Hawea Store & Kitchen is a community cafe, grocery and liquor store, takeaway, post office, information centre and upstairs function space all in one, welcoming local folks, Hawea guests, hikers, hunters and gatherers every day. Owners Erica and Hamish took over the store in 2017, drawn to Hawea by its stunning surroundings, delectable produce and wonderful people.
Working from farm, shelf to table, the store partners with local growers, farmers, winemakers and bakers to stock the shelves with everything from pantry basics to locally-grown delights and fresh bread. The takeaway kitchen serves Kiwi classics like fish 'n chips made with fresh local seafood, alongside hearty burgers and pizza, to enjoy in-store or lakeside.
The upstairs space is available for private functions year-round, and the team describes the Store & Kitchen as more than a local grocer, restaurant and bar — it's the hub and heart of the Hawea community.
Hawea Store & Kitchen sits at the end of a scenic route past mountain ranges, endless fields and a stunning lake, serving as the community cafe, grocery and liquor store, takeaway, post office, information centre and upstairs function space for Lake Hawea, all rolled into one. Every day, the doors open to local folks, Hawea guests, hikers, hunters and gatherers alike.
Owners Erica and Hamish were drawn to Hawea by its stunning sights, delectable produce and wonderful people. When the local Store & Kitchen became available in 2017, they saw an opportunity to become part of the community, support local growers, farmers, winemakers and bakers, and bring their international culinary experience to their new neighbours. Working from farm, shelf to table, the store stocks and serves the best of the Southern Lakes.
After two years of watching the town come alive around the store — hungry builders, ravenous hikers, local families with their weekly favourites, mums 'n bubs coffee groups, birthday parties and long lakeside catch-ups — Erica and Hamish realised the Store & Kitchen had become more than a local grocer, restaurant and bar. It had become the hub and heart of Hawea.
The takeaway kitchen serves fish 'n chips made with some of the freshest seafood around, alongside hearty burgers and pizza, ready to enjoy in-store or with a side of lake view. On the store side, shelves are lined with everything from pantry basics to locally-grown delights, plus fresh bread for the weekly shop or a quick top-up.
Upstairs, a beautiful space is available for private functions year-round, adding another layer to the Store & Kitchen's role as a true community hub.
The Store & Cafe is open daily from 7:30am (from 8am on Sundays and public holidays), with hours running later in summer than winter. The Restaurant & Bar upstairs opens Thursday and Friday from 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday from midday, both until close. Hawea Store & Kitchen is located at 33 Capell Avenue, Lake Hawea, and can be reached by phone or email for bookings, takeaway orders or general enquiries.