Maria R.'s
Best hairdressers
- 14Aart Hair DesignDunedin CentralAn award winning salon, these hairdressers have even teamed up with a prominent Dunedin modeling agency and styles all their work. A comfortable yet avant-garde atmosphere, these stylists sure know what they are doing.
- 24Vivo WestgateWestgateSpecializing in all things cutting and styling, these ladies sure know the drill when it comes to treating your hair. They also have an array of beauty treatments to make you feel your absolute best when you leave their salon.
- 31Why Not Hair & BodyNorth DunedinMore affordable, and close to the University and Polytech campus’s, Why Not is a large salon with separate areas for colouring and cutting and offers a relaxed and friendly tone with none of the awkward hairdresser/client chat.
- 42Venom Hair SalonInvercargillHair master Adrian Barclay really knows what looks good and how to keep your hair looking good. A winner or multiple awards, Venom is a real locals spot, so consider this the inside scoop!
Maria R.'s
Best butcheries
- 11Leckies ButcherySaint ClairA huge range of different kinds of meat, including organic, it is the meat lovers dream! Sausages, all cuts of beef, pork and lamb, as well as white and black puddings for the more adventurous.
- 21Deep Creek DeliDunedin CentralSpecializing in German flavours, what is not to love about the humble bratwurst? Selling mainly sausages, it is an ever popular butcher in Dunedin due to the popular and clever flavour combinations that keep people coming back.
- 31Eskricks ButcheryNorth East ValleyKnown as one of the last “real butchers” in Dunedin, things are done the old fashioned way. They cut their meat to your liking, so it is fresh, tasty and tender.
- 42Big Red's ButcheryGlengarryBig Red’s is the one stop shop for meat in Invercargill. This butcher has been around for a long time, and is well-known and utilized by those hunting loving Southlanders.
Maria R.'s
Bike Shops
- 11Cycle World - DunedinDunedin CentralThough only a year old, Cycle World has racked up a credible reputation in the Dunedin area among the biker types and now I can see why. Their staff are all handpicked, knowledgeable and all riders themselves. In a world of jacked up prices and “half-price sales” this store is fairly priced and at the same time offers a level of emphasis on service and advice.
- 21iBikeHireDunedin CentralIf you are not looking to buy, but rent a bike for the day, this is the place to go. At $35.00 a day their bikes are suitable for all ages and skills and those hiring can even book trails to ride on, or get advice from the experienced staff on which trails are best for them and their family- here’s a tip- the Otago Peninsula was voted one of the ‘Top 10 Rides in the World’- I’d just go with that!
- 31AvantiPlus - DunedinDunedin CentralDunedin’s most established and experienced bike shop. Even if you have no idea what you are looking for in a bike, these are the staff that can narrow your preferences down and find the perfect bike for you. Mountain bikes, Road bikes and BMX bikes are all stocked in this shop and the choice is overwhelming. At least they know what they are talking about!
- 42Trail JourneysAlexandraEnjoy the famous Rail Trail bike ride in Alexandra and take in the scenery, you don’t even have to own your own bike! Hire a bike at one end, and ride to your hearts content along this easy to ride path. Ride as fast or as slow as you want and soak up the beauty that is Central Otago.
- 51Bike It NowWanakaWhen you go to a town as action packed as Wanaka, bike riding is a must, Bike it Now sort you out with all the gear you need, and their knowledgeable and friendly staff will ensure your ride is comfortable and fun.
Maria R.'s
Food trucks!
- 11While not one food truck, it is many food trucks, serving up- you guessed it- oysters! As well as crayfish, paua, salmon and whitebait. These stalls create their own takes on our local produce and paired with live entertainment and non-stop wine refills, this is the place to be! Date for 2014 is the 24 May.
- 21Francesca’s PizzasWanakaIt is no secret that the populations favourite food is pizza, and this pizza hits the spot. Francesca’s can be found at most markets and wine and food festivals around Wanaka and the Lakes District region, but always with a never ending line behind it…
- 31The Dunedin Cupcake Company CaravanDunedin CentralYou will see them around on Fridays (why does everything good always happen on a Friday? End of the week, good tv, all the good food shops and trucks are open, it doesn’t seem fair!) and they will be sitting on the corner of Albany and Cumberland Streets surrounded by swarms of students hoping to get their sweet fix. The cookies and cream cupcakes are an absolute hit.
- 41Singer, Jacob & IlanaDunedin CentralThese guys sell the most incredible falafel, hummus and tabbouleh right out of a truck. Wraps and kebabs are popular meals, however you can buy everything separately too. They even sell homemade lemonade on the side- the international summer drink.
- 51La CrepeDunedin CentralA food truck dedicated to crepes and galettes. Oh lord. I need to go for a run just thinking about the sugary goodness. This delight can be found on a Friday morning on the Museum lawn by the University, or on Saturdays at the Otago Farmers Market.
Maria R.'s
Tasty Takeaways
- 11YilmazDunedin CentralGourmet pizza and kebabs. Italian AND Turkish. Well priced, amazing food. Need we say more?
- 25Zucchini BrothersDunedin CentralDelicious Italian food, dine-in or take away. The quality does not lessen with take-away like some meals, in fact it might even be better. What used to be an icon up in Dunedin’s suburbs is now in the heart of the city, and business is booming.
- 31Thai OverDunedin CentralThai food that actually takes you to Thailand with their soups and curries, stir-frys and noodle dishes, I feel like I am on Khao San road in Bangkok eating from a food cart. Real flavours and fast service make this spot a popular for takeaways.
- 43Cup & Cake QueenstownQueenstownA cupcakery in Queenstown, this little store is a haven. With many flavours to choose from such as peanut butter, red velvet, gingerbread and double chocolate, this is a huge hit with anyone visiting the town. Boxed in cute individual boxes, the fluffy buttercream icing melts in the mouth and leaves you most certainly wanting more.
Maria R.'s
Best Beaches in the lower South Island
- 11Portobello BeachPortobelloStaying on the edge of the Otago Peninsula, it feels like you are on the edge of the earth. Spectacular views of vast ocean and a little of Port Chalmers, it is a peaceful and idyllic location. Activities are plentiful, go to the aquarium with the kids or take a castle and garden tour of the historic Larnach Castle- you can even stay there if the combination of history and dazzling ocean panoramas tickle your fancy!
- 21Warrington BeachWarringtonA little further out of the city centre, a 25-minute drive will take you to the beautiful flat and wide beaches of Warrington. Beach houses are aplenty, as are locals who are full of knowledge about their hometowns. Renting a house on the beach and living quiet and free is the perfect family holiday you can even rent a boat for the day and do some fishing for dinner! Perfection.
- 31Colac BayColac BayA 1 hour drive from Invercargill along the coast and you will find this small and almost deserted feeling beach town. Go mussel diving, paddle boarding, kayaking and hiking around this beautiful area. Rent a little house across the road from the beach and enjoy a barbeque and a beer every night while watching the sunset.
- 43St Clair BeachSt ClairThere is nothing better than staying on the beach and enjoying (both watching and partaking) in surfing- for competition and pleasure. With an abundance of restaurants and cafés close-by, as well as multiple walking tracks along the beach, you cannot go wrong with this popular tourist destination.
- 52St Kilda BeachSt KildaThis family friendly beach located south of Dunedin is popular with locals and visitors. Great for swimming and riding a horse down the sandy dunes