Greg and Rachael, along with their two small children, are proud of being part of the Okere Falls community and now enjoy being the kaitiaki of The Store.  

The Thomas family are excited to continue the legacy of The Okere Falls Store with their core focus being manaakitanga (care) of the people. The old Okere Falls Store was resurrected and reinvented in 2004 by the Uhl family using the same building that stood on the edge of State Highway 33 with a petrol station, selling hot pies, lollies, bread and milk for many years.

 The team continue to work hard on crafting the nostalgic country store feel with hints of the 1950s, a time when Okere Falls enjoyed a boom in baches and holiday-makers. 

 Catering to locals, tourists and holiday-makers, their goal is to create a base and heart for the small community where locals can meet and treat themselves to an espresso or craft beer, kids can play and essential groceries can be bought. And…as visitors and travellers, don’t we all love to stumble upon little gems such as this! 

 Today, Okere Falls Store is known as New Zealand’s best eco-friendly cafe. The team are passionate about walking gently on the whenua to ensure a sustainable future for our tamariki.

 Located across from the lake, a short walk to view beautiful Okere and Kaituna awa and in a setting that is relaxed, unpretentious, quirky and fun offers customers an experience that few expect. Filled with gorgeous product, in-store chefs Rich, Rach and team prepare specialty foods including plenty of vegan options to ensure customers feel a sense of comfort, relaxation and restoration before continuing on their way.