Located on the corner as you enter Conway Lane, the gateway to Rangiora’s main shopping precinct, Fools of Desire is a vibrant café serving up a fresh, healthy menu with plenty of nourishing options. With its buzzing atmosphere and creative dishes, it’s the perfect stop before wandering through boutique shops or heading out of town to explore Rangiora’s beautiful gardens.
Blooms & Bites
Visiting Waimakariri’s gardens is more than just a walk among flowers, it’s an experience to be savoured. Pair your visit with a stop at a nearby café or eatery, whether you’re bringing along a companion, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a moment of serenity for yourself. With great food and beautiful gardens so close together, it’s the perfect way to slow down and make a day of it.
Rangiora
Discover the perfect pairing of food and flowers in Rangiora. Before or after exploring the local gardens, treat yourself to one of the town’s many welcoming eateries, offering everything from cosy cafés to delicious dining spots. Rangiora is also the closest hub to the beautiful Willoughbridge Gardens and the vibrant blooms of Birch Hill Flower Farm – making it an ideal base to enjoy both great tastes and stunning gardens in one outing.
Fools of Desire
Fresca
For a true taste of the Mediterranean, step into Fresca, an Italian restaurant and grocer opposite Fools of Desire in Conway Lane. From handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas, it’s a delicious detour that brings Italy to Rangiora. Stock up on treats for a picnic or linger over a meal before heading out to enjoy the region’s picturesque gardens, the perfect pairing of flavour and fresh air.
Crema
As you wander down Conway Lane and onto Rangiora’s High Street, take time to explore the boutique shops before stopping in at Crema, a cosy café in the heart of town known for its quality brews and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to pause and recharge before heading out to explore some of the region’s stunning gardens. A day of shopping, coffee, and gardens, the ultimate Rangiora experience.
Artisan
Just 500m east of town on Rangiora’s main street, follow the scent of freshly baked goodness to Artisan Bakery. A true Rangiora institution, it has been serving the community for over 150 years. From award-winning pies and hearty sandwiches to sweet treats and barista coffee, there’s truly something for everyone.
Black & White Coffee Cartel
Across the road from Artisan, just 500m east of the town centre, you’ll find Black & White Coffee Cartel. One of New Zealand’s first micro‑roasting coffee franchises, each café roasts its beans onsite – so your coffee is as fresh as it gets. Pair it with house‑made delights made by their talented chefs for the perfect lunch spot.
Waikuku
A charming beachside rural settlement that makes a perfect stop on your garden wander. Enjoy a relaxed coffee at one of the local cafés before heading just up the road to the nearby Lavender Fields, where rows of vibrant lavender create a stunning and fragrant escape.
Cocoa Black
A café with big personality, Cocoa Black serves up Allpress coffee, fresh salads, smoothies, and scones that keep locals coming back for more – even pop next door to the Brick Mill Complex for a bit of shopping! Just a short stroll from the Lavender Fields, it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee or bite before wandering among the blooms and enjoying the surrounding gardens.
The Office Cafe - Old School Collective
Nestled inside the Old School Collective, a charming, old-school building now home to a collection of unique shops. The Office Cafe has something to delight everyone. From keto treats and Buddha bowls to homemade pies and sausage rolls, our small menu packs big flavours.
Manderville/Ohoka/Swannanoa
The Mandeville, Ohoka, and Swannanoa area is a rural pocket full of charm, and Silverstream makes the perfect café stop before you set out to explore the nearby gardens. With The Rusty Acre, Lacebark, and Broadoak all just a short drive away, it’s an easy spot to enjoy great coffee and food before discovering some of Waimakariri’s most beautiful gardens.
Urban Revival
At the heart of Silverstream, Urban Revival is more than a café, it’s a place to pause, recharge, and savour life’s simple pleasures. Loved by locals, it serves freshly prepared food, exceptional coffee, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Just steps from The Rusty Acre, Lacebark, and Broadoak, it’s the perfect spot to fuel your day of garden adventures.