Sign of the Kiwi, Christchurch

High on the Port Hills, at the junction of the Christchurch-Lyttelton Harbour road and the scenic Summit Road, near Victoria Park, sits the curiously-named, quaint, stone building, Sign of the Kiwi. Opened in 1917 as a tearoom and rest house, it is one of a chain of interesting buildings, which includes the Sign of the Takahe (now a fine dining restaurant) further down the hill. Built by local politician and visionary, Henry Ell, in the early 1900s and used as staging posts along a hillside tourist route, Sign of the Kiwi is now a shop and cafe--and the view is great. Directly behind is Coronation Hill Reserve, with walking tracks, which traverse this old volcanic area. All-day menu available, including sandwiches, scones, and nachos.