Fresh from Murihiku

3-Day Spring Culinary Itinerary

Welcome to a taste of Southland in spring, where the paddocks are fresh with new growth, lambs dot the hillsides, and roadside stalls brim with early berries and crisp greens. Over three days, you’ll travel from Invercargill’s vibrant cafés to Riverton’s coastal charm and on through farmland towns to the alpine buzz of Queenstown. Along the way, you’ll sample seasonal dishes, meet passionate local producers, and experience the warmth of southern hospitality, all against a backdrop of blooming gardens, long golden evenings, and fresh spring air.

Day 1 - Invercargill

Invercargill – Fresh Beginnings

Morning

Welcome the Southland spring with a bright and flavourful start at The Black Shag Café in Invercargill. This local favourite is known for its creative, seasonal dishes and warm, welcoming vibe. Try their spring special—perhaps a dish featuring asparagus, new potatoes, or fresh herbs—or stick with a classic like their hearty cooked breakfast or house-made granola with fresh strawberries and coconut yoghurt.

If you're in Invercargill on a Sunday, head to the Invercargill Farmers Market (open Sundays), where the stalls are bursting with the colours and scents of spring. Browse crisp asparagus, tender broad beans, sweet strawberries, and artisan goods from local producers. It's the perfect place to connect with the region's growers and gather a few treats for the road.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon wandering through Queens Park, where spring is in full bloom. The Japanese garden is especially beautiful this time of year, with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery creating a peaceful escape. Say hello to Henry the tuatara, explore the aviary, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk through the rose gardens and native bush trails.

For lunch, head to The Grille at Transport World, where the menu celebrates Southland's seasonal bounty. Enjoy a spring lamb salad, whitebait fritters, or a Stewart Island salmon dish paired with a crisp local wine. After your meal, take time to explore Bill Richardson Transport World—a surprisingly fascinating collection of vintage vehicles, art, and design that's sure to impress even non-motorheads.

Evening

As the sun sets, make your way to Emberz at The Ascot for a dinner that showcases the best of the season. Their spring menu might feature grilled lamb with mint and broad bean purée, asparagus risotto, or a venison dish with berry jus. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

End your day with a restful stay at one of Invercargill's standout accommodations. Whether you choose the modern elegance of The Langlands, the boutique comfort of The Lodges at Transport World, or the character-filled charm of The Church 1914, you'll be well-rested for the journey ahead.

Day 2 - Western Southland

Riverton – Coastal Flavours & Foraged Finds

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely drive west to Aparima Riverton, one of New Zealand's oldest seaside settlements (around 40 minutes from Invercargill). With its rugged coastline, creative community, and laid-back charm, it’s the perfect place to soak up the spring air.

Tuck into breakfast at The Crib Café, a local favourite with views across the bay. Their menu champions wholesome, seasonal fare—perhaps try the smoked fish hash with lemon crème fraîche, or a plate of poached eggs on sourdough with spring greens and house-made relish.

After breakfast, join a guided foraging walk (bookings recommended) to explore the edible bounty of the coastline. You’ll learn to identify native herbs, sea spinach, and edible seaweeds, and hear stories of how Māori and early settlers used these ingredients in their cooking. It’s a hands-on, earthy experience that connects you to the land and sea in a uniquely Southland way.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to the Beachhouse Restaurant, perched above the water with sweeping views of the bay. Their menu is a celebration of local produce—think freshly caught blue cod, foraged greens, and house-made pickles. Pair your meal with a glass of Otago white wine or a locally brewed kombucha.

Afterwards, take a stroll along Howell’s Point or the Riverton Rocks. The spring light glints off the water, and wildflowers line the walking tracks. If you’re keen to learn more about the area’s rich history, pop into Te Hikoi Southern Journey Museum—a small but beautifully curated space that tells the story of Southland’s people and place.
From October to April, you can join Robert or Robyn Guyton for a guided tour through their 30-year-old forest garden in the heart of Riverton. In spring, the garden bursts to life with fresh growth, blossoms, and the buzz of pollinators, showcasing how a forest garden naturally renews itself each season. This self-sustaining system uses careful design to nurture a wide variety of edible plants, all thriving together with minimal input.

Evening

After a day of exploring Aparima’s charming cafés and coastal gems, round things off with a classic Southland tradition: fresh fish and chips wrapped in paper, enjoyed right on the beach. With the spring sun hanging low and golden, and the air salty-sweet with the scent of the sea, park yourself on a piece of driftwood and soak in the slow roll of the waves.
Stay the night in one of Riverton’s cosy seaside cribs or boutique stays.
In spring, the town has a lightness to it, with daffodils nodding in roadside gardens, tūī calling from the treetops, and a quiet, relaxed energy that invites you to slow down. With a belly full of local kai and the promise of another Southland sunrise, there’s no better way to end your spring day by the sea.

Day 3 - Central & Northern Southland

Breads, Brews & Views

Morning

Start your morning with a relaxed breakfast at The Batch, celebrated for its award-winning coffee and irresistible cabinet treats. Don't miss their cheese and bacon scone, get it as "The Works" (trust us!), alongside a lemon blueberry slice or a crunchy nut cluster for a sweet send-off before you leave the city behind. As you drive inland through wide open farmland and spring-green paddocks dotted with lambs, stop in Winton for a mid-morning browse. If it's a Saturday, check if their monthly community market is set up, as spring is a great time for new-season produce like asparagus, early strawberries, and fresh herbs.

Afternoon

By lunchtime, you'll roll into Lumsden, and trust us, your taste buds are in for a treat. Roasted x Toasted has turned the humble toastie into something truly crave-worthy. Think golden, crunchy bread filled with oozy cheese, locally sourced meats, and house-made chutneys that add just the right zing. It's comfort food done right, with a Southland twist. Pair it with a cup of their own Roar Coffee, roasted in-house and brewed to perfection, for a pick-me-up that'll fuel the rest of your road trip.

After lunch, head towards Garston for a treat at The Coffee Bomb. This quirky little caravan café is a Southland favourite, serving excellent coffees, burgers, and sweet slices, many of which are gluten-free. It's a great little springtime pit stop with rural charm and mountain views.

Evening

Continue your journey to Queenstown, where the landscape opens into dramatic alpine vistas. As you arrive in the early evening, the lake shimmers in the soft light and the town buzzes with spring energy. Settle in, take a lakeside stroll, or book a table at one of Queenstown's many celebrated restaurants, where seasonal produce and Central Otago wines are always on the menu. After a day of small-town gems and spring treats, it's the perfect spot to unwind.