14 Cafes with the Best Views on the South Island

Listing 14 of the best cafes on the South Island of New Zealand. From a historic building on the edge of Lake Wakatipu to a cafe next to an airport where you can watch fixed wing planes take off and land whilst you sip your hot brew. These are the very best cafes on the South Island!

If you’re on a South Island roadtrip you must include these awesome Cafes on your itinerary!

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1. The Boat Shed, Frankton

Address | 847 Frankton Road, Frankton Marina

On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, just a 10-minute drive from Queenstown is the gorgeous history-rich Boat Shed. The building dates back to 1869 and was originally used as a store, over the years it fell into disrepair until 2011 when a group of volunteers began restoring it.

Personally, I live across the road from the Boat Shed and visit often for excellent coffee and brunch. They also serve lunch, or why not enjoy a beer or wine on the outside seating on a nice day.

2. Market Kitchen Cafe, Skyline Gondola, Queenstown

Easily the best views in Queenstown, high up above the town. You need to ride the famous Skyline Gondola to get here – the gondola ticket is pricey so ensure you make a day of it and go for a walk and indulge in a fun luge ride. At the Skyline’s Market Kitchen cafe ensure you take a seat outside on the balcony for the view. They serve good coffee and hot food and cakes.

3. Kinloch Lodge Cafe, Kinloch

Address | 862 Kinloch Rd, Kinloch, Glenorchy 

Located in Kinloch a 20-minute drive from Glenorchy and on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Kinloch Lodge Cafe is open for breakfast and dinner only, reservations are recommended. Excellent coffee and locally sourced produce make this a must-stop near Queenstown. 

4. Grain & Seed Cafe, Cromwell

Address | Old Cromwell Town, Melmore Terrace

A charming, locally-run cafe right by Lake Dunstan in the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. Grain & Seed Cafe serves great coffee, yummy sandwiches, and other lunch items. Take a seat by the window and look out onto the lake.

5. Water Bar, Wanaka

Address | 145 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 

On a sunny day or any day for that matter, you can’t beat the view from here. Right across the road from Lake Wanaka – Water Bar can get very busy in the evenings (especially at happy hour) due to the epic sunsets over the lake the area is blessed with. But during the day, it has a more chilled vibe. Make sure to get a seat outside. Serving pub-style food, drinks and of course coffee. 

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6. Astro Cafe, Lake Tekapo

On the summit of Mount John, you can drive up to the Cafe or walk from town the path starts from the small car park next to the ice rink in Tekapo. The walk takes about 90 minutes round-trip. At the Astro Cafe, you will be rewarded with an excellent view of Mount Cook and the other stunning scenery of the Mackenzie region.

Astro Cafe offers a wide selection of drinks and barista-made coffee. To eat there’s a range of savoury and sweet options to suit everyone. Their Saturn themed cappuccino and popular carrot cake are always a favorite amongst visitors, although nothing compares to the views on offer!

Astro Cafe is located at the summit of Ōtehīwai, Mt John. Access is from Godley Peaks Road, off State Highway 8 between Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. An $8 per car road-user fee applies (payable at the gate – cash, EFTPOS, and Alipay available). This fee contributes to the ongoing maintenance of the access road.

7. Pink Glider Cafe, Omarama

Address | 68 Airport Road, Omarama

Pink Glider Cafe is tucked away down next to the airport in Omarama. Sit outside and watch the small planes take off and land. When the planes aren’t taking off, it is gorgeously quiet. The service is super-friendly and food-wise there are lots of hot and cold selections. Great coffee too of course. 

8. Cafe Saint Clair, Saint Clair, Dunedin

Address | 1 Second Beach Road, Saint Clair 

Attached to the Salt Water pools at the edge of stunning Saint Clair beach. With gorgeous sea views, the Cafe offers light food items and coffee. Make sure to take a long stroll along Saint Clair beach after and spot the surfers and maybe even some seals if you’re lucky.

9. Point Cafe & Bar, Kaka Point

Address | 58 Esplanade, Kaka Point 

Right beside the sea in Kaka Point a little town on the Northern edge of the Catlins. The town gets a lot of tourists due to its close proximity to the famed Nugget Point Lighthouse. At the Point Cafe, they pride themselves on the freshness of their seafood, but if you don’t fancy seafood they will cater for all tastebuds. They also serve locally brewed beer from Norman MacLeod, Catlins Brewery.

10. Moeraki Boulders Cafe

Address | 7 Moeraki Boulders Rd, Palmerston 

With panoramic views from the restaurant across to the picturesque Moeraki village and down to the Moeraki Boulders. The Moeraki Boulders Cafe serves a varied selection of gourmet sandwiches and ‘New Zealand’s best’ seafood chowder. There’s also a cozy open fire for those colder days.

11. Jellyfish Cafe, Mapua

Address | Shed 1, Mapua Wharf, Nelson

A seaside Cafe right on the jetty in Mapua, the views from the Jellyfish Cafe are honestly million dollar worthy. Serving up fresh seafood and other yummy items such as burgers, gnocchi, and salad. And not forgetting excellent coffee. This place is extremely popular with locals & reservations are recommended for dinner.

12. Galley Cafe, Oamaru

Address | 1 Esplanade, Oamaru

Situated right on the water’s edge in scenic Oamaru and right next to a playground for the kids. The family-friendly Galley Cafe serves up breakfast, lunch & dinner and a cabinet filled with yummy homemade goodies if you’re after something lighter. Excellent coffee too!

13. White Rabbit Garden Cafe, Christchurch

Address | 1683 Christchurch Akaroa Road 

Serving up great coffee, baked goods, and lunch in the peaceful countryside on the way to Akaroa from Christchurch. With a lovely fireplace for those colder days. Also worth noting is White Rabbit Garden Cafe caters well for gluten-free clients. A top recommendation from other diners is to try the Salmon Eggs Benedict! This is a family-friendly Café and a great stop after a hectic day of family-friendly activities in Christchurch.

14. Sign of the Kiwi, Christchurch

Address | 2057 Summit Road, Christchurch 

High up off the main road, with an excellent view of Port Hill, Lyttleton Harbour, and the Christchurch area. The drive up is winding and steep – so keep your eyes on the road. The Sign of the Kiwi cafe is located in an old stone building, steeped in history. Serving up hot and cold drinks, baked goods as well as hot breakfast and lunch items. Ensure to take a walk on the Harry Ell walk and beyond the cafe to the top  of Sugarloaf.

Thanks for Reading!

And there you have it 14 of the very best cafes on the South Island of New Zealand – all with excellent views and brews. Tell me – did I forget anywhere from this list? I’d love to hear if I have it in the comment section below!

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Last Updated on June 8, 2024 by snaphappytravel