Maria R.'s
Dairies & Four Squares
- 11Four Square – PalmerstonPalmerstonA supermarket with a real community vibe, I love Four Square Palmerston because they always put the locals first. Darrell and Deb work with their 12 amazing staff to bring you the best possible service and expertise. They do beer crate swaps too!
- 21Four Square – AlexandraAlexandraFour Square Alexandra is the home to all things local. I love this particular branch of the New Zealand supermarket chain because of it’s central location and amazing selection of food to eat on the go. You can tell that they are committed to quality service and presentation too. I love this place!
- 31Four Square – ArrowtownArrowtownThis place is brand spanking new. Opened in Spring 2015, Brendon and Amanda Colmore-Williams and their two children have opened their doors to sell only the best food and drinks to the Arrowtown community.
- 43Rob Roy DairyDunedin CentralThe Roby Roy Dairy is hard to beat in Dunedin. Their selection of ice creams, frozen yoghurts and sorbets is incredible. The service is fast and friendly which is good because the line can get incredibly long on the hot summer’s day.
- 52BG's Dairy & TakeawayOamaruNot only an excellent Kiwi dairy, but a takeaway too! I love BG’s because they have all the bases covered for things for your belly, including fish and chips, drinks, lollies and sandwiches.
Maria R.'s
Dairies & Four Squares
- 11Four SquareTe AnauYour one stop convenience shop, I love Four Square because they have everything you need for those last minute food and drink emergencies. My favourite food is their delicious pick and mixes!
- 21Four Square - Stewart IslandStewart IslandYou can always count on Four Square and their amazing Kiwi service. The Stewart Island Four Square is amazing because it is the only place on the island where you can get groceries!
- 31Alray Dairy LimitedWindsorPop in and say hi to the fabulous owners of Alray Dairy. They have everything you need after a night on the town including sandwiches, and savouries. The staff will be happy to assist you in what ever you need - the service here is fantastic!
- 41Avenal Dairy and LottoInvercargillFor all sorts of delicious goodies in Invercargill, head to Avenal Dairy and Lotto. I love their lollie selection, fruit juices and hot chips (they’re the best!).
- 51Four Square - NightcapsNightcapsThe friendly team at the Four Square are the best. Here they look after the locals and visitors perfectly. They have a fantastic range of wine, beer, magazines, fresh bread pies and a lot more. This place is the best!
Maria R.'s
BBQ spots
- 11Orton Bradley ParkCharteris BayA 40 minute drive out of Christchurch, you’ll find Orton Bradley Park, a famous BBQ and picnic spot. The sheltered valley is perfect for lunch and the streams and mature trees are perfect for playing. There are a number of lovely walks and a day hike up Mt Herbert to be taken if you fancy.
- 22Birdling's FlatLittle RiverA vast area perfect for exploring and BBQing, Birdlings Flat is a fascinating terrain and be warned, the beach is definitely not for swimming in! Experience the superb wild life of the area and the impressive natives.
- 34The GroynesNorthwoodThe Groynes has it all! I love their dog park, BBQ area and great walks. There’s BBQ equipment to use and is a great spot for the young and old. Experience summer at its best at The Groynes!
- 43Waikuku BeachWaikukuA superb beach and bbq spot, I love Waikuku for its sandy shores and lovely walks. The beach is perfect for taking a packed lunch or bringing the whole family on a fun-filled day out.
- 52Woodend Beach Holiday ParkKaiapoiA safe, sandy and family-friendly beach, Woodend Beach Holiday Park is awesome. There’s even a paddling pool and playground for the kids as well as mini golf. The BBQ area has good quality equipment too.
Maria R.'s
BBQ Spots
- 12Monkey IslandInvercargillI love Monkey Island! This place has it all from a fantastic picnic area, beach, fire pits and great shelter to protect against the winds. At low tide Monkey Island can be reached by foot and has amazing views of the mountains. A perfect place to camp!
- 21Waikawa ForestCatlinsThe unmilled coastal Waikawa Forest is amazing. A great BBQ spot, there are waterfalls and lovely walks to be had. Great for the family or a romantic picnic for two, this place is a fantastic destination. The one hour loop track is family friendly and you’ll discover two waterfalls and many native ferns.
- 31Pourakino Picnic AreaRivertonA regenerating silver beech forest, Pourakino Picnic area has access to Longwood Forest and many picnic tables. There is even a walkway that reveals historic tramlines and bridges. A BBQ spot with a whole lot of history.
- 41Dunsdale Recreation Reserve and camping areaInvercargillA huge reserve inland from Invercargill, Dunsdale Recreation Reserve has a lot of space to enjoy and set up a BBQ in. There are native birds galore and a great wee campsite if you wish to stay the night.
- 51Lake SylvanGlenorchyA beautiful lake, bush walk, fishing spot and BBQ area, Lake Sylvan seems to have it all for the perfect day out. There are amazing red beech trees and the lake itself is the perfect place for a swim, just watch out for the brown trout!
Maria R.'s
BBQ spots
- 11Slab Hut CreekReeftonA lovely spot for BBQing, picnicking and camping, Slab Hut Creek is a very relaxing place under the ancient trees of the area. Very close to Reefton, you’ll love this area for its creek and mountain biking and walking tracks.
- 22Marble Hill CampsiteSprings JunctionI love Marble Hill for its amazing BBQ area. There is also a handy tap for drinking water. You can stay the night if you have a tent or campervan, although there are no power sites. What better place to freedom camp than at Marble Hill? The area’s alpine beauty will take your breath away!
- 33Lake Mahinapua CampsiteHokitikaA great spot for a picnic, Lake Mahinapua has a large grassy area and the lake is warm enough to swim in. There are many short walks in the area to catch the amazing view of the lake. It’s also very close to Hokitika in case your run out of sausages for the BBQ!
- 41GoldsboroughHokitikaAn historic area of West Coast, Goldsborough has a great gold fossicking area and has a nice spot for a picnic or BBQ. There’s loads of grass to lounge on as well as public toilets. The surrounds are simply stunning, as you would expect from the West Coast! And there are greenstone tours in the area too.
- 52Greymouth Kiwi Holiday Park and MotelsSouth BeachA fantastic holiday park which has BBQs and free wifi. The affordable accommodation is well worth a try, and the place is located very close to the beach where you’ll have spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. What’s not to love about that?
Maria R.'s
BBQ spots
- 11Eely Point ReserveWanakaThere’s loads of places to picnic at Eely Point Reserve. Bring your portable BBQ and dine under the tall trees of the Reserve. There’s a great space to play some sport and Bremner Bay is nearby for swimming too.
- 21Wanaka Station ParkWanakaA superb spot for a BBQ, I love Wanaka Station Park for its close location to the famous lake, perfect for swimming. There are loads of great walks in the area and glorious views. The walks even lead you to Edgewater Resort and Rippon Vineyard which ain’t bad either!
- 32Lake Hayes TrackWanakaLake Hayes is a recently opened track which is perfect for strolling around on foot or two wheels. The pavilion is a great spot to explore the lake and stop for a picnic or BBQ. You’ll even get to see some pukeko! A favourite place for the locals and their families.
- 41Ivon Wilson ParkTe AnauA lovely 35 hectare park, you’ll certainly have trouble deciding where to have your picnic at Ivon Wilson Park. The lake here is full of brown trout which are easy for children to catch, and there are amazing walks to be taken as well.
- 51Frankton Beach Picnic AreaQueenstownWith picnic tables, BBQ area and playground, Frankton Beach Picnic Area is one of the best in Queenstown! There are loads of walks down to the lake with spectacular views of Frankton Arm and Marina. And there is jetski hire available too!