Burkes Pass is another place worth to make a stop for coffee and photo-taking. It’s located between Lake Tekapo and Fairlie. Burkes Pass is a tiny historic village nestled at the foot of the pass, well known by Maori as Te Kopi Opihi, and discovered by Europeans in 1855 as a route leading into the vast Mackenzie region.
The village was the last outpost of civilization in those days and has remained relatively unchanged since. The early pioneers, who came to graze their sheep in this area, built a tiny wooden church, opened in 1872, now the oldest union church in New Zealand.
Fairlie
After visit Burkes Pass, we stop at Farm Barn Cafe in Fairlie for coffee and cakes. Fairlie is small town located 30 km from Burkes Pass. It’s worth to make a short break here. The drive from Burkes Pass only took about 20 min.
The Farm Barn Cafe is located in the most spectacular part of New Zealand. On the corner of the Geraldine – Fairlie Highway (Hwy 79) overlooking the beautiful Mackenzie Country. Beautiful location, excellent interiors, wonderful staff and great coffee. The food in the menu are also looked great however I didn’t try it out. There’s a wide variety of slices of cake, cookies. and coffee. We had coffee and cakes, very tasty and nice.
They have a unique location where you can see the valley both from the front as well as the backyard. The owner very friendly and welcoming. She let us petting the animals at the backyard. There are also has some kind of kids playground in the back yard too. My kid loves playing at the backyard and petting the animals.
Geraldine
We had lunch at very beautiful cafe in Geraldine after coffee break from Fairlie. This pretty country town with an artistic streak is located about 38 km from Fairlie town, only 30 min away. They have the variety of boutique shops offering unique art, crafts and gift-ware. Definitely worth to buy some souvenirs around here. Walking around to this small town very pleasant, the people are very friendly and helpful.
Cafe Verde was one of the best restaurant & cafe in NZ. This cafe set among a pretty rose-filled garden and apple trees. Ample seating both indoors and outdoors. Delicious food, very fresh, healthy and special. We had Baked Salmon, so fresh and delicious you should try this menu if you visit this cafe. Very friendly staff and quick responds. You shouldn’t miss this place!
There are few gift shops you can stop by and purchase some locally made NZ product and souvenirs. Barker’s of Geraldine sells delicious NZ made condiments. They offer free samples of many products so you can try before you buy. Amazing selection of jams, chutneys, and sauces on the racks. We had fun time picking out and trying flavours. Excellent service, friendly staff and good price.
Next to Barker’s, there are 2 souvenirs shop you can check out too. My favourite was “Just One Wish” gift shop, super friendly and helpful staff. Absolutely incredible and very different range of gift ideas. You can find exactly what you need without even knowing what you need before you get there. Quirky, gorgeous and great prices. You may also check out another shop just next to it.
Although Geraldine is just a small country town, but you can get almost everything you need. I even got buy new memory card for my camera in Pharmacy store!. Locals there were so friendly, you can ask them if you need any help on recommendation around Geraldine.
That’s it for quick visit to Burkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine. If you come to South NZ, it’s really worth to pay a visit to these 3 places.
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