We scoured the region to find Ōamaru's best cafés.

Discover them with our Neat Places guide.

The Unique Taste of Ōamaru: Food and Drink Heroes of the Waitaki Region

Bevan Smith from Riverstone Kitchen wearing a blue t-shirt and apron smiling to camera in amongst green trees.
With a focus on sustainable and ethical production, Ōamaru's food and drink heroes are passionate about producing exceptional artisan products by harnessing the unique richness of their geographical location.

Whitestone Cheese Deli & Diner

Flat lay of burger, crumbed cheese rolls, loaded brie and romesco spread at Whitestone Cheese Deli & Diner
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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Whitestone Cheese opened its doors in 1987 in an old Ōamaru mechanic shop with one part-time cheesemaker. All these years on and the business produces 25 different kinds of cheese with a team of 75 strong.

Feliz & Sage Cafe & Gifts

Waiter picking up a cheese scone from under mesh cloche with tongs
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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A daily destination for locals and an inviting stopover for cyclists, Feliz & Sage is a cafe and gift shop adding plenty of life to Kurow’s Bledisloe Street.

Tees St

Waiter holding breakfast board with yogurt and fruit, an orange and carrot juice, and a piece of toast with a poached egg and pickles on top
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
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Cucina’s day time counterpart with colourful, tasty brunch plates. The huevos rancheros have been winning ‘big brekkie’ traditionalists over since 2016 and the bombolino doughnuts are the mid-day treat you deserve.

Badger & Mackerel

The interior view looking down the whole of the Badger & Mackerel cafe with green hanging plants.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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Badger & Mackerel Messhall is an Ōamaru hub for great food, excellent service and a refreshing mix of big brekkie classics and modern brunch plates.