ARE YOU GETTING ON YOUR BIKE THIS SUMMER?
Image via otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz
There’s a myriad of cycle trails winding their way through New Zealand and we think a cycling tour is a great way to explore our beautiful country. Just because you’re on a bike doesn’t mean you cannot dine in style, so we’ve put together our top picks for you to check out while on your cycling adventure. We think it’s well worth planning to take a break at these eateries and recharging with some fabulous beef and lamb cuisine!
Bistro at The Falls Retreat, Karangahake Gorge, Waihi
The Hauraki Rail Trail in the North Island has a range of trails to enjoy and we think one of the best kept secrets of this rail trail is on the section which winds its way through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge. This is where you will find chef and owner Brad King and his family hard at work running their beautiful restaurant and boutique accommodation, Bistro at The Falls Retreat. Brad and his team take great pride in using fresh produce right out of their garden to create their award-winning cuisine. So whether it’s a relaxing platter for lunch under the shady fig tree or a delicious pizza fresh from their outdoor oven you will be well recharged to hop back on your bike. Check out their website for accommodation options too - fallsretreat.co.nz
Panorama Room at The Hermitage Hotel, Mt. Cook
This is a great place to start the South Island’s Alps to Ocean trail and indulging in a night or two at the Hermitage will set you up well for the journey ahead. Don’t forget to dine in the Hotel’s Panorama Room and enjoy the stunning views along with some delicious Canterbury eye fillet or lamb backstrap to get the energy levels up! hermitage.co.nz
Poppies, Twizel
We think this funky café in Twizel is the perfect stopping place for refreshments along the Alps to Ocean trail. Whether you’re a big cycling group or just need a table for two, Poppies can cater to your needs and send you on your way fully refreshed for the next leg of cycling. We love the sound of their roasted lamb rack with mushy peas – such a classic combo! poppies.co.nz
Cucina, Oamaru
By the time you have reached the end of the Alps to Ocean you will find yourself in the quaint and historic town of Oamaru. We recommend a meal at Cucina as a well deserving treat to celebrate with your cycling buddies! Check out their 500g Flintstone steak where chef Pablo will cook it just to your liking! Cucina.co.nz
Olivers in Clyde
If the wide-open skies and distinctive landscape of Central Otago are beckoning you, then Clyde is a great place to begin the Central Otago Rail trail – New Zealand’s original great ride. Olivers is an iconic landmark, originally named the Victoria Store which provided provisions to the goldminers who came to seek their fortune. The complex includes award-winning Olivers Restaurant, a café bakery and deli and the Victoria Store Brewery. So if you are after provisions for your trip, a hearty breakfast before you hop on your bike or a relaxing meal the night before you begin the trail, check out olivers.co.nz
Pitches Store in Ophir
It’s worth stopping a while in the tiny town of Ophir to explore and enjoy their hospitality. They are well set up for cyclists and our top pick would be a night’s accommodation and dinner at the beautifully restored Pitches Store. Every detail of this Central Otago accommodation reflects contemporary luxury, tastefully combined with hints of its unique 130-year history. The restaurant also reflects the history of the building matched with some new design elements and a menu of locally inspired cuisine. For something a little different check out their beef carpaccio with a glass of local pinot noir! Pitches-store.co.nz
Happy pedalling!