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Freeway Orchard

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Red Mezz
Red Mezz
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
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3
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Editor Pick

Excellent Stop Off Point...

  • July 10, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
Excellent Stop Off Point...

Though it seems that it is utterly impossible to find online (I have just spent hours looking for the exact address on Google...) The Freeway Orchard Complex is a really nice stop to make on your way into, out of, or stopping into the little town of Cromwell.

Cromwell is so nicely situated between Queenstown and the ski slopes of the Southern Alps that you are very likely to pass by on your way through the south island.
And though you may be inclined not to spend any time in this little area while hurrying to all the Xtreme sporting of Queenstown, if you do you will really be missing out on a very pleasant, little-touristed beautiful piece of New Zealand.

And though the Freeway Orchard Complex has a less than inspiring name, it is a great place to stop.
Coming from Lake Tekapo to spend the week in Queenstown, all of the locals emphatically told us we had to stop at the Orchard Fruit Shop for fresh ice cream. (Something they all do going into and out of Cromwell)
And as it is nicely situated on the way into town (just off the bridge at the turn into Cromwell - and easy to spot) and next to the lake, we pulled in excited to try the famous ice cream.

I have to say that there is nothing amazing about this place, but it is a great introduction to the area. Local fruit, vegetables and many different varieties of honey are available. (And many of them for sampling.) The ice-cream was indeed a revelation.
You simply choose which type of fruit you want in your ice cream and they make you a big heaping cone on the spot. I believe they cost $3, and were worth every penny.

There is also a Prenzel shop next door - with some on the most amazing things to sample you can get in New Zealand. Be sure to pop in and try a few of their vinaigrettes and sauces, you will probably leave with gifts for everyone you know.

After wandering around the fruit and vegetable shop for a while, picking out a few local treats and then getting our custom made ice cream we wandered across the road to sit by the lake in the sun and enjoy it to the fullest.
This is one of the most perfect relaxing pit stops on a long drive I've ever come across.

From journal Cromwell - New Zealand's best kept secret...

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