Alleyway Emporium

Zero indoor seating. Pure grab-and-go. Tucked into a Wānaka side passage, this takeaway counter is an essential pitstop before tackling the local peaks. The consensus among the trail-bound crowd? You’re here for the toasted pastrami. It’s a masterclass in savory construction—perfectly crisped bread, sharp pickles, and a fiercely dialed-in sauce ratio. While the wider sando menu features hearty deli meat focaccias that travel flawlessly in a daypack for a summit lunch, the pastrami remains the undisputed heavyweight. Espresso pulls can be polarizing, but the genuinely affordable baked cookies and upbeat ka pai energy from the crew make this a non-negotiable morning ritual. Secure your order, grab a flat white, and head straight for the mountains.