If you’re looking for pet-friendly, modern accommodation with a cafe making homemade delicious goodies right next door, then Benger Garden Cafe and Chalets is the place for you.
Each chalet is fully self-contained with its own private bathroom.
Are you on the bike trail looking for a great place to stay? We’ll come and pick you up and drop you off.
Winner of the Qualmark 4 star Bronze award.
Beautiful big outdoor seating area with bird aviary and stunning gardens.
Homemade cakes and gourmet pies. Dogs are most welcome.
Safe play area for kids and great atmosphere.

Winner of the Qualmark 4 star Bronze award.
Fully self-contained brand new accommodation located in Ettrick, Central Otago.
The Clutha Gold Trail and Roxburgh Trail are right on our doorstep. We offer pickup and drop off.
Explore the delights of the Teviot Valley fruit bowl with roadside orchards and fruit stands.
You’ll find plenty of greats walks and if hunting is your thing Mt Benger is the place to go.
Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Here’s what some of our customers are saying about our cafe and chalets.
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Really tasty food. Stopped off here on the way home to get a milkshake. Amazed at how many different flavours. Tried for the first time rum and raisin. The food… read more in the cabinets looked absolutely delicious and it was a tough choice. I had a scone. It was a nice spot outside in the garden
Sue S
14/01/2020Thoughtful Cafe! – Love the sausage roll which was fantastic! It was a good idea for putting it in a double-layer paper bag for keeping warm longer. People are nice too!
Jaclyn L
25/07/2023Amazing !!!! Right from the very start we had a great experience. Arrived after the Cafe was closed, rang and was greeted by a friendly owner.
Heat pump was on… read more and we were made to feel at home from the start. The morning breakfast was amazing and so was the meal at night. We were informed of the attractions nearby. Totally enjoyed the ettrick and surrounding area environment. Definitely reccomend and can’t wait to return. Great value for money
Thank you John and LeeDaryl B
21/06/2022 -
Absolutely magical cabin – Oh my word the Benger Cafe cabin experience was total magic . The guys have done the cabins up to such a high standard, better than some fancy hotels .… read more Lee was such an amazing host too, I really mucked him about with dates but nothing seemed too much trouble , you totally deserve the success of your obvious hard work and efforts . The cafe was also great, a stunning garden and play area for the little ones . We will be back !
Kirsty M
25/02/2024We were cycling the Clutha Gold Trail. Lee (our host) came and picked us and our bikes up from Millers Flat and took us back the next morning to continue… read more cycling. The Chalet was well appointed and very comfortable. Even though the cafe was closed at night Lee organized a delicious meal which he delivered to our chalet. Breakfast was great too and part of the tariff! Highly recommend Benger Garden Cafe and Chalet – and especially highlight the wonderful care, attention and service from Lee the owner.
183noelw
02/05/2022What a delight this place was. Lunchtime and we needed to stop somewhere and saw this place. I had the whitebait meal – beautiful. Two big whitebait patties made with… read more egg, chips and salad.
partner had the blue cod meal.
Both were recommended and the coffee very good as well.
The gardens were lovely and i really recommendnzp0ppy
29/10/2021 -
Benger Garden Chalets – The chalet is wonderfully designed, a brilliant place for a couple – warm, with everything top-quality. The hosts are friendly, hospitable, and informative. The adjacent cafe has all you need… read more for meals. The area is great for cycling, gold-rush history, and now, fruit plantations. Highly recommended.
B P
18/02/2022An out of the box experience! – This was an out of the box experience. Perfectly curated. Comfortable bed. Warm, cosy, plenty of space. Kitchen has a fridge, toaster, kettle and microwave with plenty of cutlery and… read more crockery but there are plenty of places to eat nearby if you drive to Millers Flat a few kilometres down the road. Linen bedding which is always a treat. Lee was an excellent host. The cafe next door had a great and hearty breakfast. If you are driving through I would highly recommend staying here. It was truly a pleasure.
GrandTour32340245154
27/05/2024Stayed in Benger Garden Chalet and ate in Cafe – We were cycling the Clutha Gold Trail. Lee (our host) came and picked us and our bikes up from Millers Flat and took us back the next morning to continue… read more cycling. The Chalet was well appointed and very comfortable. Even though the cafe was closed at night Lee organized a delicious meal which he delivered to our chalet. Breakfast was great too and part of the tariff! Highly recommend Benger Garden Cafe and Chalet – and especially highlight the wonderful care, attention and service from Lee the owner.
Noel W
01/05/2022 -
Chalet perfection! Don’t miss it – We stayed one night whilst riding the Clutha Gold trail. Easy transfers from/to Millers Flat where we could leave the bikes. The chalets are amazing, beautifully furnished with everything you… read more need and gorgeous gardens. The outside bath tub was wonderful and a great way to relax after cycling. Delicious breakfast to set us up for the next day. Don’t miss it. Lee and John are great hosts. Thanks for the lovely stay! Alex & Sarah
SDOzzieGirl
21/11/2024Highly recommend 👌 – Great selection of cabinet and freshly cooked food.
I had an omelet which was perfectly cooked and had lots of filling.
My flat white coffee was the perfect temperature.… read more
Indoor and beautiful large outdoor garden options.
I think this place is the best food option between Dunedin and Queenstown.Companion53361596842
03/11/2023Absolutely magical cabin – Oh my word the Benger Cafe cabin experience was total magic . The guys have done the cabins up to such a high standard, better than some fancy hotels… read more . Lee was such an amazing host too, I really mucked him about with dates but nothing seemed too much trouble , you totally deserve the success of your obvious hard work and efforts . The cafe was also great, a stunning garden and play area for the little ones . We will be back !
640Kirsty1967
24/02/2024
Our Latest Reviews from Google
Here’s what some of our customers are saying about our cafe and chalets on Google.
Robyn Mullen2025-02-13 Stopped here for brunch......and what a brunch!!! Has a beer garden with lots of hanging begonia baskets (any gardener would die for). The meals were terrific and reasonably priced. Chris Marriott2025-02-02 Breakfast was fantastic could not fault it at all.Staff was great,outdoor eating area and gardens were beautiful,a pleasure to call in there. We will be back.Yes three times we have been back. And three times we have had the WORST breakfast ever.Fried eggs solid white runny yolk no way.Eggs just like hokey pucks hard and crisp didn't eat them.Crispy bacon never heard of it how hard is it about as hard as the eggs I suppose.Well never to return until they find a cook. John Garwood2025-01-24 Stopped by for lunch, well worth it for the GF options, reasonably priced. Heather Payne2025-01-09 An iced coffee in the beautiful garden! XINGZHUO HU2025-01-01 Host is really friendly and nice. He responded us quickly. The accommodation is definitely worth and it is the cleanest and the tidiest room I have lived in NZ. It is not easy to make it clean as this by the several people here. I can feel their attitude and hard work. The house is designed cozy and comfortable. If you just drop by, pls have a rest here. The photos were the perfect breakfast. Btw, they have local honey here very affordable and in good quality. 非常推薦這裡休息,風景優美,房間很整潔乾淨(紐西蘭的房間我覺得衛生都比較一般),但是這個房間很乾淨!全五分!而且這裡有本地的蜂蜜喔! John Ayoub2024-12-28 Nice place to stop. Gardens nice to sit in and have your food. Catherine Connor2024-11-30 My husband and I stayed 1 night in a chalet as part of a 4 day biking trip. Best accommodation ever. We left our bike in their shed at Millers Flat and John came to pick us up (then dropped us off the next morning). The chalets are gorgeous and very well equipped (wifi, TV, microwave, fridge, outlets by the bed, hair dryer, plates, cups, etc..). Walking distance is the café (best option in the area) for brekkie and dinner. Across the street are honey and fruit stalls. We were so grateful for John and Lee's hospitality. Highly recommended as a stop for a great night of sleep, quietness, and great food.
Our Booking.com Reviews
Here’s what some of our customers are saying about our chalet accommodation in Ettrick.
EXCELLENT Based on 139 reviews Amy2025-02-119.0Verified Wonderful ☺ Very cool design of chalets, comfortable bed , beautiful gardens, outdoor bath, excellent full cafe breakfast included ☹ The proximity next to the highway. But traffic does die down at night. Brian2025-01-2710Verified Exceptional ☺ Very nice place to stay. The chalets was very nice and comfortable. The gardens are pretty cool. The Cafe was fantastic. ☹ We liked it all Ruth2025-01-268.0Verified Love the chalet, and the included breakfast - this was a repeat visit! ☺ Lovely location in the garden beside the cafe. Love the design of the Chalet. ☹ Road noise until about 10pm. Couldn’t use ice box in refrigerator. Craig2025-01-199.0Verified Lovely place to stay. The Chalets are a hidden gem and very relaxing. ☺ Breakfast was excellent and staff very friendly. Nice way to start the day Samara2025-01-1310Verified Exceptional Hina2025-01-0410Verified Must visit ☺ Superb place! Absolutely LOVED it! The chalet itself and the breakfast were SUPERB! Hu2025-01-0110Verified Excellent! ☺Host is really friendly and nice. He responded us quickly. The accommodation is definitely worth and it is the cleanest and the tidiest room I have lived in NZ. It is not easy to make it clean as this by the several people here. I can feel their attitude and hard work. The house is designed cozy and comfortable. If you just drop by, pls have a rest here. The photos were the perfect breakfast. Btw, they have local honey here very affordable and in good quality. 非常推薦這裡休息,風景優美,房間很整潔乾淨(紐西蘭的房間我覺得衛生都比較一般),但是這個房間很乾淨!全五分!而且這裡有本地的蜂蜜喔! ☹It is good so far. But when I checked the messages sent to me, it was not said which room I booked( C1 or C2). Sonya2024-12-309.0Verified Wonderful Brian2024-12-2810Verified Exceptional ☺ Garden setting and the unique building as well as the breakfast! Nerissa2024-12-2810Verified Would stay again and again and again ☺ We absolutely loved our stay. Quick & easy check in. The room was modern and spacious. Had great tv options and are dog friendly! We didn’t want to leave. We were worried about dinner options in the area only to be advised that if we came back before 5pm, they would deliver us food to our room by 6pm. ☹ -
Our Latest Reviews from Airbnb
Here’s what some of our customers are saying about our cafe and chalets on Airbnb.
Caitlin26. January, 2025. Unique and very relaxing space to spend a night. Courtney30. December, 2024. Beautiful space! Larger than expected too. Sam28. December, 2024. Comfortable and peaceful place to stay! Renee27. December, 2024. The accomodation, location, and the food at the cafe were all amazing. Unfortunately the unhygienic state of the bbq (primary cooking appliance) was far below expectations at that price point Harrison26. December, 2024. Was an awesome place to stay at for Christmas! Would definitely recommend to others looking for accomodation in the area! Alex24. December, 2024. Great setup with a relaxing vibe. The outdoor space and gardens were a nice feature. The cafe food was delicious also. Shannon13. November, 2024. Very cute cabin, loved the little private courtyard with BBQ and outdoor bath. Had everything we needed and the breakfast included is a very nice touch. Marie27. April, 2024. What a find. Lee is a great host . We loved our stay here. Great bed and quality linen. Lee and his team made us extremely welcome. Jessica3. April, 2024. A comfortable and convenient place to stay. The cafe was great and staff was super friendly! Clare25. January, 2024. very cozy chalet, perfect after a long trek! fast speed internet, cozy bed, modern and comfortable, with a beautiful garden and tasty breakfast included! 10/10Airbnb rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 33 reviews