100% Middle Earth

Be it flat white or mocha, it's always good to have a hot beverage indoors while overlooking the falling raindrops outside. That calming effect is just beyond explanation.

It's so comforting to have a hot beverage, such as my favourite Flat White, while overlooking the falling of the raindrops inside a cafe.

Address: 4, Mt Michael Road, Fairlie, New Zealand

Stumbled across this burger chain while in Taupo and the burger was just amazing. My order of the C N Cheese burger (NZD 10.20) is made from 100% pure NZ grass fed beef, melted cheddar, parmesan, salad, relish and aioli. I upgraded my burger bun to a gluten-free one and added a free-range egg into the mix. It was pure divine and messy at the same time, as the juices from the beef patty was constantly flowing out. This is how a burger should be; packed full of flavours, greasy and comforting.

Address: 2, Roberts Street, Taupo 3330

This is the place where you can enjoy fresh seafood while sipping on some wine. Pictured is the King Prawns (NZD 32.50, main size) served shelled and sautéed with garlic, chilli and coriander.

Address: 40, Marsden Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Favourite item here would definitely have to be the Bacon Capsicum Soup which has been blended to a mushy pulp while still retaining the smoky flavour of the bacon.

Address: 47-49, Great S Road, Pokeno 2471

Upon seeing a Japanese restaurant near our Airbnb, we immediately made a beeline for it. I got the Teppan Beef Rib Eye Don (NZD 16.90) and it was instant gratification. To go along with my ribeye fillet cooked teppanyaki style with teriyaki sauce on rice, I also tried the Coca Cola Life, which has lower sugar content and a "healthier" alternative to the normal Coca Cola.

Address: Bush Inn Centre, Cnr Riccarton and Waimairi Roads, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

Pictured is the Fettucine (NZD 31.50), an egg pasta topped with today's catch (in this instance; snapper), spinach, tomato, garlic and a parmesan cream sauce.

Address: 40, Marsden Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Address: 38, McMillan Street, Primo & Secundo, Methven, New Zealand

Address: 38, McMillan Street, Primo & Secundo, Methven, New Zealand

To me, the coffee matters the most and I can do without any art any day.

Address: 38, McMillan Street, Primo & Secundo, Methven, New Zealand

The pie is packed with beef and comes with a side salad while the chowder is filled with seafood such as clams and squid. Definitely one of the better stopovers during the long drive.

Address: 4, Mt Michael Road, Fairlie, New Zealand

Came, conquered and left. Had the Battered Blue Cod (NZD 29) from one of the random diners along the quiet town and it was a great experience having some warm food in the chilly weather. Was it the best fish and chips? Maybe not but it will suffice for now.

Address: Boots & Jandals Omarama, Main Road, Omarama, South Canterbury, New Zealand