The Ultimate Cheat Day Awaits
So, you’ve been on a health buzz for a while. Clean, mindful eating, sipping on smoothies and juice blends that nourish the body and soul – all that stuff. Good on you.
But when was the last time you indulged in the ultimate cheat day just like The Rock does in between action movies?
Whether it’s been a month or a week, the next cheat meal awaits you in The Central South Island. Deep-fried seafood, towering burgers, or gourmet pastries – treat yourself, you deserve every bite.
Glamour Cake, Christchurch
Nestled in the quirky port town of Lyttelton with panoramic harbour views is a gourmet bakery that puts glamour at centre stage. Jelly-tip ice cream cheesecake, salted caramel brandy snap donuts, Snickers slices – Glamour Cake truly makes the impossible, possible. With an ever-changing selection of delectable, out-there creations, the ultimate cheat day sweet treat doesn’t get better than this.
Sheffield Pies, Selwyn
The alps-to-ocean views along the Great Alpine Highway connecting Christchurch and the West Coast are great and all, but we reckon the star of the show is stopping off at the famous Sheffield Pie Shop. This award-winning pit stop has been going strong for decades and now offers more than 20 classic and gourmet pie varieties baked fresh daily. Wolf down a classic mince and cheese combo or their best seller - the venison and whiskey relish.
Coopers Catch Fish N Chips Christchurch
Coopers Catch, Kaikōura
There’s nothing more Kiwi than a steaming hot parcel of fish and chips by the ocean, especially at Coopers Catch in Kaikōura. From homemade seafood chowder and pāua fritters, to crayfish and of course, fish and chips, expect the freshest of fresh seafood paired with delicious fried treats. These guys are a couple minutes’ walk from the beach – follow the sounds of the crashing waves across the footbridge.
Bacon Bros
Come for the crunchy, juicy bacon, stay for the towering burgers. Bacon Bros is one of Christchurch’s most popular burger joints, with a menu that champions bacon in nearly every item – including coconut bacon for the non-meat eaters. Burgers and bacon aren’t the only things they’ve mastered – their must-have sides include deep-fried cauliflower and hand-cut fries.
The Running Duck
Vintage thermoses, Formica tables, framed family photos, and a whole lot of comfort food. The Running Duck café in Geraldine is like stepping inside a classic kiwi bach. The menu is just as down-to-earth – think proper burgers, loaded toasties, cheese rolls, and chip sandwiches. Wash it all down with nostalgia-inducing milkshake flavours, including pineapple lump, peanut slab or bounty bar.
