Barker’s has become one of New Zealand’s leading producers of natural fruit products and the BerryBarn is a retail outlet that lets you try some of the juices, jams, toppings, spiced fruit sauces and condiments that they produce.

The shop was a delight. Free tastings of many of the products are offered. In contrast to most places, you just help yourself to the contents in the sample bottles and jars scattered around the store. The idea works. We couldn’t leave without buying several things. Fortunately several were factory specials where prices had been substantially reduced. A feature of the store was the gift baskets and boxes designed for visitors. Some are suitable for posting back home and they also have a mail order service.

We watched as locals came in to buy the delicious fruit smoothies and sundaes. Clearly this shop is not just for tourists. Next door was the wonderful Berry Barn Bakery (Tel: 693 9900) with some of the best breads, rolls, sticky buns, and cakes in New Zealand and great coffee, tea and hot chocolate. You can eat in or take away. Buses include this place on tours so it is often noisy and crowded but don’t let that put you off.