Book your stayMeet your hosts
Steve & Lainey.
The people behind the coffee, the studios and the BeachBox welcome.
Our story
A long way home.
Originally from Auckland, we spent five years living in the United States before moving to Gozo, Malta, where Steve taught technical scuba diving.
When we returned to New Zealand in 2017, we chose the Far North as our new home—close to the coastline, diving and community we love.
How BeachBox began
From a vacant site to a local meeting place.
While exploring Coopers Beach, Lainey found a vacant patch of grass and shrubs in the commercial area. We went looking for a coffee while we discussed its potential—but there was no coffee shop nearby.
Back at Steve’s mum’s dining table on Waiheke Island, we wrote the business plan, designed the coffee shop and began building BeachBox from scratch. After nearly twelve months of work, BeachBox Coopers Beach opened on 11 December 2017.
Nearly nine years later, it has become a daily stop for locals and a must-visit for travellers. We still work personally alongside the exceptional team we have built.
Built from scratch
From an idea
to BeachBox.
BeachBox began with a vacant patch of ground, a shipping container and a very clear idea of the kind of local place we wanted to create.
These photographs capture the transformation—from the first groundwork and foundations to the day the container arrived, the fit-out took shape and the coffee machine was ready for opening.
Our team
The people behind
the welcome.
BeachBox has always been about people—those who visit us and the team who welcome them.
We are proud to work alongside a small, exceptional team who share our belief in genuine conversation, consistently excellent coffee and looking after every customer as an individual.
Personal hospitality
More than hello,
please and thank you.
We wanted to pair New Zealand’s relaxed, down-to-earth nature with exceptional customer engagement.
We learn names, remember coffee orders and take the time to know a little about the people who visit us. Over time, many customers have become dear friends.
That welcome only works when the quality matches it. Every espresso follows a precise recipe; our equipment is meticulously maintained; and if a coffee or its milk does not meet our standard, we make it again.
That same discipline runs through the studios: cleanliness, comfort, consistency and thoughtful attention to every detail.