Maria R.'s
Best farmers markets
- 13Oamaru Farmers MarketOamaruOpen every Sunday on the corner of Wansbeck and Tyne Streets, I love Oamaru Farmers Market is a fantastic place for all things local, sustainable and delicious. I love the fresh produce the best!
- 26Otago Farmers MarketDunedin CentralA market everyone in Dunedin looks forward to every Saturday, Central Otago Farmers Market is truly awesome! I love their fresh produce, of course, but also their bacon butties, burgers and delicious soups - an amazing place for lunch.
- 37Remarkables MarketWanakaA quaint market open only through summer, the Remarkables Market is small but perfectly formed. Full of local produce and crafts by local makers and creators, I certainly love this market. The 360° mountain views are amazing too!
- 44Central Otago Farmers MarketCromwellI love Cromwell for many reasons, but particularly for their seasonal farmers market. This delightful place is a great Sunday outing to collect your week’s groceries including olive oil, bread, cheese, and of course, the region’s famous stone fruit.
Maria R.'s
Best farmers markets
- 13Timaru Farmers MarketTimaruMy favourite farmers market in Canterbury, Timaru Farmers Market is all about community and fine, fresh produce. The weekly Saturday market is perfectly located in the central city and features some of the best of the region’s artisan producers and makers.
- 22Oxford Farmers MarketOxfordOxford is my favourite destination farmers market. With over 25 stalls selling a high quality range of meats, fruits, veggies, baked goods, flowers and coffee, this market has everything you need for your weekly supplies.
- 35Ohoka Farmers MarketRiccartonLocal, sustainable, fresh and delicious, I love Fridays because of the Ohoka Farmers Market. Celebrating all things local, the only food providers selling their goods are from North Canterbury and are closely related to the production process - so you know exactly where you food is coming from.
- 44Lyttelton Farmers MarketLytteltonAn absolute favourite of mine, Lyttelton Farmers is the place to go for local fruit and vegetables. I also love their amazing coffee, fresh bread and delicious lunches like sandwiches and souops.
- 51Downtown Farmers MarketChristchurch CentralThis farmers market may be new but packs a mighty punch. There’s everything you could possibly need for your fridge and pantry from fresh fruit and veggies to meat, fish, eggs, deli goods and cheeses.
Maria R.'s
Drinks with a view
- 11Punakaiki ResortPunakaikiThe Punakaiaki Resort is a great place to stay if you’re ever on the West Coast. Not only is the accommodation superb but it’s also home to the Resort’s Jacob’s Grills restaurant which has amazing views of the ocean.
- 28Treetop Walk and CafeHokitikaGrab a drink in the trees and watch the world go by at Treetop Walk and Cafe. There aren’t many places where you can have a beverage in centuries old Rimu trees!
- 34The Speights Landing Restaurant & BarFranz JosefIt’s not every day you can enjoy a drink with the view of a centuries old glacier. The Landing is a favourite place of mine because you can cosy up next to a fire, sip on a big glass of red and watch all the tourists stream in from a day out exploring the glacier.
- 42Beachfront Hotel HokitikaHokitikaOcean View Restaurant at Beachfront Hotel is the best place to get a view of the wild West Coast ocean. The drinks flow freely here and can be enjoyed inside or outside the restaurant. And if things get a bit much for you, stay the night in one of their many hotel rooms.
Maria R.'s
Drinks with a view
- 11Oyster CoveBluffI love this cafe and bar for its southern most views of the Pacific Ocean. You can’t not come here and enjoy their famous oysters - make sure you have them with champagne or you’re missing out!
- 21Beachhouse Cafe Bar RestaurantRivertonA lovely cafe and restaurant with views of the ocean which are simply spectacular. Tuck into a beer or glass of wine along side some of the region’s best fish and chips - I simply love this place!
- 32South Sea HotelStewart IslandStewart Island has it all from amazing native bush and walks to great restaurants and fantastic views. I love South Sea Hotel because they are offer some of the best views on the Island. I love the set menus and great bar snacks - best enjoyed with some locally brewed beers!
- 41Lands EndBluffOne of the country’s southernmost spots for a glass of wine and a fantastic view, Lands End is an exclusive boutique hotel, bistro and wine bar in Bluff. The bistro itself serves delicious Kiwi-style fare alongside New Zealand wines and great locally brewed beers.
- 51This place is a great spot for a drink and a bite to eat. I love the views of the ocean from the bar and is an ideal spot to wait for your ferry before you cross to Stewart Island. A must try are the Bluff oysters (of course!).
Maria R.'s
Drinks with a view
- 11Luna Bar & RestaurantDunedin CentralThis Roslyn bar and restaurant has amazing views of Dunedin. Head up the hill from town, turn left and there you’ll find it. The staff are always super lovely, helpful and attentive - enjoy a drink from the balcony or cosy up inside on a cold day.
- 21The LandingWanakaThe Landing is an awesome bar and restaurant with spectacular views of Lake Wanaka. Their cocktails here are epic - I love the daiquris and mai tais!
- 31New Orleans HotelArrowtownThis bar, restaurant and hotel is truly superb. With beautiful views of the Arrowtown river and native trees, sit back and relax at New Orleans Hotel. If things get a bit hectic over drinks then why not stay the night in one of their amazing rooms.
- 42The Bay CafeMacandrew BayThe Bay Cafe is one my favourite places in Dunedin for its stunning views of Macandrew Bay. The suburban cafe is a great place for a drink, breakfast or lunch. They have great coffee too.
- 53Chard Farm VineyardQueenstownWhen you go up a windy dirt road for five minutes in the middle of Central Otago, you’re bound to come across spectacular views. Although not a bar or restaurant, Chard Farm is a perfect place for wine tasting.
Maria R.'s
Drinks with a view
- 16Black Estate & Tasting RoomWaiparaYou got to love Black Estate for their perfectly made wine, amazing meals using locally sourced produce and, of course, the spectacular view of their vineyards. I love this place on a sunny day!
- 24Lyttelton Coffee CompanyLytteltonA fantastic cafe where all the locals go, I love Lyttelton Coffee Company for their view of the Lyttelton Harbour. Sit back and relax on the balcony for some of the best views in Christchurch!
- 34Hilltop TavernLittle RiverHilltop Tavern is the best place to go for live music, delicious brunches and unbeatable views of the Banks Peninsula. A short 45 minute drive from Christchurch, there’s no excuse for not going to Hilltop Tavern for a drink.
- 42Akaroa Fish & ChipsAkaroaWith fresh blue cod on the menu and beautiful views of the Akaroa Harbour, there’s a lot to love about Akaroa Fish and Chips. Knock back a couple of drinks in the sunshine in the outside area and enjoy the amazing atmosphere.
- 51Beach BarSumnerThis fantastic Sumner bar is located right on the beach so you can’t beat their views! Facing the ocean, you’ll want to grab a spot on the porch to watch the beach bunnies. The drinks here are darn good and you’ll wand to try one of their famous cocktails.