The South Island sure lives up to its magical reputation of being one of the most untouched places in the world. Farms are sprawled everywhere and the water runs clean even in the city. Everything is organic right down to that slab of butter you get next to your toasts. Oh yes, butter and toasts, the things great breakfasts are made of. There’s nothing a traveller loves more than wholesome breakfasts, and New Zealanders are certainly brilliant at making just that!

What to expect: Luxurious breakfast spreads

The Grange

Where: 56 Armagh Street, Central City, Christchurch 8001, New Zealand

What: Pancakes and eggs benedict 

For: Bed and breakfast

One of the best breakfasts I ever had in South Island was while I was staying at The Grange. It’s like waking up to mum cooking breakfast for you. You’re talking about fluffy pancakes with cinnamon and bananas, full English breakfasts and poached eggs on English muffins with hollandaise sauce. Definitely the place to start the day!

Dimitris Greek Food

Where: 79 Cashel St, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

What: Gyros and Souvlakia 

For: A Greek alternative

If you ever get tired of New Zealand’s grilled steaks and fish & chips, head to Dimitris Greek Food at the Re:Start Mall. Sold in a food truck, you’ll get drawn by the smell of meat and pita bread on the grill. The portions are massive! Gyros are loaded with meat, tomatoes, vegetables and awesome feta cheese that really adds a little something to this traditional Greek wrap.

The Wrinkly Rams

Where: 24-30 Omarama-Twizel Road, Rapid 10, Omarama 9448, New Zealand

What: Wholesome food

For: A breakfast stop 

One of the perks of eating at The Wrinkly Rams is the cute little lambs you get to play with just next to the café. But of course, the hearty breakfast is another reason why you should make a stop here. The classic breakfast was humongous. Toasts came with a selection of spreads such as honey, jam and butter. The salmon scrambled eggs on toast is a great alternative to the regular eggs benedict and English breakfast.

Matheson Café

Where: Lake Matheson Rd, Fox Glacier 7859, New Zealand

What: Wholesome food

For: A café stop if you’re visiting Lake Matheson

If you’re heading to Lake Matheson or even to the Fox Glacier, swing by Matheson Café for great coffee and food. Like The Wrinkly Rams, Matheson Café serves interesting breakfast options such as grilled pesto mushrooms and salmon bagel benedict.