BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE...

Should you be able to pull yourself away from the comfort of Eichardt’s and want to venture out for a bite, here are our recommendations for more top experiences in and around town.

AMISFIELD BISTRO A short drive out of town but definitely worth the trip. Executive chef Vaughan Mabee invents New Zealand haute cuisine with a level of sophistication, technical wizardry and impeccable delivery, taking humble food memories (Vogel’s bread, Goody Goody Gumdrops ice cream, paua pies, a simple feijoa) and reinterpreting them in contemporary and clever ways. / amisfield.co.nz

BOTSWANA BUTCHERY Velvet-upholstered armchairs, quirky, meat-cleaver door handles, lush wallpaper and lots of fireplaces – great for an Otago winter – make Botswana Butchery a very welcoming spot on the Queenstown waterfront. Settle down on the lakeside terrace or sink into big leather sofas, and put yourself in the hands of executive chef, Thomas Barta, for a menu selection that’s truly stupendous. /botswanabutchery.co.nz/queenstown

RATA Rata oozes the essence of New Zealand, warm and relaxed, yet elegant and served with a pinch of fun. Co-owners Josh Emett and Fleur Caulton have hit the sweet spot, serving up thoughtful food brimming with inspiration from the southern landscape. / ratadining.co.nz

FISHBONE Consistently busy, consistently fresh, Queenstown’s Fishbone has been a constant for years in a fast-changing region. Owner-chef Darren Lovell sources the freshest fish as close to home as possible and his own Fishbone Farm grows much of the produce. / fishbonequeenstown.co.nz

SHERWOOD An uber-cool eco-hotel, yoga and wellness retreat and restaurant, Sherwood is built on the premise of a respect for nature and sustainable practices and this wholeheartedly carries through to the restaurant. The biodynamic kitchen garden supplies more than 60% of the vegetables and herbs used in the kitchen and some others are foraged locally. / sherwoodqueenstown.nz