QUEEN OF THE CROP: THE BEST OF QUEENSTOWN CUISINE

NEW: THE SHERWOOD
In addition to a hotel and yoga studio, the recently renovated Sherwood has now opened a restaurant that has all of the foodies talking. Set on three acres of alpine hillside, the restaurant overlooks Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables range, offering the perfect dining setting. The restaurant’s ingredients are locally sourced, whether it’s from their own organic garden or from local farms and independent producers. This same philosophy extends to the wine programme, offering the very best of New Zealand’s independent wine growers. www.sherwoodqueenstown.nz

NEW: GRAZË
All the locals are talking about Grazë, the new restaurant, bar and grocer in the heart of Lake Hayes Estate, Queenstown. Grazë offers both counter food and a full a la carte menu, complete with everything from a local fish of the day to New Zealand cheese platters. If guests aren’t enjoying the outdoor courtyard, you’ll find them in the attached bar, complete its own microbrewery and stocked with home-made bread and ice cream. www.grazenz.co.nz

AMISFIELD WINERY
Take a chance with the ‘Trust the Chef’ programme at Amisfield Winery and enjoy one of Queenstown’s renowned dining experiences. Amisfield Winery offers guests the chance to relax and let the experts decide. The dishes are personally chosen by the Head Chef based on the local produce and ingredients that are available on the day. No, we haven’t forgot the wine – the in-house sommelier pairs each meal with a complimentary wine tasting as well. www.amisfield.co.nz

SAFFRON
Featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Top 100 Tables Around the World’, Saffron is one of New Zealand’s iconic restaurants. Adelaide-born Executive Chef, Pete Gawron and his wife, Melanie Hill, opened the vibrant bistro in the late 1990’s. Saffron offers a 10-course tasting menu including Stewart Island Blue Cod or local lamb chops, a kiwi favourite. Of course, this is complemented by an extensive wine list showcasing wines from Central Otago. www.saffronrestaurant.co.nz

CARRICK WINERY
Carrick Winery overlooks the spectacular Bannockburn Inlet in Central Otago. Carrick’s menu celebrates the local seasonal produce, from summer fruit and organic vegetables to local meats and seafood sourced from the Southern Ocean. Our favourite - the Bannockburn Platter with pork, pistachio duck terrine and cured ham, paired with the Bannockburn Pinot Noir. www.carrick.co.nz

RĀTĀ
Rātā is owned by New Zealand’s internationally recognised Michelin standard Chef Josh Emett and well-respected local restaurateur Fleur Caulton. They have taken inspiration from New Zealand’s southern landscapes to create a relaxed ambiance with great service and delicious food. The sunny courtyard and bar are perfect for an all-day session of enjoying their famous bluff oysters (and wine!). www.ratadining.co.nz

WALTER PEAK STATION
For a meal steeped in local history, try a gourmet barbeque at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Situated on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu, the sheltered bays of the property were once used by Maori on hunting expeditions. The dining experience begins with a lake cruise to the farm on the TSS Earnslaw - a 100-year-old steamship – followed by a three-course gourmet barbeque dinner with an array of local produce. After dinner, guests can enjoy a night-cruise back to Queenstown to hit up the buzzing nightlife. www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/dining/walter-peak-gourmet-bbq-lunch