Top Things to do in South Island
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7 Coffeehouses in South Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including The Lost Gypsy Gallery, Michael Macmillan Sculptor and Country Homeware, Mt Beautiful Winery Tasting Room, Catnap Cafe, Vesta Design Boutique, Three Creeks, Fairlie Bakehouse.
Restaurants in South Island
1. The Lost Gypsy Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 162 reviews
A little gem in The Catlins, artist Blair Somerville's intricately crafted automata are wonderfully irreverent. The bamboozling collection in the house bus ($ free) is a teaser for the brilliantly eccentric Winding Thoughts Theatre ($8). Push buttons, wind handles, all is about movement here (Entry 13+ yrs). For coffee and bakeries, say hi to Carol in the Little Rocket and cuddle Ginny the Gypsy dog. Open in summer (end Oct – end April). Wednesdays closed.
Reviewed By C5795TEmichellet - Timaru, New Zealand
I'd seen this place advertised and so thought I'd call in for a look and a coffee to go. I sat down, with my dog as he was allowed which for me was a huge plus. I assume the lady that served me was the owner and she was super friendly. What a great, quirky wee place...a wee treasure. Loved looking around and my dog enjoyed being able to be with me while I had my coffee
2. Michael Macmillan Sculptor and Country Homeware
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Michael MacMillan is known for his large outdoor Sculptures most commonly crafted from Polished Aggregate. His work is bold, reflective, textured,carved,kinetic New Zealand · Check out Michael s French Oak Country Homeware sold online and in store.
Reviewed By paulaL3981CH - Sonoma, United States
Exceptional art, local paintings, photography and kitchen and home items. Husband and wife artist are so welcoming. Well worth the trip
3. Mt Beautiful Winery Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
The Mt. Beautiful Tasting Room is adjacent to the Two Rivers Cafe located in central Cheviot, and features a beautifully renovated, light and airy space that preserves historic aspects of its original structure, while incorporating indigenous materials and other elements from the Mt. Beautiful vineyard estate. A long, clean concrete slab counter runs North to South with a walkthrough gap in the middle representing the iconic “Chasm” that runs through the vineyard, separating it into Northern and Southern sections. Guests may choose to stand for a tasting at the counter, or take a seat at one of the many beautiful and locally-crafted macrocarpa or oak tables featuring wood milled from trees grown on the vineyard. Individual tastes of wine are available, but guests are encouraged to experience the breadth of Mt. Beautiful’s portfolio, which includes five estate grown varietals; Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Reservations are not required, however, it's suggested that groups of 10 or more call in advance. Driving Distances: Christchurch » Cheviot: 112 km – 90 min Kaikoura » Cheviot: 67.9km – 60 min Hanmer » Cheviot: 93.6km – 90 min
Reviewed By karenandDavid2014 - Canterbury Region, New Zealand
Popped in here for a quick wine tasting and ended up staying an hour. My husband isn't a "wineie" so kept me company with a gorgeous coffee. Bough a bottle of the pinit and chardonnay, should have bought the rose too, it was delicious. The name does not disappoint, beautiful place and beautiful wine!
4. Catnap Cafe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Located in Christchurch, New Zealand, Catnap Cafe is the South Island's first cat cafe. Their mission is to provide a safe, fun and relaxing environment where cats and people can enjoy each other’s company and to increase adoption rates of rescue cats. They also offer all of the key aspects of a traditional cafe such as great coffee and delicious cabinet food.
Reviewed By VonRuski
Catnap is a truly special spot. Offering not only perfect coffees, other hot drinks, and delicious vegan and gluten free food but also the perfect environment for an incredible afternoon. The cat area, with its adorable and friendly residents is the perfect place to relax and unwind. A cuddle and play with any of the resident or adoptable cats can turn even the worst of days around and make a wonderful day even more memorable. This atmosphere is insured by the wonderful staff who are always friendly, warm and accommodating, popping into the area often to make sure not just you, but also the cats, are happy and enjoying yourselves. The cats are clearly the stars of the show here and every effort is made to make sure they are happy and cared for in every possible way. All but a few resident cats are rescues or strays from local charities that are adopted out to loving homes by Catnap. Their policies surrounding adoption are stringent and follow a cat needs focused mantra which is GREAT. This is also seen in the rules and organisation of the cat area. The number of people allowed in at once is limited to stop it from becoming too stressful and likewise you are not allowed to pick up the cats or attempt to force interaction with them, although every time I have visited they have happily jumped up on my lap for a cuddle so don't worry about missing out on affection. They also have high towers to climb and a separate cat only area to go if they have had enough of people. As an animal and cat lover it is great to see their needs being put first and their well being put so highly. The owners and staff will bring food and drink into the cat area for you and deliver it to your table when it is ready, and are more than happy to answer any queries about the cats and chat with you. The cabinet food is delicious and there are both savory and sweet options, I heartily recommend the chimichanga. There is a wide variety of plant based milk available, and even soy ice cream for the iced drinks if you are non-dairy. There are even souvenirs you can buy to remember your trip, including adorable postcards with paintings of the cats by a local artist. Depending on the time of day the cat area can get filled so booking is ideal, and luckily quite easy through either their website or giving them a call. While there are a few tables outside the cat area where you can have a "normal" cafe experience that is missing out on all the fun offered here. I would recommend booking in advance and making use of the whole 50 minute slot playing with feline friends and enjoying the wonderful refreshments available. Whilst I have always gone here on dates with my wife the families I have seen there have enjoyed themselves, and the cats seem like a great distraction for the kids to give parents a quiet time to sit and enjoy the ambiance.
5. Vesta Design Boutique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Vesta Design Boutique is Queenstown's premiere gift and design store, showcasing the finest examples of New Zealand gifts. Each room offers a different theme for customers to enjoy. Gifts include artwork by local artists including Emma Kate Moore, Love Thy Land & Bridget Hall, jewellery by Louise Douglas, Lola Loves Queenstown & Stone Arrow...candles, honey, gift cards, chocolates, children gifts, books & fashion. Not to mention our David Trubridge Lighting showroom! Set within "Williams Cottage" Queenstown's oldest house, built in 1864, the cottage is a unique space within itself of great historical value. If you are looking for something different and unique, you're in the right place. Gatto's churros is located in the gardens and offers the best coffee, beverages and Churros in Queenstown. Welcome to our world. We hope you like it!
Reviewed By tahliaestee - Mount Eden, New Zealand
Wonderful and friendly staff that had gone out of their way to gift-wrap a present my mom purchased from the shop for my mother in law - free of charge. The shop has beautiful decor with amazing jewellery, homewares, art, and clothing/accessories (which, I for one, would indefinitely visit again when I venture back to Queenstown). Overall, the shop is aesthetically pleasing with great presentation and organisation. The staff were attentive, kind, and super helpful. Thank you so much to the staff as we really appreciated the kind gesture, kia kaha.
6. Three Creeks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Three Creek Comprises of four small shops, 1950's Service station,General store, Blacksmiths and antiques together with coffee caravan, all full of giftware and collectables old and new. A recommended must see.
Reviewed By 290grantn - Hastings, New Zealand
Interesting stop with lots for the Man Cave . Plenty of wooden furniture, signs, and lots of memorabilia. The lady who was in charge was very friendly and approachable. Fun place to visit with plenty to give us oldies a bit of a nostalgia trip. Worth a stop - would imagine kids would be fascinated by some of the old stuff used by their grandparents when they were kids.
7. Fairlie Bakehouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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