the raspberry café

some history

In 1982, 27 acres of land was purchased by Peter and Sally Oxenbridge in the beautiful Otahuna Valley. In partnership with Craig and Jane Scott (Peter and Sally’s daughter and son in law) the property was progressively planted with raspberries and latterly strawberries, and in 1984 the first harvest of Otahuna Berries’ now famous ‘Fairview’ raspberries began to excite the tastebuds of discerning purchasers.

In 2000, and realising that diversification was the key, The Scotts (Peter and Sally having retired) looked long and hard at potential buildings for a café, "Rose Cottage" was purchased from Hohepa in Barrington Street. Of classic bungalow style, it had been used as a home for Hohepa residents and their carers who had simply outgrown the building. It was perfect - even the colour was right. The building was picked up and moved all in one piece and in November 2000 was positioned on the lawn at Otahuna Berries. Eleven years on, "Rose Cottage" has morphed beautifully into The Raspberry Café.

And eleven years on, the mission statement is still pretty much the same. Good, homemade, delicious and satisfying food in an environment that is comfortable, peaceful (well, most of the time!) and conducive to a nice dining experience.

Although we do not take bookings for private functions, our marquee is available to be booked for groups of 30-40 during our normal opening hours. Perfect for celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries.