Go Down The Rabbit Hole
60 Brighton Mall, New Brighton
Step into Alice in Putterland, the newest indoor 18-hole miniature golf course that's guaranteed to transport you to a magical world of wonder and excitement. With a vibrant backlight glow, this whimsical space will take you on a journey through Alice's incredible trip to Wonderland.
It's not just a fantastic place to take your family for an afternoon of fun; it's also the perfect venue to host birthday parties or team building activities with your colleagues.
New Brighton Surf Clubs And Tennis
If your little ones are itching to join the ranks of Surf Life Saving, the New Brighton Surf Clubs are where it's at! These clubs are all about family and offer top-notch lifeguard services to boot.
Meanwhile, if tennis is more up your alley, the South Brighton Tennis Club is a fantastic choice. Sam and Caroline’s daughter plays tennis here. Plus, it's conveniently located right by the South Brighton campsite - yet another hidden gem just waiting to be discovered!
Carts, Drift And Foos
Bexley Reserve on Pages Road
Velocity Karts are located just a hop, skip, and a jump up the road! The pair brought their team there for their Christmas work shindig, and oh boy, did they have a blast zooming around the track in those Blokarts! But, that's not all - they also have driftkarts and human foosball! And let them tell you, the team over there is top-notch – they will make sure you have the time of your life.
DIY Hidden Gem Coffee Tour
There are lots of little coffee spots hidden around New Brighton. There’s Switch at the end of Carnaby Lane, Green Bear at Common Ground, North Beach Coffee Shed - there’s a little picnic table up on the sand dunes…. it’s the table with the best view! And Saturdays, which is located at He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools. You never have to go far for a good brew!
