New Zealand South Island Food Guide - Eat, Drink and Ski

Written by Justin Doyle, the founder of highly popular Food and Snow Obsessed Chef

From Queenstown to Wanaka, Methven to Christchurch, the South’s food scene is thriving, hearty and refined, wild and worldly. Here’s a hit list of culinary gems discovered along the way.

Queenstown – Where Flavour Meets the Peaks

Start your day right at Odd Saint, Queenstown’s go-to brekky hangout. Staff contributions shape the menu, giving it a creative edge. Order the Frank’s Breakfast Negroni, yes, that’s gin, Rinomato, sweet vermouth, orange and marmalade, alongside your coffee of choice and you’re off to a cracking start.

If it’s wine and wow-factor you’re after, Toast & Oak raises the bar. With a wine room that’s deep and dangerous (in a good way), the Euro-inspired menu blends local Otago produce with finesse. Don’t skip the Negroni.

Then there’s The Sherwood, a venue that wears its wild heart on its sleeve. Almost everything on your plate is grown on-site, foraged nearby, or sourced locally. The menu reads like a love letter to the Otago landscape. It’s rustic and refined, earthy yet elegant, and best shared with a crew around a long table and a bottle of Central Otago Pinot.

Cap it off with a cocktail (or three) at Little Mez, Queenstown’s hidden tequila temple. The Margaritas are magical, the Mezcal list is next-level, and the moody lighting adds just the right amount of mystery.

Arrowtown – Wine & Lamb Burgins

Set among heritage charm, Ayrburn Winery is a multi-venue wonderland. Wander into The Manure Room for wine flights and plates like Cured Big Glory Bay Salmon with miso wasabi dressing and pickled ginger gel. Pure class.

Slow Cuts does what it says, slow cooked goodness in the form of rotisserie chicken, burgers and the legendary Lamb-Burgini. Pair it with a pint from Arrowtown Brew Co and you’re living the dream.

Wanaka – Wholesome Meets Wild

Fuel up at Dripping Bowl, where Buddha Bowls and seasonal goodness take the spotlight. Their Mushroom Coffee is… let’s just say unforgettable.

Local fave Federal Diner is your go-to for casual brilliance. Try the Mexican Madness—poached eggs, chimichurri, crispy spuds and charred corn. It’s breakfast fireworks.

Rhyme + Reason Brewery brings the good times with its shenanigans-loving taproom. Grab a Black Lips Porter or Italian Stallion Lager, and settle in for laughs, live music and craft beer culture at its best.

The Chef’s Table at Rippon Winery is something else. Housed in the stunning Rippon Hall, it’s a snow season-only pop-up that dishes out shared feasts and fondues by an open fire with views across Lake Wānaka. This is the snow season dinner of dreams.

Methven – Soak, Sip, Savour

The Green Parrot is where Brazilian chef Gilberto plates up warmth and generosity. The Roasted Beef Ribeye and Lamb Shank are melt-in-your-mouth magic.

After carving up Mt Hutt, ease into the Tranquillity Bar at Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa. Swim-up bar? Tick. Cocktails in hot pools? Tick. The Methven Mule is a must-try, refreshing and totally earned.

Christchurch – Urban Flavours, Coastal Feels

Cassels Brewery dishes up more than beer and pizza, though those are excellent too. Try the Brewer’s Platter alongside a Milk Stout and toast to simple pleasures.

At Roca, fire and smoke take the lead. Expect Mediterranean magic like Smoked Aged Beef Ribs, Flatbreads and Dips, and flame-kissed veggies. The Roasted Sesame Old Fashioned is worth crossing oceans for.

And finally, Scoundrel is your Christchurch hideout for Tacos, Margaritas and Moonshine, all under a jungle of indoor greenery. It’s casual, creative and downright cool.