Operating from Guinness Street in Greymouth, Blanchfield's Bakery holds the title of the oldest operating bakery in New Zealand. The business traces its beginnings back to 1861, when founder Paddy Blanchfield baked bread and poured beer for gold miners at Pipers Flat before relocating to the present Guinness Street site in 1892.
Today, the traditional bakery remains proudly family-owned and operated across multiple generations. Current owners Chris and Alison Blanchfield run the operation alongside their sixth-generation son Matt and daughter-in-law Sarah. Everything is made in-house using top-quality ingredients and locally sourced products wherever possible.
Beyond their bakery counter known for award-winning pies, filled rolls, cakes, and slices, Blanchfield's features an adjoining cafe space. Guests dining in can order from a full breakfast and lunch menu, browse an array of cabinet food, or grab a cup of Jack's Coffee supplied by Imbibe on Shoreline. The bakery opens from the early morning Monday through Friday, serving both early risers and weekday lunch crowds.
Stepping through the doors of Blanchfield's Bakery on Guinness Street in Greymouth connects visitors directly to West Coast gold rush history. Established in 1861, Blanchfield's holds the distinction of being the oldest operating bakery in New Zealand. Its rich heritage began with Paddy Blanchfield, who originally baked bread and poured beer for miners working the diggings at Pipers Flat. In 1892, Paddy relocated the bakery to its current Guinness Street premises, establishing a local institution that has served the community ever since.
More than a century and a half later, Blanchfield's remains proudly family-run. Owned and operated by Chris and Alison Blanchfield alongside sixth-generation baker Matt and his wife Sarah, the business maintains a deep commitment to family heritage. Under the guiding motto "Old Man Blanchfield would be proud!", baking is truly in the family DNA, with traditional techniques and high standards passed down through successive generations.
The bakery prides itself on producing its items from scratch. Chris, Matt, and the team make all their goods on-site using top-quality ingredients, prioritising locally sourced supplies whenever possible. The display counters showcase an extensive range of traditional bakery goods, from their renowned award-winning pies with flaky crusts to freshly assembled filled rolls, delicate slices, and celebratory gateau cakes.
Whether dropping by for an early morning tea loaf, stocking up for a workday lunch, or picking up a batch of seasonal hot cross buns, customers find an authentic taste of West Coast baking tradition that has stood the test of time.
For visitors looking to sit down and relax, Blanchfield's features an adjoining cafe space alongside the primary bakery counter. The cafe provides a comfortable dining setting complete with a full breakfast and lunch menu made to order, as well as an expansive glass cabinet filled with fresh daily bakes.
To accompany meals, the cafe pours Jack's Coffee, a smooth roast supplied by local roaster Imbibe on Shoreline. The bakery doors open as early as 5:00 AM on weekdays to serve early trade workers and morning commuters, while the cafe kitchen operates until early afternoon. Closed on weekends and public holidays, Blanchfield's provides an essential weekday hub in central Greymouth where historic hospitality meets hearty local fare.