Food and drink adventures on the West Coast
No matter where you go in the West Coast region, you won't be far from a tasty treat. There are local restaurants, pubs and bars ready to keep your engines stoked for optimal exploring. On days when you're clocking up the kilometres, you'll find hearty eating that hits the spot. And when you're dallying in small historic towns, you'll find character-rich cafés. In the region, there are also brewers and distillers ready to introduce you to unique beverage products.
During a distillery and tasting session, you can find out about the legendary 'Little Biddy'. A diminutive lady prospector who smoked a pipe and worked like a man double her size.
The West Coast's best sandwiches
Sandwich is an understatement when you see the masterpieces created by the Hokitika Sandwich Company. In the peak season, when there are more travellers about, queues have been known to go out the door and down the street.
Once you take a bite of the fresh New York-style ciabatta sandwich you can see how this place has a cult following. The bread's made locally, and it's bulging with delectable fillings. All the sandwich ingredients are sourced from New Zealand's best suppliers. Right down to the tangy sauerkraut, mortadella salami and provolone cheese. This place is well-known for milkshakes made with Lewis Road Creamery ice cream, smoothies and Fairtrade coffee too. The Hokitika Sandwich Company received New Zealand's 'best toastie' award.
Other top Hokitika restaurants include Fat Pipi Pizza, Kitchen, Woodstock Hotel and Stumpers Bar and Café.
A distillation of happiness
The charming historic town of Reefton has is popular among travellers who want to imagine the gold rush days. You can rummage through antique shops and investigate colonial buildings, some of which date back to the 1870s. And there's an extra reason to visit Reefton - locally made artisan gin, fruit liqueur and whiskey. The Reefton Distilling Company fits right in with this town's historic vibe. They describe themselves as 'crafters of untamed spirits'.
During a Reefton distillery and tasting session, you can hear about the legendary 'Little Biddy'. A diminutive lady prospector who smoked a pipe and worked like a man twice her size. You might also meet the MacKay twins, the botanical prospectors. They forage for the distilling company's unique flavourings in lush rainforests nearby. Out the front, the distillery's distinctive Model A Ford tells you that you've come to the right place.
Lakeside deliciousness
Beautiful Lake Brunner is a glorious location for walking and trout fishing. It's a great food destination, thanks to the Kingfisher Restaurant and Bar. Located in the original Lake Brunner Hotel, the Kingfisher gets great reviews. It caters for casual alfresco eating during the day and relaxed ala carte dining at night. You can also pick up takeaway food here, then wander along one of the nearby trails to find the perfect picnic spot.
Hearty hospitality after hiking and biking
North from Hokitika, around Seddonville and Karamea, you can hike up a frenzy during the day. Then you can recover with a hearty down-home meal at night. If you're not into the hiking part, go straight for the restaurants and give your eyes a workout looking at the menu.
Rough and Tumble Lodge at the western end of the Old Ghost Road runs a café during the day. Here everything's homemade or locally produced. For those sleeping at the lodge, every suite comes with views of the virgin native rainforest and the Glasgow Range. If you're staying, a substantial two-course meal in the river-view dining room will be one of the highlights of your day. If it's autumn, spring or winter, there'll be a roaring open fire for rustic ambience.
Karamea is the gateway to walks in the Oparara Basin and Kahurangi National Park. The Last Resort makes a great start and finish to your daytime forays into the wilderness. There's a choice of accommodation styles here. From backpacker rooms to self-contained cottages, as well as a café, restaurant and bar.
Glacier towns for a warm welcome
Franz Josef is the name of both a glacier and a town. The glacier offers incredible on-ice experiences. These include guided heli-hikes, glacier valley walks, ice climbs and scenic flights. The town has a range of accommodation options and some excellent places to eat.
Monsoon Bar and Restaurant is one of Franz Josef's best options for a food experience. It's compatible with the grandeur of the glacier. Located within Rainforest Retreat, it features a welcoming open fire and a large semi-alfresco space. It's perfect for casual dining and the log-cabin is complemented by a menu full of favourites. There is sticky Asian pork belly, wrap-your-own tortillas, gourmet pizzas and burgers, lamb shanks and much more.
South from Franz Josef is Fox Glacier, another immense river of ice for glacial adventures. Fox Glacier township has several much-loved eateries. Places like Matheson Café, Betsey Jane eatery & bar, and Café Neve are favourites.
A food festival that celebrates the wilderness
Hokitika's legendary Wildfoods Festival happens every year in early March. If you can fit this into your South Island itinerary, do it! This food event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's where you can try dishes that are at the extreme end of unique. How about some wasp larvae ice cream or grilled huhu grub? Chocolate worm truffles, colostrum shots or a glass of gorse flower wine? Who knows what will be on offer next time around. A Feral Fashion competition is another aspect of this wild food festival. Your unexpected eats come with a side dish of outrageous visual entertainment.