Where New Beginnings Meet Flavor

The Story Behind Hare & Copper

This is us, Andrew Wood, Liliana Calva and our little Emilia S. Wood Calva. Andrew originally from Hawke’s Bay, lived in Wellington for the last 20 years. Lili, born and raised in Mexico. Arrived to New Zealand in 2011.

We met in Wellington. Both of us used to work at El Matador, an argentinian grill and spanish tapas restaurant on the well known Cuba Street. Married in late 2016 in Mexico and Emilia Sophie arrived a year later.

Moved to Turangi  in 2019 with excitement and full with hope and dreams. Searching for new opportunities, we have come across with some fabulous people that have helped us land one of our biggest dreams of all times- our own business, our Hare & Copper Eatery.

Our Timeline

2019
November

Acquired the location for Hare & Copper Eatery in Turangi, marking the beginning of a new chapter full of hope and excitement.

2020
18th February

Official opening of Hare & Copper Eatery, bringing a new dining experience to the Turangi community.

2020
25th March

Lockdown begins due to the global pandemic, a challenging time for businesses across New Zealand.

2020
21st June

Our first event to celebrate the end of lockdown, gathering the community in our warm and welcoming space.

2024
August

Proudly featured in Cuisine Magazine's 2024 Destination Guide, recognizing Hare & Copper Eatery as a must-visit venue.

The Legend Continues...
Stay Tuned!

Our Team

General Manager / Owner
Lili
Hi, I’m Liliana, but most people call me Lili! I’m originally from Mexico City, but I grew up in Pachuca, Hidalgo—a charming little city famous for its Cornish pasties and silver mines. After earning my tourism degree in 2009, I caught the travel bug and made my way overseas. I arrived in New Zealand in late 2011 and spent several years working in various hospitality roles, in Auckland and Wellington. In late 2019, my husband Andrew and I took a big leap of faith and moved to Turangi to pursue a shared dream of owning our own eatery. This is when Hare & Copper Eatery was born—a place where we could combine our love for good food and great company.
Sous Chef
Zane
Hi, I’m Zane! I was born in Taupo and moved to Turangi with my wife in 2020. We fell in love with this little town and its charm. I’ve been working as a Sous Chef at Hare & Copper since 2023, but I’ve been cooking for 16 years. My culinary journey has taken me all over the world, allowing me to gain experience in a variety of kitchens—from food trucks to hotels, cafes, bakeries, steakhouses, and even Michelin-star restaurants.We live not far from the river, so in our spare time, my wife and I enjoy fly fishing together. I also love hitting the golf course and mountain biking on the fantastic trails we have around here.
Duty Manager
Aroha
Hi, I’m a dedicated hospitality superstar and a young mother, originally from Rotorua. I moved to Turangi in 2018 when my daughter was born. I joined the Hare & Copper team in 2020 just as it was about to open, which kickstarted my career in hospitality. Since then, I’ve focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere for our guests while embodying the spirit of our team. My role gives me the wonderful opportunity to connect with people and ensure that every experience is memorable. I love being part of this vibrant community and look forward to making every guest feel at home!
Kitchen Assistant
Cameron
Hi, I’m Cameron! I’m 15 years old and a student at Tongariro School. I started working at Hare and Copper in November 2022 as a kitchen hand, and I’ve since worked my way up to different areas in the restaurant. I really enjoy seeing how various dishes are made and discovering new foods I’ve never encountered before. Cooking and exploring new culinary techniques are my passions, and I’m excited to continue learning in this field!
Casual FOH Superstar
Grace
Kia Ora! My name is Grace Hura and I’ve been working at Hare and Copper since late 2022. I’m known for my bubbly personality and love engaging in conversations with guests, believing that laughter and connection can truly enhance their dining experience. I have a great love for sport, which keeps my energy high and positive. I always aim to put my best foot forward, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and leaves with a smile. My goal is to create memorable moments and provide excellent service in every interaction.
Casual FOH Superstar
Emma
Kia Ora! I’m Emma Speedy, and I’ve been part of the front-of-house team at Hare and Copper since . Turangi is my home, and I love being part of this tight-knit community with nature right at our doorstep. I’m passionate about sports, so when I’m not at work, you’ll find me training, eating, or catching some sleep. Nutrition plays a huge role in my training, and working at Hare and Copper has introduced me to a whole new world of flavors. I can’t wait for you to enjoy our delicious menu as much as I do!
FOH Superstar
Ruby
Raised in the beautiful town of Turangi, I have called this stunning area home for most of my life. Last year, I joined the team at Hare and Copper, where I contribute my passion and skills. When I’m not working, you can find me exploring new places, indulging in delicious Thai food, or enjoying the great outdoors. I believe in embracing life's adventures and am always eager to discover what the world has to offer.
Casual FOH Superstar
Addison
Hi, I’m Addison! I started working at Hare and Copper on October 5th, 2024, where I’m currently in the Front of House team but training for Back of House as well. So far, I’m really enjoying my time here and love the amazing team I work alongside. Outside of Hare and Copper, I’m a leader for the holiday program at the Turangi Rangatahi Hub, which I’m really passionate about. It gives me the opportunity to create fun and engaging experiences for kids during their break, and I love being involved in planning activities for our community. In my free time, I enjoy going out and spending quality moments with my family and our kids!
Interested in hosting a private function or dinner?

Whether it is a party, birthday celebration, private function or awards ceremony, we can accommodate your upcoming event.

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