It’s not the old Dux by any measure, but Dux Live manages to capture the old de Lux feel without entirely replacing it. Designed with local acts and touring artists in mind, there’s ample room to jive around the stage and the spacious warehouse, whilst retaining its industrial feel has been kitted out with a mezzanine floor that boasts a commanding view of the stage. Check the gig guide on their website and get down with some very sound acoustics, super fine eats, and, of course, a range of well-crafted brews.

Live music every weekend and it’s free entry. Go for the great local music, stay for the excellent selection of cocktails and craft beers (oh, and the delicious home made pizzas!).

From the owners of the former SOL Square favourite, Cartel, Baretta is an establishment inspired by ritzy Italian bars and gentleman’s clubs of bygone eras. A spacious bar, with stylish interiors (think metallic peacock wall paper, Italian-esque furniture, lots of dark wood and moody lighting) and a courtyard that looks certain to snatch all of the sunshine on a warm day, Baretta has great ambience, as well as excellent local live music to enjoy.

Expect a rowdy night at The Shark Club which has live music, pool tables and gaming machines!

The Havoc Farm Factory Shop is in Waimate but thankfully you can get their delicious free range pork and bacon up and down the country. Havoc also specialises in sausages and prime cuts to their legendary pork pies and pâté

Fare Game in Invercargill is great for picking up high quality free range game products (think hare, rabbit, venison, goat and wild pork). If you can’t make it all the way down to Invercargill then use their website to buy online. Yay!

The boutique honey made at Marsh’s is sweet and tasty. Although Teviot isn’t usually a town you’d think to pass through , it’s definitely worth it for the White Clover Honey (which can be found at specialised food outlets around Otago).

The produce at Aspiring Organics is fresh, seasonal, local and of course, organic! There’s an online payment option to make life even easier.

Fine china, antique silver and lace, retro furniture, Victorian glass, ceramics and pottery are just some of the items you will find in this gorgeous number 1 spot. A well-designed space all items flow on from one another in colour coordination, giving it that organized yet antique shop feel. A massive shop with lots of stock, you could spend hours in here and never see everything. The antique hunters dream!

Located in Port Chalmers, about a 15 minute drive from the city’s center, this eclectic little township is full of galleries and quirky little stores. Box of Birds is a funky store full of old antiques and nick nacks. I have been known to buy the odd taxidermed animal along with some Royal Albert china from there.

Actually an auction house as opposed to a store, however this means you are getting the best of the best, without having to rummage through junk. With a general auction every week, and then the specialized “antique and collectable auction” along with the “rare and collectable book auction”, there is always something for everyone to find. Besides, who doesn’t love the pressure and competition of an auction?

Located 40 minutes out of Dunedin, this store is “a wonderful haven of prettiness” for those who love vintage clothing. Originally located in Cashel Street mall in Christchurch, the earthquake saw them set up a store in the owners own backyard, before heading south to the lovely and quaint Milton. Stocked with loads of vintage treasures, they also have an online store and an Etsy store! Talk about convenience.

Antiques from Ranfurly. It doesn’t sound like much but when you see this store full of antique china, collectables, arts, crafts, bone china and more, you will understand the appeal. Quality and clean used items, and located right in the middle of Dunedin, Oamaru, Alexandra and Cromwell, this handy location is a definite stop-over destination for wherever you need to go.

Built on the Dennison property in 1980, this factory was the first small cheese-making factory in New Zealand. This little factory has won major awards, such as ‘The Supreme Champion Award for Cheese in New Zealand’. The Farmhouse Brie and the Bay Blue are absolute standouts.

Located in Gibbston Valley just out of Queenstown, this winery has dabbled in the cheese making business, and a mighty fine cheese making business they have made. They now sell to local supermarkets and at markets, and it pairs so well with their wines. These people know their stuff, so if ever driving through, make sure you stop.

Cheese, oh glorious cheese. All your cheese fantasies will be realised once you step into the Whitestone Cheese deli / café located close to the roaring South Pacific ocean. Producing award winning artisan cheeses made with 100% natural ingredients, your choices include soft whites, semi-soft, blue, feta and sheep’s milk cheeses. The subtle flavours of the hand crafted cheese will have you stocking up your chilly bin or fridge in no time. Try the tasting platter at the bargain price of $5.

Made in Southland (Invercargill to be exact), Blue River cheese is made fresh using sheep milk. As a result, Blue River win numerous awards for their high quality products. If you get the chance try the sheep’s milk ice cream!

My granddad’s favourite buffet, and for good reason! There is food from almost every continent here and the dessert is classic Kiwi.

The Grand Cafe is the Christchurch Casino’s main restaurant and its buffet is pretty darn good! The breakfast is a favourite for local suits and traveling families.

The menu at 623 will make your mind boggle. If you’re feeling hungry and in Nelson then 623 is a must visit.

Manuka smoked bacon, poached free-range eggs and just-baked croissants are what you should expect at this buffet breakfast restaurant. Sounds pretty great, eh?

Expect a hearty and extensive buffet at The Garden Hotel & Restaurant. Open seven days and offers a vast array of dishes from all around the world

Skyline offers a great view and a decent selection of delicious buffet food from Indian, to Thai to Hamburgers. Yum!

Great pizza and even better chips, head down to da Vincis if you’re feeling hungry!

Expect tasty roasts and desserts at Fat Harry’s. Great for big groups for lunch or dinner.

This Japanese restaurant offers all types of Japanese fare (from sushi to steak …) and yes, you guessed it, it’s all you can eat!