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Queenstown, as the main regional resort, has the widest range of restaurants. Throughout the area, menus focus on local produce, seafood, lamb, and venison. Wine lists often highlight South Island wines, especially those from Central Otago and Gibbston Valley. Cafés and restaurants driven by the summer tourist trade shorten their hours in winter. Dress standards are generally relaxed, with jeans or khakis acceptable almost everywhere. At high-end places, particularly in Queenstown, you'll need to reserve a table at least a day in advance.
Outside of Queenstown and Wanaka dining options can be limited. In summer, meals of some sort are available almost everywhere, but outside the high season, there are fewer options in the smaller settlements and they don’t tend to stay open late.
Behind the hidden door, you'll find an intimate log-fire lounge with white table clothes, excellent food, and an impressive wine list. The Bunker's cozy atmosphere and fantastic service easily transforms a dinner reservation into an all-night affair, especially if you continue with drinks in their upstairs cocktail lounge. There's even a special Taste of the South degustation menu if you really want to indulge.
Sophisticated and splendid to all five senses, Kika is a true culinary star in Wānaka. Award-winning chef James Stapley focuses on sharing, great service and a warm atmosphere. As each dish arrives, it'll stir "oohs" by its playful and impressive presentation, followed by more enthusiastic "mmms" when you taste the elevated flavors. The Lumina lamb shoulder is arguably the best in the region, and pairs very well with the patate fritte and roasted carrots. Just make sure you leave room for dessert, you'll be Kika-ing yourself if don't try their famous standing ice creams.
Don't let the modest, homey exterior and laid-back attitude of the staff fool you: this restaurant serves the best meals in Te Anau. The menu is strong on wild game and seafood, and if you stay after dinner, you might get to enjoy live music at the bar. It pays to book in advance.
Only 3 km (2 miles) from Arrowtown, this grand new hospitality precinct sits on a sprawling and stunning section. At its center are restored 160-year-old farm buildings, home now to a range of restaurants and bars. The Woolshed restaurant is a big hit among locals for its atmosphere and meat-oriented menu. During the daytime, the grassy lawn outside hosts events and markets, and is a perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream from The Dairy nearby. At night, you'll find cozy intimate bars. Try the house Ayrburn wine in The Manure Room or cocktails in The Burr Bar. Wine Tastings are hosted daily in The Barrel Room. Bookings are highly recommended. Shuttle services are available to and from Queenstown, Arthurs Point, and Arrowtown.
Indulge with a modern fine French meal at this trendy bistro with lake and mountain views on the outskirts of Wānaka. The menu changes regularly, but the local Lumina lamb and Aoraki Salmon is always there in one form or another, accompanied by heirloom vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden. Help yourself to more oils and balsamic vinegars via the dispensing machines; you can opt to get your wine on tap as well, allowing you to sample several wines by the taste, half, or full glass. If you want to make a real event of it, opt for the seven-course tasting menu.
Dine here and find out why New Zealand is so proud of its beef and lamb: you could take it to the next level with the Wagyu beef, but honestly it's hard to beat the standard Jervois fillet, with onion rings on the side and delicious sauces. Steak is the undisputed hero here, but like the great American steak houses on which Jervois models itself, there's fabulous seafood, too, and even a quality vegetarian menu. Warm, interesting decor, and welcoming, knowledgeable staff (they'll bring cuts of meat to your table to show what you're getting) ensure this place delivers a memorable night. If you can't do dinner, try lunch.
