As the weather heats up, small businesses all over the country are dusting off their shipping containers after a winter hibernation and getting ready to face the crowds.
ISLAND GELATO COMPANY
While Waiheke Island has a permanent population of just over 8,000, during the summer months this number can swell to up to 40,000. With this in mind, it would be hard to sustain as many hospitality businesses as are needed for summer, but any fewer and they would struggle during peak season. Island Gelato sits in a renovated shipping container on the main strip of the Oneroa township, the most popular area on the island. Situated a short walk from the beach, the container keeps holiday-goers supplied with fresh gelato and coffee. The container is closed for several months over winter and reopened in September in time for the spring rush.
PARIS PLAGE
Paris Plage, a portable offshoot of New Plymouth’s Petit Paris bakery, is one of only a few outlets to have been granted a beachside trading licence and has garnered a hugely loyal fanbase over the years. As part of a deal with the New Plymouth District Council, the shipping container must be removed for a few months every year, but it still returns in time for summer.
"If it were a caravan, we would move it every night," said owner Kate Laude. "Since it's a container, we just take it away for two months."
Paris Plage’s portability is also useful when the WOMAD festival rolls into town – the container is uprooted and moved down the road to Pukekura Park.
TOTARA POINT ESPRESSO
Storehouse café owners Sam King and Brad Dellar opened DOCK in Taupo in December 2016, inspired by the trend that emerged out of Christchurch after the earthquakes. Now known at Totara Point Espresso, the café has been a hit.
“It's a light and airy feel – minimalistic. It's the Scandinavian wood-and-white look,” Dellar explained. The café was a summer hit.
“It's a sun-drenched area here, doesn't get any wind, and we've got all the outdoor loungers, so you'll be able to have a smoothie and relax.”
Being located just out of the main town centre, Totara Point Espresso provides another option for people during peak season, when the town is at its busiest.
"We're passionate to be a part of it and to re-energise the Taupo cafe scene a little bit."
Burns & Ferrall is offering the chance for one lucky company to win a fully functional commercial kitchen housed in a recycled container, worth over $125,000. Simply spend $1000 at Burns & Ferrall to go into the draw.
