The Thirsty Moa — Coffee, Wine, and a Good Excuse to Get Off Your Bike

You've made it to Ranfurly. However you got here — the Otago Central Rail Trail, SH85, or just following your nose — this is where the trip turns into an actual break. Coffee two ways, Central Otago wine by the glass, and a whole shop's worth of handmade linen and local makers to get lost in next door. Stay for two minutes or two hours; both are the right amount of time.

Coffee, Your Way

We used to say no espresso machine, no queue — and if you've got twenty minutes up your sleeve, that's still very much on offer: French press, steeped slow, made to be drunk sitting down. But not everyone's got twenty minutes on a rail trail schedule, so now there's a second option too.

• Self-serve espresso — $5.50, ready before you've finished deciding whether to sit down
• French press coffee — $5, the original, unhurried, made to be enjoyed properly seated

Quick flat white and back on the saddle, or a plunger and an actual chair — your call, not ours.

Slow Down, Have a Wine

Once the afternoon gets going, this turns into a wine bar. Central Otago wines by the glass, alongside a cheese board built for two, cheese rolls, and bagels — the kind of stop that's easy to let run long.

What's On

Breakfast, bagels, cheese rolls, a proper cheese board for two, fresh pizza, and a wine list built around Central Otago — plus the coffee, obviously. Dog friendly, walk-ins welcome, gluten free options available.

See the full menu →

Then, Have a Browse

Coffee's one thing, but you're standing inside a shop too. Lohi is Hawaiian for slow — which either makes perfect sense next to the coffee menu, or is a happy accident; honestly, we've lost track. Either way: handmade linen, homewares, and work from 40-odd local makers, all within arm's reach of your table. Warm up by the fire, charge your e-bike while you look around, and take home something that was actually made here in the Maniatoto.

See what's in store →

Not Sure Which One You Are?

If you haven't already, take the two-minute quiz to find out what kind of rail trail traveller you are — and exactly how to spend your stop here. Take the quiz →

Right on the Route

The Thirsty Moa sits inside Lohi Linen at 8 Charlemont Street, Ranfurly — on SH85 and steps from the Otago Central Rail Trail. Easy to find, easy to park, easy to make part of your trip.

Address: 8 Charlemont Street, Ranfurly, Central Otago
Hours: [confirm current hours]
Phone: 022 343 0560