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the night sky is filled with thousands of stars
Brunel Peaks Cafe, Blackmount
Heather Auckram
Southland
I wonder how many of you know about the Stop and Stay nestled at the foothills of the Takitimu mountains?
Take the Southern Scenic Route from Tuatapere to Manapouri and on the main road, at the turn-off to Lake Monowai, stands the rustic and charming, Brunel Peaks Cafe & Bar.
A wonderful place to stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch or a hearty meal. There is good wheelchair access and free internet inside the cafe. You can eat inside or eat al fresco under the wide verandah.
There is plenty of room for larger vehicles to turn and park on the flat stone and grassed area, which can house about 10 motorhomes. They ask a small fee of $10 per van per night, but you will need to be self-contained. Water is available. Pets are welcome but keep them on a lead.
The cafe bustles with customers during the day, but at night you will hear the sounds of silence, broken occasionally by sheep, cows, ruru/moreporks or a lone milktanker. Above you the night sky is filled with thousands of stars.
The cafe sits at the turn-off to Lake Monowai. Drive further along Borland Road and you will reach the lake, where you can take a short walk through the moss-covered bush (bring your sandfly repellent. You will need it). 🏕️
Summer 2025
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