top of page

This is us.

Together, we've built something truly special.

​

Welcome to Athol, where every moment is infused with warmth, flavour, and a touch of magic.

Athol Shop Cafe, General Store & Bar Southland Eatery

Meet Geoff & Kylie.

It all began amidst the lively streets of Queenstown back in 1994 or 1995, or thereabouts. Fate brought us together at Winnie Bagoes, and from that moment on, our paths intertwined.

 

Fuelled by a shared love for adventure, we embarked on numerous travels, explored distant lands, and forged an unbreakable bond.

​

Together, we've built something truly special—a place where passion meets purpose, and every dish tells a story.

 

From us both, welcome to Athol, where every moment is infused with warmth, flavor, and a touch of magic.

a place where passion meets purpose.

Geoff & cooking over fire.

" I don't know what is about this combo, but we first met on a holiday in Thailand with Kylie about 25 years ago. There was a lady on the corner next to our backpackers who every night just cooked 1/4 Chicken Thighs over a fire, and I had never tasted anything like it! Needless to say, I had one every night we stayed there; you could smell the smoke from down the street, and it was amazing. "

 

It was a culinary revelation that sparked Geoff's lifelong passion for charcoal cooking. Since that fateful encounter, he's been perfecting his craft, from hosting barbecue competitions in Christchurch to becoming the master of the grill.

 

Now, he's thrilled to bring his expertise to Athol, serving up mouthwatering dishes every day and catering for many events, big or small.

Kylie our essential all-round legend.

Kylie traded her corporate design gig for a role that's anything but ordinary.

 

From managing accounts to designing, recycling, composting, and everything in between, she's the backbone of our operation.

 

Her tireless dedication and unwavering support keeps our dream alive, making her our essential all-round legend who we couldnt do without!

Athol Shop Cafe, General Store & Bar Southland Eatery
Suppliers
Athol Shop Cafe, General Store & Bar Southland Eatery

Supporting Local Suppliers

We're passionate about supporting local producers like Welcome Rock Gardens in Garston. Savour the flavour of Queenstown's Crimson Badger and Altitude Brewery beers, crafted with Garston Hops, poured fresh from our taps. Plus, our eggs come straight from the Free Range Egg farm a mere 500 meters away.

​

Sink your teeth into our mouthwatering meats, slow-cooked to perfection in our Kamado Clay ovens right here on-site. And let's talk coffee! We exclusively serve locally roasted beans from ROAR in Lumsden, expertly brewed by our award-winning baristas.

 

Craving something sweet? Our in-house baker, lovingly known as 'Nanny Goat' whips up delectable treats using cherished Kiwi recipes.

 

Don't miss our gift shop, showcasing a curated selection of locally made and New Zealand products. And for the angler in your life, Stu the local fisherman and guide sets up shop during fly-fishing season, offering a range of essentials and a warm welcome to locals and seasonal travelers alike.

bottom of page