Maria R.'s
To market ...
- 13Oamaru Farmers MarketOamaruHeld every Sunday in the beautiful Loan and Merc building during winter and outside by the harbour in the Summer, expect to find quality produce on offer at the Oamaru Farmers Market
- 26Otago Farmers MarketDunedin CentralEvery Saturday morning, rain or shine, this iconic Dunedin market hustles and bustles with locals and tourists in search of the best produce the region of Otago has to offer. Located in the historic precinct of Dunedin, these are markets you don’t want to miss.
- 31Market22Dunedin CentralA fairly new concept, however an incredible experience. Held on Vogel Street, this market features local emerging artists and designers in the area; including fashion, art, textiles and jewelry. If you are sick of the standard farmers market, this cultured market is perfect!
- 41Stadium MarketDunedin CentralThe Stadium Market is held in Dunedin’s brand spanking new Forsyth Barr and is run by the local Rotary Club. It features food, clothing and crafts, with the benefit of live music while you stroll. The gold coin donation it costs to get in is definitely worth it to step foot on these iconic grounds.
- 53Southern Farmers MarketInvercargillQuite possibly the most southern farmers market in the world, the Southland Farmers Market, located at Southland Boys High School, is a great market to pick up quality produce and artisan produce from local suppliers.
Maria R.'s
Organic cafes & restaurants
- 15Taste NatureDunedin CentralAround since 1992, this organic café and store is the vegetarian, vegan’s and organic guru’s dream. Fresh coffee, salads, sandwiches, along with a vast selection of dried foods, nuts and herbs and spices. It is a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with attentive and knowledgeable staff. Located in the hub of Dunedin’s hotels it is a place all must experience (even if it is just a stop-in on the way to the Casino).
- 21The Good EarthNorth DunedinEvery ‘alty’ (alternative) University student’s haven. Getting away from the usual crowds that swamp the usual cafes on campus, these kids are the ones who order a triple shot skim chai latte with a slice of organic lemon square. The regular flat white has become a thing of the past, and we are all the better for it.
- 37Circadian RhythmDunedin CentralSpecializing in all-organic Indian curries, this hidden gem is vegan-friendly. Their vegetarian lasagna is a personal favourite and you can’t leave without feeling good. They even have a live jazz band to play while you eat!
- 48Riverstone KitchenOamaruOnly local and seasonal produce is used here to create the most delicious and fresh meals. The menu is simple and small and once you’ve finished your meal, take a stroll amongst the veggie garden, peacocks and chickens.
- 52Wanaka is notorious for its vast amount of cafés in such a small space, and it only makes sense that at least one of these places is all organic. Interested in keeping our country clean, green and beautiful, the owners of Soulfood use 100% all natural products to make deliciously popular food, with the option of dairy and gluten-free food as well. Unfortunately there is no lake views but there is a sunny little courtyard to soak up the sun in.
Maria R.'s
The best Mexican food. Enough said.
- 11That Mexican GuyRiccartonA collaborative venture between a group of friends lamenting the lack of cheap, tasty Mexican food around town, they are serving up their own take on the South American cuisine, which they describe as “enthusiastically inauthentic.” This Mexican street-style food is cheap and cheerful, with generous servings, and vegetarian and gluten free options to boot.
- 21MexicaChristchurch CentralTwo passionate Mexicans and one outdoor kitchen at the Pallet Pavilion, makes Mexica a unique and ‘authentic’ hang out
- 36Mexicano'sChristchurch CentralThe newest kid on the block, Mexicano’s is the ‘fine dining’ Mexican food experience in Christchurch
- 49Nicola's CantinaNelsonStreet food is an up-and-coming revolution in New Zealand, and Nelson is no different. Try Nicola’s Cantina for Mexican street food such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Expect nice desserts and coffee too.
Maria R.'s
Brilliant Bakeries ...
- 12Le Panier BoulangerieMerivaleLe Panier is our favourite place for delicious baguettes, croissant, pain au raisin, pain au chocolat and other such doughy delights
- 21Breads of EuropeWoolstonArtisan bread produced by hand in Christchurch. Pick up Danish pastries, pretzels and cheese sticks with your daily loaf
- 32Vic's Cafe and BakehouseFerrymeadTucked away on a side street, Vic’s Bakehouse is a favourite spot for Ferrymead locals
- 43Purveyors of delicious handcrafted artisan breads, pastries and chocolates. On of our favourite places in Nelson for its friendly atmosphere and love for all things European. Good organic Fairtrade coffee too!
- 55Stone Oven BakeryHokitikaRevell Street in Hokitika is a buzzing part of the town. Home to a great pizza joint, a new cafe, pubs and a cheese shop, Stone Oven Bakery tops it off nicely. It offers a great opportunity to pick up a loaf of bread to enjoy on the beach, one street over.
Maria R.'s
Where to go when your hot date is a vegan/vegetarian
- 17Hikari SushiDunedin CentralAn ethnic spin on dine-in and takeaway meals. Not all strictly vegetarian but very vegetarian friendly, with around 50% of the meals being vegetarian themselves, and 80% offering a vegetarian option. You can never go wrong with a perfectly ripe avocado and mango roll of rainbow sushi
- 29Modaks EspressoDunedin CentralAgain, not a fully vegetarian café, but a very popular café for the vego lovers. Vegetarian pizza is a regular hit among patrons, as is the vegetarian nachos (served with beans, as opposed to meat- delish!). A hangout for all walks of life, this café should just hurry up and become all vego, because that’s all anyone orders
- 37Circadian RhythmDunedin CentralThis beaut restaurant and café has already been mentioned in the organic section, and for good reason! Vegetarian and vegan friendly, Circadian boasts a vegetarian buffet, a juice-bar and an in-house bakery. Their extended menu offers vegan dishes and is inexpensive. A great place for the vegetarian wanting to meet and eat with fellow vegetarians
- 45Taste NatureDunedin CentralAn eating and shopping establishment on a quiet Dunedin street, Taste Nature is well known for its commitment to organic food and sustainable living.
Maria R.'s
Where to find second hand clothing in Dunedin
- 12CollectiblesDunedin CentralNot strictly a vintage shop, this is a pre-loved designer boutique offering you some of the world and country’s top brands at a fraction of the price. Hello cheap handbags!
- 24Shop on CarollDunedin CentralAcross the road from Purple Rain, this vintage store focuses more on the accessories side of things. Necklaces, handbags and earrings go on as far as the eye can see (well, until the end of the store). A little more expensive, but hey, its vintage
- 31The Preservation SocietyDunedin CentralA bright and cheery vintage shop, The Preservation Society is teeming with cool threads and glam dresses from the 1920s through to the 1950s (with a few pieces from the next three decades thrown in).
- 41Box of BirdsBayswaterWith such a cute name you’d expect an equally cute store. Well, you’re in luck! A Port Chalmers gem, Box of Birds is a retro store selling great vintage clothing and Kiwiana kitsch to locals, Dunedin visitors and cruise-goers (it is based in a port, after all).