A passion for baking combined with business nous led a Clyde woman to set off on her journey, fueling bikers along the Central bike trails. 

Natalia Birgel is the owner of She Bakes NZ, a funky food trailer that sells homemade bakery treats and drinks – currently located just outside Trail Journeys between Clyde and Alexandra, a position that allows her to capture a market of hungry bikers or locals passing by.

In December 2022 She Bakes NZ was born – in the midst of a global pandemic which has brought challenges as the number of visitors to the region decreased. 

“She Bakes started as online cake orders and attending the Cromwell market on Sunday. I started operating for coffees and baking from trail journeys on Easter Friday.

“The bikers and locals mix is about 50/50. The locals have been really keen to taste my baking and the bikers tend to buy a lot of coffee before they head off for their rides in the morning. 

“They are either starting the rail trail or the new Dunstan trail. Trail Journeys shuttle them to Cromwell to start the trail.

“I’ve had a lot of support from my family as they had their own business – the Antique Lodge Motels in Clyde – without them I wouldn’t be here.

Natalia and her supporter and mentor, mother Heidi Birgel

“Things had a slow start – but that meant I was able to figure things out and … make sure it was all set up how I liked.”

 Natalia started baking as a child, with Woman’s Weekly and recipe books and her mum’s pantry.

“I did food tech at school, and then I studied art after school,” she said.

She worked as a waitress in Queenstown and then at Oliver’s which led her into the kitchen, to become a baker and she has never looked back.

While doing a Certificate in Baking in Rotorua, Natalia made a few cakes on the side for birthdays and other special occasions.

“I always wanted to start my own thing full time…. so [She Bakes NZ] grew from there”

The Central App asked her advice for anyone starting out in business and she said to jump in, take the risk and do it.

“It’s hard work at the start… it’s more rewarding to do what you are passionate about.”

She said the secret to her delectable looking photos featuring on She Bakes Instagram account was attention to detail.

“I take all the photos, I’m very particular about my photos –  I take them at the right time of day when the light is right.”

Natalia said her best selling items vary week to week. 

“At the market certain things will sell really well for two to three weeks. From the food trailer the cheese scones are popular, and then recently at the market the Lamingtons are a big hit.”

Her recipes are a blend of all she’s picked up at the different places she has worked, and then adjusted to just the way she likes things.

“My absolute favourite thing is decorating the cakes and making them look pretty.”

Making cakes pretty is just part of the mix for a delectable experience and something Natalia enjoys

When we asked what the future holds for She Bakes NZ Natalia said next summer she’s hoping to employ an assistant.

“I’ll be attending events locally such as Light Up Cromwell… I’ll be doing this for a wee while.

“At the moment I’m making the most of the tail end of the bike season.

“I’m looking forward to permanently being stationed outside Trail Journeys again next summer too.”

Feast your eyes: bakery goodies made by Natalia. PHOTO: Supplied

Twenty seven percent of New Zealand adult population has participated in a cycle tourism activity in the past year according to a recent report evaluating the New Zealand cycle trails released by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Check out the report on the impact of the New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Rides here.