Athol Shop

1158 Athol-Garston Highway, Athol 9793, New Zealand
+64 3 248 8847
$$$ cafe
(269 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to the Athol Shop, a charming café nestled along the scenic Athol-Garston Highway in the heart of New Zealand's South Island. This little gem not only serves as a pit stop for travelers navigating between Queenstown and Te Anau but also embodies the warmth and hospitality of the local community, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passing through.

The Athol Shop boasts a cozy and inviting atmosphere, where the laughter of patrons mingles with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and home-cooked meals. As one of the village's few establishments, it has become the social hub for locals and travelers alike. With a friendly smile greeting you at the door, you'll feel right at home in this delightful café that mirrors the rustic charm of its surroundings.

The menu here is a delightful medley of comfort food that captures the essence of casual dining. Start off with some crispy fries or waffle fries, perfectly seasoned and crispy, ideal for sharing or indulging in solo. Need something heartier? The BBQ Chicken Hoagie combines tender chicken with zingy pickles and a touch of chipotle mayo, served in a soft, fresh roll that you won't want to put down. And for those who love indulgent flavors, the Loaded Fries topped with barbeque sauce, cheese whizz, and jalapeños are an experience in themselves—each bite bursting with flavor.

As you settle in with a comforting coffee—praised by customers for its warmth and quality—take a moment to absorb the café's vibrant energy. Remember the review from Mazahir Rahim, who described it as a "warm large cafe cum pub cum bakery," showcasing its versatility and the strong community spirit that thrives within its walls. The simple joy of enjoying a delicious beef pie or a freshly made sandwich while conversing with fellow patrons truly reflects the soul of Athol Shop.

While some have noted that the service can be a bit slow during busy times, many find that this adds to the relaxed ambiance, allowing you to enjoy your meal and soak in the surroundings. As customer Shengwen Chua pointed out, it makes for a perfect stopover to recharge before continuing your journey.

In a world that often feels hurried, the Athol Shop invites you to take a breather. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a warming coffee, this café promises more than just good food; it offers a slice of local life that will make your visit memorable. So the next time you find yourself traveling through New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes, make sure to stop by the Athol Shop—where every meal comes with a side of community spirit!

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fireplace
Great coffee
Great dessert
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 02:30 PM

269 Reviews
Nesh khalifa

28 Sep 2025

The food was nice here. Bought a sausage roll here. The sausage roll wasn't had enough meat in there, but the croissaint was nice. Customer service was a little bit slow. Very cold inside the shop. Coffee was okay.

Mazahir Rahim

14 Sep 2025

A small shop cum restaurant cum cafe on highway 6 in South Island, NZ, around a 45 minute drive from Queenstown, the Athol shop is the hang out of the locals in Athol. It’s a warm large cafe cum pub cum bakery - it’s the heart of this village of 87 people. Great company, good homely food and good coffee, beer and wine . Do stop and visit if you want to spend a few minutes of warmth.

Shengwen Chua

03 Sep 2025

Nice stopover for coffee and a sandwich while traveling between Queenstown and Te Anau. Perfect mid-way pit stop for here you can get coffee and a range of sandwiches.

Fichan 2020

12 Aug 2025

Delicious, tender juicy bbq beef brisket in a light roll. Great stop between Queenstown and Te Anau. My daughter has asked if we can stop on the way back too!

LE FU

06 Jul 2025

Such an amazing place, very cozy. We had a sandwich and beef pie, both of which are delicious!

Peter Nguyen

26 Jun 2025

Delicious hoagie! Great lunch refill, the brisket was soft and tender!

MS Kim

24 Jun 2025

Really tasty meat pie with creamy ice cream, and the coffee was smooth and flavorful.

George Ralph

11 Jun 2025

The Athol Shop is a MUST STOP along the 6. Upon entering the shop, Jo (The best person alive) greets you with her contagious smile. The brisket and jalapeño and cheese is out of this world. The best pie I have had in New Zealand. The coffee was also phenomenal. Support local business, and pick up a life changing experience wrapped in warm golden pastry. I WILL be returning!

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