Waipiata Country Hotel

Waipiata may be just a wee speck on the South Island map, but its one-and-only pub has become a magnet for travellers seeking a comfortable bed, hearty meals, and a warm dose of southern hospitality.

Established in 1899, the Waipiata Country Hotel originally featured 17 rooms, private dining spaces for the upper classes, a public bar for men, and a snug for the ladies. Today, guests can still enjoy a restful night in this historic setting – now with modern amenities, of course – while the bar and dining room have evolved into a lively, welcoming environment for all. Here, you'll find groups of farmers in muddy gumboots mingling with weary cyclists and food lovers drawn in by tales of the hotel’s legendary half-kilo pies.

Mark and Nikki Button took over the tavern in 2015 after their own Rail Trail adventure inspired them to settle permanently in the south. They revamped the kitchen with mouth-watering dishes, enticing both locals and visitors to drop in for a cold pint paired with gourmet pizzas, burgers, fresh fish, steaks, curries, and more. But it was the day they decided to wrap a couple of lamb shanks in pastry that truly put them on the map, leading to the creation of the Waipiata Pie Company.

Fast forward to the present day, and the Buttons’ pie business produces approximately 2,500+ pies weekly – a demand that continues to grow. Each pie is handcrafted in Waipiata, using top-quality local ingredients to create a diverse menu of flavours, from the original lamb shank to rich beef brisket with aged cheddar, and even a vegan-friendly eggplant bolognese. While they ship frozen pie parcels all over Aotearoa, there’s nothing quite like cutting into one within the pub’s walls.

Situated right on the Rail Trail, the Waipiata Country Hotel is the ideal stopover for cyclists gearing up to complete their journey to Middlemarch, as well as travellers exploring the stunning Central Otago region. Inside, cosy fires offer comfort during winter, while the outdoor area provides a sunny al fresco dining experience with panoramic views of the Māniatoto landscape.