Portals of inspiration

Unique businesses to visit this summer

By Michaela Pointon

There are many great places to explore around the country, including our breathtakingly beautiful outdoor environment in Aotearoa.

Here are some unique businesses to check out on your summer roadie across the country. From cherry picking down South, to cheese Delis up North, to mosaic cafes and boutique lolly shops, this list has everything you need to discover this summer.

L’Arte Cafe and Gallery

Visit the unique Mosaic Cafe and Gallery in Tauo to see ceramic artist Judi Brennan’s creative designs made in clay and pottery. Owner of L’Arte Cafe, Jo Brennan says, “Mum started clay when I was a kid. I used to follow her around at shows on the weekends”. L’Arte is a sought-after local cafe and art gallery. “We produce all our own ceramic items on site,” says Jo. Outside there is the stunning mosaic lounge room where you can sit and eat lunch, or take photos with the kids. “There’s so much outdoor area, plus it’s away from the hustle and bustle of town,” says Jo. Make sure to stop at L’Arte to grab a coffee shop, visit their gallery and see the mosaic creations. Address: 255 Mapara Road, Taupo To find out more: larte.co.nz

Cheeki Cherries

Based in Cromwell, Cheeki Cherries give you a premium ‘pick your own’ cherry picking experience. Owner of Cheeki Cherries, Martin Milne says, “We have 22 varieties of cherries and over 2000 trees to pick from”. They open in late November and the cherry season runs through until early February. “We’re family oriented. It’s one of the cheaper things to do as a family. “You can have a picnic under the trees and take a bottle of wine and enjoy the sunshine,” says Martin. He says his cherry is the Kordia, which is a dark cherry with a long stalk and is heart shaped. “It’s a very sexy looking cherry,” jokes Martin. Everyone will go home with a cheeky smile on their face after a day at the orchard. Spend a day in the sun picking this delightful stone fruit for an enjoyable experience to remember. Address: 216 Ripponvale Road, Cromwell. To find out more: cheekicherries.co.nz

The Cheese Barn

The Cheese Barn is located in Matatoki and has been operating for nearly 25 years. Owned and operated by Cathy and Kelvin Haigh, The Cheese Barn is a must-visit to explore their wide range of delicacies. From imported cheese, chutneys, salamis, fruit pastes, and crackers, you’ll find the most luxurious types of deli foods at The Cheese Barn. “It’s an everything factory, we’re a cheese shop and a whole lot of other things!” says Cathy. The business is also certified organic, which ensures only the best quality ingredients have been used. Cheese maker Kelvin, creates all products by hand. He has been in the dairy industry for many years from milking cows, studying science and working on farms. The Cheese Barn is a BYO cafe. “Make sure to bring your favourite wine and have a cheese board in the sun,” says Cathy. “We have a lovely outdoor area with trees to sit under. There’s also animals for children to feed.” The Cheese Barn is open seven days a week and it’s the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy during the summer period. Address: 4 Wainui Road, Matatoki To find out more: thecheesebarn.co.nz

The artwork is imported from primitive rural areas in Africa. “A lot of people enjoy our story. We give them a voice and provide a very good income.” Visiting Birdwoods is the perfect summer afternoon activity, or to stop by with friends. “There is an ice cream shop, a beautiful garden and a duck pond. People sit in the sunshine and enjoy the food from our restaurant.” Make sure to stop by at Birdwoods to see life sized elephants, hippopotamuses and Giraffes crafted from metal. Locations in Havelock North, Auckland and Arrowtown. Address: 298 Middle Road, Havelock North To find out more: birdwoods.co.nz

Photo supplied by L’Arte. Photo supplied by The Cheese Barn.

Birdwoods

Enjoy the experience of an old-fashioned vintage sweet shop and take a moment back in time at Birdwoods Sweet Shop. After you have filled a bag with sweets, make sure to visit next door at the Birdwoods Art Gallery. The gallery celebrates traditional African artworks from artists in Zimbabwe. Co-director Jack Stobart says, “My parents Louise and Bruce, started Birdwoods in 1991 when they lived in Zimbabwe. My mum made metal birds from old oil drums.” When the family moved to New Zealand in 2004, they brought Birdwoods with them. “It started as a small, local group of African artists who we represented in the gallery. “It slowly grew before adding a cafe and garden. Once it kept growing, we added the traditional English sweet shop,” says Jack.

Photo supplied by Birdwoods.