THERE’S A LOT TO LOVE IN CENTRAL OTAGO THIS AUTUMN
Otago is a province of outstanding natural beauty from rugged mountain peaks to glacial lakes, native forests interlaced with a traditional farming heritage which produces some of the best beef and lamb in the country. Central Otago lies at the heart of this beautiful province and local chefs love to forage and use fresh seasonal ingredients to showcase their beef and lamb dishes. Now is the the perfect time to visit, as the golden colours of autumn begin to show and if you’re heading that way to experience this magical time of the year, we highly recommend taking some time out to satisfy your palate with some award winning beef and lamb dishes.
Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown
You will be spoilt for choice if you head out to Millbrook Resort near picturesque Arrowtown. Whether you’re a guest enjoying a luxury retreat at Millbrook or just passing through you can choose an evening of dining from two of their amazing restaurants. Millbrook’s signature restaurant, The Millhouse offers an ambient and intimate dining environment or maybe take your taste buds to Japan and enjoy some award-winning cuisine from their infamous Kobe Cuisine where New Zealand produce meets Japanese flavours. Either way you will be creating a night to remember! millbrook.co.nz
Bistro Gentil, Wanaka
Add a touch of France to your visit to Wanaka by dining at Bistro Gentil. Located just out of town high on a hill with stunning views you can indulge your palate in some outstanding French gastronomy while gazing over beautiful Lake Wanaka. The menu here combines the best of New Zealand produce cooked French style with a modern twist. Boasting a stunning wine list the knowledgeable staff will help you match the perfect drop with your beef or lamb. And in true French tradition, you can always partake in a little game of pétanque before heading off on your next adventure. bistrogentil.co.nz
Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen
Located on the shores of Lake Wanaka this restaurant has incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Infamous for their signature dish of slow cooked lamb shoulder designed to be shared, this is a great place to slow down and take your time to dine while enjoying the amazing vistas. You could also try your hand at cooking your own steak on one of their stone grills heated to 400°C and served at your table alongside a selection of fresh side dishes. wgk.co.nz
Cardrona Hotel, Cardrona
Situated on the Crown Range Road between Wanaka and Queenstown, The Cardrona Hotel was established in 1863 and is said to be one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels. The rustic charm, rich history and boutique accommodation makes this a destination to spend a weekend exploring this beautiful part of New Zealand. The award-winning restaurant offers a modern take on traditional pub fare using the freshest local ingredients and the roaring fires both inside and out creating the most delightful winter atmosphere to enjoy while you are there. cardronahotel.co.nz
Carrick Winery, Bannockburn
Central Otago is renowned for its stunning scenery and outstanding wineries. Carrick derives its name from the gold mining town and the mountain range which Carrick looks out upon. The chefs use local ingredients to make simple, healthy but sophisticated food which, when matched with their wines, provide a unique Central Otago dining experience. We hear their platters are a treat for a shared dining experience, so grab some friends and spend the afternoon eating, sharing a bottle of wine and gazing at the beautiful views from Carrick. carrick.co.nz
Olivers in Clyde
If you are a keen cyclist and the wide-open skies and distinctive landscape of Central Otago are beckoning you, then Clyde is a great place to begin the Central Otago Rail trail – New Zealand’s original great ride. Olivers is an iconic landmark, originally named the Victoria Store which provided provisions to the goldminers who came to seek their fortune. The complex includes award-winning Olivers Restaurant, a café bakery and deli and the Victoria Store Brewery. So if you are after provisions for your trip, try a hearty breakfast before you hop on your bike or a relaxing meal the night before you begin the trail, check out olivers.co.nz
Pitches Store in Ophir
It’s worth stopping a while in the tiny town of Ophir to explore and enjoy their hospitality. Whether you’re driving or cycling the Otago Rail Trail they are well set up for tourists and our top pick would be a night’s accommodation and dinner at the beautifully restored Pitches Store. Every detail of this Central Otago accommodation reflects contemporary luxury, tastefully combined with hints of its unique 130-year history. The restaurant also reflects the history of the building matched with some new design elements and a menu of locally inspired cuisine. pitches-store.co.nz
Roaring Megs, Queenstown
This little gem of a restaurant is located in central Queenstown and is appreciated worldwide with visitors returning each year to sample chef Dom’s award-winning lamb. Testament to its consistently good food are the twenty-one gold Beef and Lamb Excellence Award plates hanging proudly on the restaurant’s wall. Swiss born chef, Dom Jeanneret and his wife Sharon love to use home-grown herbs and berries and foraged walnuts, mushrooms and other seasonal produce growing abundantly in the area. roaringmegs.co.nz
True South Dining, The Rees Hotel, Queenstown
Award-wining chef Ben Batterbury heads up the kitchen at The True South Dining Room which offers a sophisticated elegant dining experience. Ben has cultivated a following as he treats guests to a sense of surprise when they dine at True South with something delicious, exciting and unexpected. Enjoy a meal here or spend the whole weekend at the hotel indulging in their luxury accommodation and waterfront location. therees.co.nz
Mackenzies Restaurant, Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
Enjoy an intimate dining experience complemented by a glowing fire and a seasonal menu using the freshest local ingredients. As early settlers to Queenstown's Wakatipu region, the Mackenzie family were renowned for their generosity, hospitality and pioneering spirit. This feeling inspires the service, ambience and cuisine at Mackenzies Restaurant. heritagehotels.co.nz
Captains Restaurant, Queenstown
Located in The Mall, in the heart of Queenstown, this is a great spot to sit and people watch while enjoying their award-winning beef and lamb dishes. Their superb herb-crusted lamb rack is a staple on their menu or check out their delicious prime steaks from the char-grill cooked perfectly to your liking – just add your favourite sauce. captains.co.nz
Muskets And Moonshine, Queenstown
Following in the footsteps of Queenstown’s early settlers, Musket and Moonshine’s rustic simplicity perfectly represents these pioneering beginnings. The building has a long history as a venue of trade so it’s only natural this is where the inspiration for this restaurant comes from. Their daylight and moonlight menus provide customers with award-winning cuisine in a relaxed environment. muskets.nz
Observatory Restaurant, Millenium Hotel, Queenstown
With a cosy fire and rustic stone walls the Observatory Restaurant offers a warm, relaxed dining environment. Their contemporary cuisine is thoughtfully prepared and served by a dedicated team of culinary professionals. In the evening you can choose from a grill menu or the chef specials menu where you may find a few surprises! millenniumhotels.com
Prime Lakefront Restaurant & Bar, Queenstown
Situated in the heart of Queenstown overlooking the lake, this restaurant is certainly in a ‘prime’ position. Enjoy watching the Earnslaw come and go across the lake or people milling about Queenstown Bay as you dine on their award-winning beef and lamb. We hear their Surf ‘n’ Turf with truffle mash and garlic prawns is excellent and the staff can help you match it to a tasty drop of Otago Pinot Noir! primewaterfront.co.nz
Wakatipu Grill, Hilton Hotel, Queenstown
This beautiful lakeside dining destination sits on the shores of glistening Lake Wakatipu with a magnificent mountain backdrop. With the cosy fireplace and extensive wine list, this is a wonderful destination for any dining occasion. Or linger a while on the terrace and enjoy the crisp air and outdoor firepit. hilton.co.nz