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We scoured the region to find South Canterbury's best cafés.

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Discover them with our Neat Places guide.

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A Drink & Dine Experience for Every Season in South Canterbury

A flatlay of plates of food on a table at Mint Folk in Twizel.
Story South Canterbury
From the hopeful splashes of spring colour to the thick of a white winter, no matter the outside air temperature, memorable dining experiences abound throughout South Canterbury.

The Yellow Door Café

The Yellow Door exterior in Timaru.
Place South Canterbury Timaru
Cafes key icon.

One of the latest additions to Timaru’s café scene, The Yellow Door at the high end of Stafford Street is hard to miss.

The Running Duck

The kitschy interior of The Running Duck cafe in Geraldine.
Place South Canterbury Geraldine
Cafes key icon.

Stepping inside the Running Duck café in the heart of Geraldine is like stepping inside a proper kiwi bach, albeit with great coffee on tap.

Mint Folk & Co

A close up of a flat white on a table at Mint Folk and Co in Twizel.
Place South Canterbury Twizel Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon.

Perhaps the most visually appealing cafe in the Mackenzie region, Mint Folk & Co is all about great food, great aesthetic and great service.

Café Verde

A covered verandah outside Cafe Verde, surrounded by greenery in Geraldine.
Place South Canterbury Geraldine
Cafes key icon.

Café Verde in Geraldine is known for its luscious garden setting and outstanding food. Located in an old phone-exchange building, this is the local café-goers meeting spot where generations of friends and family come together over a cuppa.

Hydro Café & Twizel Bookshop

A door to the entrance to the bookshop from Hydro Café in Twizel.
Place South Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Hydro Café has been keeping the good people of Twizel well hydrated for nearly a decade.

Barker's Foodstore & Eatery

Retail and tasting area at Barker's Foodstore and Eatery, Geraldine.
Place South Canterbury Geraldine
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery sits in a stunning setting on the banks of the Waihi River in the heart of Geraldine.

Astro Café

People looking out to the mountain views at Astro Cafe, Tekapo.
Place South Canterbury Lake Tekapo
Cafes key icon.

Quite possibly the most scenic spot for a flat white in Aotearoa, Astro Café is a coffee shop experience not to be missed when visiting the Mackenzie region.

Farm Barn Café

Flowers and cake on table at Farm Barn Café in Fairlie.
Place South Canterbury Fairlie Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon.

If there was ever a perfect stop to make when on the road with the family, Farm Barn Café on top of Mount Michael in the heart of Mackenzie District is it.

Arthur Street Kitchen

Couple sat at a table drinking coffee at Arthur St Kitchen, South Canterbury.
Place South Canterbury Timaru Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon.

Renowned for its delicious breakfast and lunch menu, plus house-made baking and hearty salads, Arthur Street Kitchen takes pride in producing as much as possible on their premises.

Three Creeks

The three buildings of Three Creeks set in front of rolling hills.
Place South Canterbury Burkes Pass
Cafes key icon.

Part museum, part second hand and vintage store, part coffee cart and real fruit ice cream trailer – there is so much to explore at Three Creeks.

Fairlie Bakehouse

Close up of a woman holding a paper bag with 'Fairlie Bakehouse' written on it.
Place South Canterbury Fairlie
Cafes key icon.

What began as a tiny family business with a team of four thirteen years ago, has grown to be one of the best known and most awarded pie-shops in the country – Fairlie Bakehouse.