The Hibiscus Coast not only has the best beaches but also the best pies.

Three local bakeries came out tops in the Bakels NZ Pie Awards on Tuesday night.

Even though the overall winning pie is a roast duck, onion and mushroom pie from Tauranga.

Orewa Bakery won the best mince and gravy with its baker Ty Lim.

Silverdale’s Wild Grain Bakery won the best potato-topped pie with its baker Buntha Meng.

Dad’s Pies in Silverdale won the best commercial wholesale pie with its baker Tom Grooten.

The judges had a difficult task of judging 5,000 pies in the various categories, and have described this year as the “toughest one yet”.