Merino Country Cafe Gifts - Omarama

This was my first fish and chips experience, but I’ve loved blue cod since being in NZ and I thought the blue cod fish and chips was amazing. I honestly couldn’t believe how good it was. Don’t know if that’s because I’m new to the dish or not, but I thought theirs was so good! Still thinking about it.

Can only comment on the coffee as that's all we had. It was a necessary break stop on the way back to Christchurch Airport have to say the flat white was surprisingly good for a self serve road stop eatery. After coffee we enjoyed browsing the adjoining gift shop. Great choice for a rest stop.

Good to see they had some non-cow pies. I was really hungry and craving a pie so I coughed up $9 for a chicken and mushroom pie. For that price, the most expensive hot pie I have ever purchased, and I would expect it to be the greatest pie I have ever eaten, even better than the $6.50 amazing Fairlie pie I had the prior day. But it didn’t compare in terms of taste and texture, and the bottom wasn’t crispy. Would have been more appropriate if the price was under $6.50.

The inside cafe open by very lovely Chinese couples, very tasty food and coffee

Stopped by for lunch and found the space in doors to be open and spacious. Lunch was a mix of cabinet food with a limited menu selection. The retail area is good with a great selection. Worthwhile stopping to have a look.