One of the Locals: Your Insider's Guide to Central Otago

Alice and Marie, owners of this delightfully rustic cafe in Omakau, have married the flavours of their French heritage with Central Otago, resulting in some seriously delicious food and warm hospitality. During the day, the menu, cabinet and countertop offers a selection of homemade goods, from buttery pain au raisins and seasonal cakes to vibrant soups and fresh salads. Passionate about getting the community together, Alice and Marie have also introduced pizza nights on the weekend and often host “French Nights” where a communal table is laden with dishes from various regions of France.

Starting out in 2012 and now in hot cabinets all over the South Island, Sanga’s Pies’ fame hasn’t gotten in the way of their strong local following. While they deliver thousands of handcrafted pies to a longlist of suppliers each week, there’s something special about enjoying one of these flakey, golden treats straight from the source. Head to the HQ bakery tucked away on Chardonnay Street and join the queue of tradies, book club groups, and young families waiting for their Baby Boomer (mince pie), Country Classic (chicken, corn and bacon), Hey Dahl (vegetarian dahl curry) or one of several other flavours.

First established in the 1860s, five generations of Jacksons have been responsible for growing some of the country’s finest stone fruit. Since then, the orchard has continued to flourish into a beloved supermarket alternative for the Cromwell community, offering quality produce all year round. The expansive store is packed with fresh orchard fruits, as well as seasonal vegetables, baked goods, flowers, and local pantry staples. Visitors can now also enjoy sweet or savoury treats from She Bakes, fresh lunch options from Kitchen Window, and even locals can’t say no to a real fruit ice cream from the truck outside.

Sitting on the edge of an enchanting pine forest along Bannockburn Road, Forage & Gold has created the sweetest home for their jars of locally made honey. Open seven days a week, the roadside honey shed invites passersby to pull over, pick up a jar of liquid gold, and pay digitally. Choose from five delicious flavours: Clover, Thyme, Mānuka, Vipers Bugloss or Kamahi, each harvested using non-invasive methods that let free-range bees forage happily from wild Otago plants. Once you've licked the jar clean, peel off the label, give the jar a wash, and return it to the shed, in person or by post.

There’s always a buzz at Industry Lane, and the near-empty cabinet by day’s end says it all, locals love this place. Conveniently located just off the Otago Central Rail Trail, the cafe is full of personality, with sunshine-yellow walls, leafy plants, and plenty of cosy nooks to settle into. The cabinet is a daily highlight, packed with cheesy croissants, pulled pork bagels, fresh salads, and picture-perfect sweet treats like lamingtons and loaded donuts. Add in a hearty brunch menu, great coffee, and the option of a cheeky mimosa, and it’s easy to see why it attracts regulars.

On Alexandra’s main drag, Wanderlust Books is a treasure trove for book lovers, offering an eclectic mix of secondhand, rare, and collectible titles from every genre and era. Opened by Canadian-born Tim in 2008, the shop is kept well-stocked through local donations, traveller swaps, and Tim’s own literary hunts. With charming schist stone walls, vintage lanterns, and a hidden staircase leading to a world of fiction and poetry, it’s a place where readers from near and far can truly escape and explore.

Open from 6.30am, Three Peaks Coffee in Clyde is a go-to for early risers and coffee lovers who need a little longer to slumber, of course. Run by Charlotte and Blair, Three Peaks serves up a quality brew using Grid Coffee beans, alongside hot pies from Gloria Bakery, and irresistible house-made pastries, including double-baked croissants and pillowy donuts with indulgent toppings. Housed in a former butcher shop, the cafe blends heritage details with warm modern touches, making it perfect for a quick caffeine fix on the way to work or a quiet moment with mountain views.

Known as Clyde’s unofficial pub, Paulina’s Bar is a laid-back, no-frills spot where locals and visitors feel right at home. Open every day, it’s alive with weekly quiz nights, weekend live music, and big-screen sports that draw a lively crowd. With comfy leather armchairs inside and sunny picnic tables outside, it suits every season and every gathering, from quick pints to relaxed group dinners. Just next door to Clyde Cinema, it’s also the perfect place to grab a drink and snack before a film.

Owned by cousins Rae and Jo, Floral & Feast has added much cheer to Ranfurly with its great coffee and homemade treats. Hungry locals, cyclists and roadtrippers all make a beeline for the cabinet here, which is generously stocked with hearty brekky burritos, homemade pies, the signature Ranfurly McMuffin (get in quick), and sweet baked goods. In a small corner of the café, you’ll also find a small shop showcasing unique local products, from ceramics to cosy merino.

Tania and Ross launched Lohi Linen in 2024, establishing a unique destination that celebrates Central Otago makers and embraces a slow-fashion approach. The store offers a diverse range of clothing (new and pre-loved), homeware, art, and handcrafted treasures from over 20 Central Otago creators. Tania’s brand, Lohi Linen, is also on display, and visitors can spot her working in the open studio space. Recently, Tania and Ross introduced a wine bar offering, much to the delight of visitors looking for somewhere to relax after a spot of shopping.

Feinerman’s brings a thoughtfully curated grocery and lifestyle experience to Roxburgh, blending small-town charm with big-city quality. Opened by Sally and Carl Feinerman in a lovingly restored 1887 building, the store offers whole foods, health products, and beautiful homewares, all displayed on custom shelving built by Carl. You’ll find everything from organic pantry staples and Central Otago honey to natural skincare, refill stations, and recipe books.

Located within Naseby’s magical surroundings, Phil Flanagan has transformed a set of historic 1865 stables into a character-filled gallery, complete with a seasonal cinema experience. Inside the gallery, Phil’s own stunning landscape photography hangs alongside vibrant paintings by Jenny Chisholm, all set against original hardwood floors and stained glass windows. Through the next room, Phil has also set up a cute movie theatre filled with thrifted armchairs, where he hosts free screenings during the busier months, a relaxed, feel-good night out the whole family will love.

Where do you think you’re going? A visit to Naseby isn’t complete without a stop at the Royal Hotel, one of the oldest pubs in Aotearoa, with more than 150 years under its belt. Step inside and you’ll find walls lined with black and white photos telling the story of its long-standing past. A favourite among regulars, pro curlers fresh from the rink at Maniototo Adventure Park, and out-of-towners, it’s a welcoming spot for a cold pint, a glass of local wine, or a Lammermoor gin or whisky. The menu offers elevated pub classics, plus all the essentials i.e. a solid bowl of fries.