The sun came out and so did coffee lovers in Otago and Southland as life under Alert Level 3 rules began today.
The move from five weeks of Covid-19 lockdown to Level 3 on Tuesday allows cafes and restaurants to sell takeaway goods using contactless payment but not dine-in.
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Early traffic seemed to have returned to near normal levels in Clutha, as people made the most of loosened restrictions to exercise their renewed freedoms this morning.
Smiles were broad on Balclutha's Clyde St, where two of South Otago town's three cafes resumed early morning activity, serving a small but steady number of customers.
Mrs Wilson said she was on her way for a flu jab and welcomed the opportunity to pick up her favourite refresher while out.
"We've really been missing them, so this almost feels like a bit of luxury to be able to pick them up hot and fresh again," she said.
Proprietor Robyn Bell said she was thrilled to be back in action.
"To be honest it's a relief to be back in business when things were so uncertain five weeks ago. We've been pretty lucky compared to overseas, and I'm just glad to have our brilliant team back working and able to catch up with some of our loyal customers."
She said a reduced menu would offer "comforting" fare including takeaway beverages, pies, cheese rolls and "mac and cheese".
She hoped people would think hard about supporting local wherever possible.
"Tourists are gone, so local is huge for us. We're not sure how it will go, but hopefully people will get the message."
Level 3 in Central Otago brought increased traffic to state highways 8 and 85 today but it was tradesmen’s utilities, vans, and trucks that dominated.
The return of more motorists also meant the first traffic alert in weeks was issued for horses loose on State Highway 85 near Chatto Creek.
In Alexandra those tradesmen’s vehicles also dominated and were representative of the type of work allowed to return.
Tyreland Alexandra service manager Derek Turnhout reported his first day back on the job as "busy".
"It is a bit surreal when everyone around you is still closed."
Big box retailers such as The Warehouse and hardware stores ITM and Mitre 10 were open on a click and collect basis.
It was a mixed bag for cafes and restaurants on Tarbert St and Centennial Ave with many remaining as shuttered as the businesses around them.
One cafe owner, who did not wish to be named, said her business relied on the custom of neighbouring businesses and offices in and around Tarbert St, and with no delivery option available to her she chose to remain closed.
In Clyde the usually busy tourist hub was whisper quiet but some cafes opened on a pay and collect basis.
SOUTHLAND
Invercargill's streets were busier this morning. More people could be seen walking around town and there was a significant increase of vehicles on roads.
However, the typical pre-lockdown 10am coffee run had not made its way to Level 3 yet; while there were several cafes open for takeaway, most were quiet.
The Invercargill McDonald's carpark was also relatively quiet, but had a steady stream of cars waiting for their order.
WANAKA
Despite a crisp clear chilly autumn morning only a handful of cafes opened for takeaway coffee and food in the central business district of Wanaka and there were no long queues of customers.
Coffee Shack on Brownston St opened at 7.30am for online phone orders.
Hamish Halliday, of Wanaka, said he and his wife were "very much regular customers" and had been waiting for four weeks for their triple flat white and trim flat white.
In Oamaru, there was a noticeable increase in the amount of vehicle traffic in the town's central business district.
However, foot traffic was relatively light before noon, but picked up as the afternoon progressed.
Several retailers and cafes were open, but had strict entry controls in place to keep staff and customers safe.
Business owners spoken to by the Otago Daily Times welcomed the opportunity to open their doors for the first time in weeks, but did not initially expect to trade at the same levels as they had post-lockdown.
