Fueling Up & Friendly Faces: The Z - Huatoki Experience
Z - Huatoki (Z Courtenay Street) Service Station, nestled on the corner of Courtenay St and Liardet Street in New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth, NZ, is more than just a pit stop. Backed by a respectable 4.1-star rating and boasting 24/7 operation, this gas station provides a convenient and often delightful experience for locals and travellers alike. The dedicated team is easily reached at +64 6 758 1466. Beyond the essential diesel gas and propane exchange, Z - Huatoki shines with its dedication to customer service, as evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive reviews praising the staff's friendliness and helpfulness. As one customer put it, it’s a place where you “Love going in here just for a coffee." Accessibility is clearly a priority too, with both wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms readily available. Let’s dive deeper into what makes Z - Huatoki stand out.
Coffee Culture & Exceptional Service: Jess the Barista
It’s clear that the coffee served at Z - Huatoki is a major drawcard. Numerous customers rave about the talent of one particular barista, Jess. Her consistent friendly demeanor, remembering repeat customers’ names after years, and the evident care she puts into each coffee have earned her a legion of devoted fans. Here’s a glimpse of what people are saying:
- "Young lady making coffee is an absolutely amazing girl. Remembers your name after years and always welcomes with a smile."
- "Hi Keith, the lady you are referring to is Jess. She does start your morning in a happy mood. I don't drink coffee but she must be preparing them with love. Asset to Z."
- "One of the best baristas and coffee in NP. I'm quite a coffee snob, and must say the service is awesome and it tastes great. Cheers Z."
It’s not just about the coffee itself, but the welcoming atmosphere Jess creates. Several reviewers highlight that she "brings the energy of the place up" and is an "asset to Z." A few even wish the station had a "f'real Thick Shake machine" to expand on the beverage offerings, showing just how well-regarded the current coffee is! The Z app also provides a nice perk: free hot chocolate – a welcomed treat for many.
Car Wash Caution & Handling Claims
While praised for its convenience and offerings like the car wash, Z - Huatoki’s car wash service has sparked a significant amount of concern from one customer. They report their rear window being broken during a car wash and a subsequent claim being denied. This highlights a serious issue regarding potential damage to vehicles and the station's handling of such incidents.
Important Warning: The customer strongly advises against using the car wash if you have a vehicle with protruding features like a rear back mirror or anything that can't be folded in. "If you have a van with a rear back mirror or anything the sticks out of the car and can't be folded in, I would suggest you not wash your car there." This is valuable information for anyone considering using this particular facility.
It's vital to note the concern regarding the repair process, not just the damage itself. This situation warrants careful consideration and perhaps further investigation into the car wash equipment maintenance and claim resolution process at Z - Huatoki.
Mixed Experiences: Consistency & Night Shift Concerns
Beyond the glowing praise for Jess and the cautionary car wash tale, some customers have reported inconsistent experiences, particularly during the night shift. While Leigh received exceptional praise for going “above and beyond” to assist a stranded family member, earning a would-be 5-star (or higher!) rating, another customer had a negative interaction with a night shift worker described as “rude, quiet, not greeting customers. only being friendly to people he knows." This highlights the potential for variable customer service based on the individual working.
"Thanks so much to the night shift worker leigh, he went above and beyond to help a family member that was stranded. These are the kind of workers that need the praise small acts of kindness is whats remembered if I could give more then 5 stars I would."
It suggests that while Z - Huatoki generally strives for friendly service, maintaining consistent quality across all shifts remains a challenge. Interestingly, a customer also mentioned difficulties using overseas credit cards for petrol purchase while being able to make pies purchases – a potentially frustrating experience for international visitors.