Making whey for Whitestone Cheese Co’s playfully fresh design

10 Nov 2025

Whitestone Cheese Co, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artisanal cheesemakers, has added a delicious new chapter to its nearly 40-year legacy. The Oamaru-based family business, known for producing more than two dozen world-class cheeses, has opened the Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli, a hospitality venture that blends its heritage with a fresh, contemporary experience.

Located in the heart of the company’s operations, the space gives visitors a new way to enjoy Whitestone’s award-winning cheeses through a menu of flavour-packed dishes, drinks and takeaway options. “It’s been a lengthy journey to arrive where we are now,” says Managing Director Simon Berry. “We are constantly evolving and always working towards a sustainable outcome, including new products, new facilities and different markets.”

Resene Quarter Kalgoorie Sands brings warmth to the walls in the dining area. The chairs and diner table pedestals are painted in Resene Sorrento, which ties into other areas of the interior. The ceiling is in painted in Resene Double Alabaster.

Like the exterior façade, the shop features beautiful blues – Resene Sorrento and Resene Morning Haze – as a homage to Whitestone’s flagship product, Windsor Blue. Built-in arched cooler surrounds, dry goods shelving, fluted counter panelling and door frame in Resene Sorrento, ceiling in Resene Double Alabaster and award alcove in Resene Morning Haze.

Simon, the son of founders Bob and Sue Berry, says the business remains a family affair. His sister Vanessa runs the Queenstown Farmers Market stall, while his wife, designer Annabel Berry, was the creative force behind the new Diner & Deli. Annabel and her team at Annabel Berry Creative Co led the full design process, from interiors and alfresco dining to branding, menus and merchandise. “Over the course of my career, I’ve worked in design, marketing, events and management, so this project brought all those skillsets together,” she says.

Once home to the 1950s Tui Tearooms, the building was restored to honour its local history while giving it a bold, modern look. Drawing inspiration from Whitestone’s flagship Windsor Blue cheese and the Oamaru coastline, Annabel chose a vibrant Resene colour palette featuring the cool blue of Resene Lynchpin and the coral-toned Resene Awaken. “The Resene palette informed every selection of materials and finishes,” she explains. “If I couldn’t find what I needed, I had it made to match.”

The bar area features Resene Quarter Biscotti on the ceiling and Resene Smalt Blue on the bar front.

Colour surprises and delights throughout Whitestone with a striped wall in Resene Cashmere and Resene Kalgoorie Sands, main walls in Resene Sorrento and Resene Casal, a ceiling in Resene Double Alabaster, and all of the playful and inviting décor to match.

Painting the exterior brick in blue was initially met with surprise, but soon became a town talking point. “Once the scheme came together, people started asking how they could achieve a similar look,” says Annabel.

Local engineers designed and built a custom neon sign that is positioned above the entry to the shop and a local upholsterer built a candy-striped awning in coral and white to bring that retro vibe and ensure this exterior palette makes its presence felt as you approach the site.

Inside, layers of soft and rich hues using Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen and Resene Lustacryl in Resene Quarter Kalgoorie Sands, Resene Sorrento and Resene Casal, alongside custom joinery and retro details reflect both the diner’s history and Whitestone’s personality.

The project, managed by Nailing It Homes and painted by Darryn Stewart Painters, was a labour of love involving extensive renovation work. “Annabel had amazing vision as it came together perfectly,” says Project Manager Peter Nind. “It’s nice to look back and laugh about all the challenges no one would ever know about now.”

The finished result has been met with glowing reviews, with guests praising the décor, atmosphere and, of course, the cheese. “The blue exterior of the building is my favourite,” says Simon. “It draws people in and creates a vibe that’s not felt anywhere else.”

Diner & Deli and accommodation walls painted in Resene Lynchpin, paired with contrasting doors in Resene Awaken and trims in Resene Alabaster.

Brick and plaster façade painted in Resene Lynchpin, fascia and accommodation door in Resene Awaken and soffits, windows and door frames in Resene Double Alabaster.

The project earned two accolades at the Resene Total Colour Awards: the Commercial Interior Public + Retail Space Award and the Commercial Exterior Colour Maestro Award. Next, the Berrys plan to refurbish the on-site accommodation to create an immersive “cheese stay” experience with tastings, tours and local attractions.

For now, the Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli is already a must-visit stop for food lovers. A true celebration of family, flavour and a whole lot of Kiwi creativity.

design and colour selection Annabel Berry Creative Co, www.annabelberry.com

construction documentation Virginia Barlow Architecture, www.vbalimited.co.nz 

build Nailing It, www.facebook.com/nailingithomes

joinery Firman Joinery, www.firmanjoinery.co.nz

bespoke steel fabrication and signage Apex Engineering, www.apexengineering.co.nz 

painting Darryn Stewart Painters & Decorators

images Rachel Wybrow Photography, www.rachelwybrowphotography.com

Published: 10 Nov 2025