Franz Josef Glacier
SnakeBite's flavour-packed meals awaken taste buds after their long slumber through the West Coast's lamb-and-whitebait menus. Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai…
Must-see restaurants in The West Coast
The West Coast
To say this hip place is serious about sandwiches is an understatement. Everything's made to order and served on chunky slices of freshly baked bread,…
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
At the start of the Lake Matheson Track, this cafe does everything right: sharp architecture that maximises mountain views, strong coffee, craft beers and…
Franz Josef Glacier
Sip drinks in the sunshine or within the cosy, chalet-style bar of the Rainforest Retreat, which usually buzzes with a sociable crowd of travellers. Bar…
The West Coast
Attached to an out-of-the-way but upmarket motel-style complex 4km southeast of the town centre, this restaurant delivers the best bistro-style fare in…
Franz Josef Glacier
Voyaging from India to China via Thailand, this atmospheric restaurant matches piquant dishes with Asian-inspired cocktails, red-and-black decor, Chinese…
The Great Coast Road
Almost inevitably, pancakes are the pride of the cafe opposite the Pancake Rocks trail, heaped with bacon, berries, cream and other tasty toppings. Even…
The West Coast
Cashew-crumbed chicken and duck-leg confit feature on a Europe-tinged menu at Kumara's landmark hotel. There's also a quarter-pound of whitebait (in…
The Great Coast Road
In summer, a food and craft market unfolds in a jaw-dropping location beneath overhanging cliffs 12km north of Punakaiki (follow signs to Fox River car…
Franz Josef Glacier
Piling on the charm with its faux-Tudor decor, Alice May is the classiest restaurant in town. Sure, the menu includes meaty NZ favourites, but they…
The West Coast
Purists might balk at flavour combos like smoked chicken and apricot, but Fat Pipi bakes Hokitika's best pizza. There are versions for veggies and gluten…
Buller Region
Check out this retro yellow-and-white caravan for tasty burgers made with sourdough ciabatta buns and crammed with vegan ingredients including spiced soy…
Buller Region
Also known as the Broadway Tearooms, this wooden-floored bakery cafe gets by far the most daytime traffic in Reefton, whether for a freshly baked loaf,…
The West Coast
It's one of the only shows in town, but luckily the Stationhouse (built 1901) is a winner. The cafe serves fruit smoothies, good coffee, excellent eggs…
The West Coast
Tucked away near the Clock Tower, this cafe is a stylish spot to linger while hobnobbing with friendly staff and punters. There's no menu, just a counter…
The West Coast
Kids will love peering through the glass at the beehive in this large deli-style cafe, while their parents occupy themselves in the separate cheese room…
Buller Region
Way up at the northern end of the main Palmerston St strip, this smart bistro serves cooked breakfasts on the weekends, along with the usual pubby bistro…
Buller Region
Attached to the Lazy Cow hostel, the cute Cow Shed is a popular option for its crisp, generously topped pizzas served in intimate surrounds. Gluten-free…
Buller Region
Operating from a hole-in-the-wall counter attached to a barn-like hall, Vinnie's dishes up strong coffee and simple fare such as cooked breakfasts, soup,…
The West Coast
Spotty opening hours are the only blight on this brightly painted caravan diner overlooking Jackson Bay. Cray Pot serves honest seafood, from big portions…
The West Coast
Three kilometres north of Haast township and attached to the Heartland Hotel, Frontier's menu of country pub classics seems all the better when perused in…
The Great Coast Road
Expect good banter and big meals at this busy pub, which serves food throughout the day. Corn fritter stacks, rib-eye steaks and pub mainstays like fish…
Buller Region
With the only bottleshop in town, Tommyknockers was always going to be popular. But this bar and bistro pushes the boat out with great grab-and-go snacks …
Greymouth
Out the back of the public bar of the Recreation Hotel, this bistro is Greymouth's best dining option – which isn't saying much. The menu offers what you…
The West Coast
Net yourself some excellent fish and chips (try the turbot, blue cod or fried oysters), then scoff them down the road at Sunset Point for an extra…
Buller Region
Within this 1876-built pub lie simple pleasures and warm hospitality: a game of pool, a pint of ale, and a choice of roast dinners, nachos and beer…
Franz Josef Glacier
Portions are huge at the Landing Bar, from whopping whitebait patties to unfinishable nachos and bulky burgers. It gets busy but service meets demand…
The West Coast
The pub and dining room beneath Blackball's mischievously named hotel turns out Cornish pasties, bangers and mash, and light meals for lunch, and a…
The West Coast
Pull over at the Pukeko Store for cheese scones, good coffee, muffins and pies. Friendly service, cupboard essentials on sale, and a tempting cabinet of…
The West Coast
Produce is expensive in remote Haast but this small supermarket stocks sufficient provisions for self-caterers. Also inside is the Grumpy Cow Cafe, which…
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Making the most of its sunny corner location with outside tables, the Last Kitchen serves locally sourced produce sprinkled with European flavour: creamy…
Buller Region
Westport's most popular cafe has a cabinet full of sandwiches and pastries, and a counter groaning under the weight of cakes and cookies. An all-day menu…
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Stretch your legs on the drive between Haast and the glacier towns by grabbing a smoked salmon bagel, sashimi or chowder. Still not enough salmon? Gaze…
Buller Region
Refuel after tackling the Cape Foulwind Walkway at this convivial rural pub. Options include lamb shanks, fish and chips, sizeable steaks doused with…
The West Coast
Antlers and a fishing and shooting wall of fame establish the hunting-lodge vibe of Haast's best boozer. Mainly meaty main courses (venison nachos,…
Buller Region
Savoury pies and slices are the go-to choices at this pink-and-pistachio bakery cafe. We're fond of the pork belly and apple pie, topped with a piece of…
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Fox's village store provides all the basics, including some fresh produce and ample frozen goods.
Buller Region
The best supermarket for miles is located on the main road. Try the bakery's apple turnovers.
The West Coast
If you're heading southwest, this is your last big supermarket before Wanaka, 426km away!
The Great Coast Road
Berliners Jack and Petra run their popular pizzeria in the midst of bucolic farmland by the Little Totara River. It's 4km north of Charleston.
