Dining Under The Stars

Overview

Under Alert Level 3, businesses like restaurants, bars and cafes were open to look at alternative ways of working, meaning takeaway, contactless delivery and drive-thru services were open for business. In Auckland's newly enforced Level 2.5, only businesses that can follow the three S's can operate. That means people must be 'seated', people must be 'separated', and each table must have its own 'single server'.

Venues are getting crafty so they can still operate in a semi-normal state and follow the rules. At Auckland waterfront's Botswana Butchery diners can hire out an entire private igloo to escape the cold and maintain social distance. Operating via the Harbourside deck, each luxury igloo seats up to eight guests. Designer furniture brand Matisse has provided the opulent furnishings, including a stunning chandelier brought in from Italy.

Diners have the choice of two degustation menus, with optional wine pairings. 'The Meat Affair' serves up six courses of New Zealand's finest cuts, including wild venison by way of the Raukumara Ranges and lamb from the Cardrona Valley. 'The Banquet Affair' offers six sharing-style courses of Botswana favourites. That means dishes like fresh oysters, kingfish sashimi and the 'Threesome of Lamb' with all the trimmings.

Botswana Butchery's private igloo can be booked Monday through Sunday for both lunch and dinner.