Savour the Seasons: Where to Enjoy New Zealand's Most Exquisite Eats

You can’t beat the views at Rippon Winery — the family-owned vineyard sits on the western shores of Lake Wānaka in the Otago region, overlooking the Southern Alps. 

The vineyard was named the best vineyard in Australasia and ranked 11th in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards list in 2023. Drink in the breathtaking views with a glass of their prestigious pinot noir at the cellar door. Tastings are free by appointment, or you can delve deeper with a tour or private tasting.

Indulge in all things seafood at this food-fuelled annual autumn event. Since 2004, the festival has been celebrating Bluff oysters — harvested straight from the coastlines of Southland — during peak oyster season in May, with oyster shucking competitions, eating contests, food stalls and live music.

Whether you prefer your oysters raw, freshly battered or with accompaniments, there’s sure to be a style to suit your palate. Once you’ve had your fill of shellfish, there’s also muttonbird, lamb, pork, venison and sometimes even escargot dishes around the festival. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 24, 2025, and nab your tickets before they sell out.

Image: Miles Holden, courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

Take in the changing of the seasons at Ayrburn — an upscale food and wine precinct just outside of Queenstown. The sprawling dining destination boasts eight venues (soon to be nine) that are open daily, so even the fussiest of eaters are catered to.

Pull up a chair outside by the bubbling stream or indoors by the fireplace for all-day bistro dining at The Woolshed, sip on a wine flight in a restored farm building at The Manure Room, and keep the kids happy with a sweet treat from The Dairy. In the evening, there’s plenty of options for intimate drinks and dining, with cocktails by an outdoor fire at The Burr Bar or wine tastings in the subterranean Barrel Room.

Aotearoa New Zealand is renowned across the globe for its wineries, but its breweries are not to be overlooked. Ideally situated on the top of the South Island with the sunniest climate in New Zealand, Nelson’s brewing history dates back to the 1840s, when German settlers first started cultivating hops in the region.

Spend a day following the Nelson Craft Beer Trail on foot, by bike or via a tour to explore the many breweries around Nelson. The trail takes you from Nelson City to Onekaka, with stops at 22 beer bars and breweries along the way, including New Zealand’s oldest pub.

Image: courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

Experience some of Martinborough’s finest drops at The Runholder. The Runholder is home to not only two wineries, but also a gin distillery, tasting room and restaurant.

Sample tipples from Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin in the Tasting Room, or opt to elevate your sips with shared plates and main dishes in the Dining Room as you look out over the Martinborough Terrace. Depending on the weather, close out the day with a bottle of wine on the outdoor terrace or by the cosy fireplace. If you’re keen to experience more of what the region has to offer, you can also embark on a tour of the town and its 20-plus wineries, which are largely accessible by bike or on foot.

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail takes you through idyllic scenery and top-notch wineries from Hawke’s Bay on the North Island down to Marlborough on the South Island. With crisper temperatures and changing foliage, autumn is the perfect time to embark on the five-day vino voyage.

One of the trail’s many highlights is Craggy Range. Nestled at the base of the towering Te Mata Peak in Hawke’s Bay, the family-owned winery has been making award-winning drops since 1998. Drop in for a tour and tasting, or opt to pair your wine with canapés made using seasonal produce sourced from the property’s organic garden and local producers.

Image: Matt Crawford, courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

With a multi-course set menu that utilises the best seasonal produce directly from the restaurant’s garden or foraged from nearby, all you have to do at Hillside is sit back and enjoy.

The innovative restaurant in Wellington pushes culinary boundaries with plant-based dishes paired with drinks solely from Aotearoa New Zealand, which are free from any animal products. You won’t find any imitation meat here — the focus is on highlighting the flavours and aromatics of the fresh produce, rather than trying to transform them into something else.

Image: Asher Boote

Take in the views of a tranquil lake and rolling vineyards at Glass House Kitchen. Situated on the sprawling Brick Bay vineyard only an hour north of Auckland, the restaurant serves seasonal produce in an enchanting space with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Most of the produce is sourced from the property’s vegetable garden, fruit orchard and farm, while its range of premium wines is handcrafted at the vineyard onsite. The property is also home to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, which features over 70 sculptures by New Zealand artists across two kilometres of bushland. The restaurant is open all day, from brunch to afternoon tea and dinner, so you can explore the property or go for a wine tasting between bites.

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t still visit the beach. The east coast of the North Island features stretches of tranquil beaches waiting to be explored, minus the hassle of the summer crowds. While you’re in Gisborne, settle in at Tahu for a long lunch or intimate dinner with waterfront views over Midway Beach.

The kitchen serves accessible yet elegant dishes that champion locally sourced produce, such as fish tacos with pineapple and cucumber salsa; pork belly bites with miso and date purée; lamb rump with chipotle and kumara purée and mint and parsley gremolata; and even bento boxes to delight the little ones.

Cooler temperatures and cheese go hand in hand, and Whitestone Cheese Diner and Deli in the South Island’s Ōamaru is serving up just that. 

Nibble on a cheese board of Whitestone’s own seasonal creations, or level this up with a pairing of cheese and local boutique wines. For something heartier, there’s a menu chock-full of cheesy goodness, from baked brie or jalapeño poppers with tasty cheese to a four-cheese mac and cheese, burgers, southern-style barbecue ribs and lemon cheesecake.