Lignite Pit Cafe and Secret Garden...
Lignite Pit Cafe and Secret Garden
Maps
Photos
Information
Lignite Pit Secret Garden and Cafe was once a historic mine situated 22 kms southeast of Invercargill on the southern Scenic Route to the Catlins. The mine has been transformed into a 16 acre nature, wildlife sanctuary also revealing the formation of Southlands lignite.
The gardens contain native and exotic species of plants, as well as a few aviaries dotted around to complement the wild birds in the area.
So call and and see the new Owners, (Sept 2014), Maree and Barry, also with the help of Charlie and Eunice, and enjoy a coffee and some home baking from the cafe while you sit overlooking the pond.
We can only accept self-contained vehicles.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Location |
South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Invercargill |
|
|
Categories |
||
|
Operating Season And Hours |
Open for travellers all year round. Cafe and Garden
|
Contact
Accommodations
Rankers Deals
Reviews
Showing 8 reviews of 25.
Thomsen Family
Ranking: 8/10
Fantastic campsite!! Not many facilities, just basic and no shower. But what a wonderful place - check out at 1Pm - so we stayed and enjoyed the garden and lake ❤️ Nice little shop and cafe - if not camping then just stop by for coffee and a walk in the garden - BIG recommendation from us and our kids - they explored the garden for over 1 hour and wondered at the Black swans that occupied the Lake
Conservation Campsite Pass
Save up to 70% on campsite fees! Support conservation and experience the natural beauty of NZ. 78 Department of Conservation campsites, one convenient pass.
Cindy
Ranking: 9/10
We paid $10 pp for non powered which included the walk around the gardens which were very beautiful. Owner was nice. There was fresh water a tidy toilet, little kitchenette with power points, microwave, kettle, fridge, hot water zip and 2 sinks.There was only 1 other van there so i asked if they minded us playing our music and singing a few songs on the guitar, they were algud.
Top Ranked NZ Deals Pass
Access savings worth hundreds of $$ on Top Ranked NZ Accommodation and Activities for just $1 per day.
Demi Thompson
Ranking: 7/10
Enjoyed our stay here! Spaces are limited but it's a quiet area. We were the only ones theres when we arrived till another vehicle came. The price includes access to the gardens which are pretty cool, and much bigger than I first thought! Very very basic toilet and kitchen facilities. A washing machine is available, along with a clothesline. The grounds are well maintained. Good place for a cheap stay.
Fred
Ranking: 4/10
Einzig die Grünfläche und der See sind schön.
Ansonsten ziemlich heruntergekommen.
Wir waren die Einzigen, die dort waren.
Leider war die powered site auf der Kiesfläche (neben einer großen Possumfalle).
Wir haben uns dann umgestellt, da weiter unten eine frisch gemähte Wiese am See war. Kein Strom und
leider auch Null www und wifi.
Die Sanitäranlage dort bestand aus einer Blechhütte mit Klo und die Küche war ein Gartengeräteschuppen.
Die Gewächshäuser auf dem Gelände hatten auch schon bessere Zeiten erlebt und so aah es rundherum überall aus.
Hier müsste mal grundlegend Kultur gemacht werden.
Für den, der das mag okay.
Wir hätten uns im Nachhinein lieber an die Straße gestellt anstatt dafür 30NZD abzudrücken.
Vll. hilft die Kohle ja dem wirklich freundlichen Betreiber, etwas zu optimieren. Wünschenswert wäre es.
Avoid Camping Fines!
Each camping location is approved by a regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
The Rankers Camping NZ app, is also in association with…
L + J
Ranking: 10/10
What a gem! $5pp for unpowered. Gorgeous gardens to explore. Toilet (no shower) and kitchen are basic and clean. Cafe smelled wonderful at check in but we didn't have a chance to try. Owners were friendly and welcoming!
Peter Edmead
Ranking: 10/10
Lovely campsite. $5 per person for unpowered site. Tiny kitchen and minimum facilities. All clean. - Remember that this is a very inexpensive stopover and is very good value. Lovely walk around the lake with the fantails. Very amusing chickens and ducks interact with you. Friendly and helpful owners. Recommended.
Camping NZ App
Every camping site on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
Greg Laws
Ranking: 9/10
Great spot. Found it by chance. Perfect flat gravel area for campers. Small grassed area for tenters. Ducks, chickens, nature walk, cafe, playground and bird aviaries. Owners were amazing and welcoming.
At the price it's the perfect self contained stop over. We are seasoned tenters so didn't mind any lack of glamping. Toilets provide both hot and cold running water and there is a provision for drinkable rain water. A simple shelter provided for all weather cooking.
Pro's : Price, Secluded, relaxed farm stay. Did I mention price ? ... Gardens, cafe, polite relaxed owners. Price.
Con's : Slight traffic noise. No camp kitchen or showers. No lighting. Lack of road signage.
Conclusion : Simple, relaxed farm stay. Clean and inviting. It might not be what everyone is looking for, but at the asking price how could you ask for more. A great option for those looking for a safer, cleaner option from a freedom camp.
Averil Ford
Ranking: 7/10
Excellent restaurant just loved the fish. The owners are friendly and pleasant. The
gardens have been beautiful but they are very large to keep maintained. It was a good price for a power site.