BERNIE’S DINER AND HARMON’S CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM

Stepping into Bernie's Diner is like being transported back to gloriously colourful 1950s United States. Everything from the bright turquoise booths to the black-and-white checkered floors is a blast to a retro past, the perfect ambience for slurping down a chocolate milkshake or indulging in a torpedo-shaped hot dog. The menu is impressive, with breakfast-to-lunch fare in addition to an entire menu dedicated to milkshakes and ice-cream sundaes. Father-and-son duo Geoff and Bernard Harmon never expected to open a US-style diner. They just needed a place to store their overflowing collection of classic cars. But when an old Mitre 10 warehouse became available along SH1, they jumped at the opportunity. Why not open their collection to the public? The diner was a natural complement to the 1950s and 1960s automotive beauties in their warehouseturned-museum. After a generous helping of mac-and-cheese, be sure to check out the car collection in the back for a chance to see dozens of American classics (and Kiwi icons) in all their glory. 105 Beach Road, Kaikōura. (03) 319 3119, berniesdiner.co.nz