Concrete Playground

Cookie Time

18 Camp Street, Queenstown

Found in Templeton, a kilometre out of Christchurch, this cookie haven the perfect place to call in for some chocolate chunk for your journey south

Stratosfare Restaurant

Brecon Street, Queenstown

Jump on the gondola and ride up to Queenstown’s Skyline for a dinner above the clouds with panoramic views. Go before sunset and stay to see the stars.

Fleur's Place - CLOSED

169 Haven Street, Moeraki

Dig into fresh, local seafood — or local specialty muttonbird — at this rustic restaurant on the waterfront at the Old Jetty in Moeraki.

The World Bar

12 Church Street, Queenstown

Head to this bar for the music and famed teapot cocktails. Order a teapot of Pesty’s Moonshine or Caught in the Rain and enjoy the tunes.

Smiths Craft Beer House

53 Shotover Street, Queenstown

This industrial chic bar serves craft beer, burgers, pizzas and Louisiana po’ boys. Not sure what to order? The bar staff will offer expert suggestions according to your taste.

Perky's Floating Bar

Lake Wakatipu

Board this boat bar on Lake Wakatipu in the late afternoon for beers, lake views and, eventually, a glittering sunset over the water.

Below Zero

Searle Lane, Queenstown

It’s all too fitting for an alpine town like Queenstown to have a bar made of ice (let alone two — the second being Minus 5).

Buster Crabb

326 Dee Street, Invercargill

Hit up this gastropub for a hearty feed. Think slow roasted lamb burgers, pan-fried seafood, saffron risotto and a range of steaks from the chargrill.

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

12 The Octagon, Dunedin

Sip some of the finest reserve wines from NZ (and Australia, France and Italy) at this wine bar and restaurant set in one of Dunedin’s oldest buildings in the heart of town.

Rippon Winery

, Wanaka

Make a stop at Wanaka’s oldest vineyard. Also, it’s allegedly the most photographed vineyard in the world, so you know it’s a stunner.

Cardrona Distillery

2125 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka

Tour this family-owned artisanal distillery in Cardrona Valley, then taste test the variety of spirits made with pure South Island water.

Lalaland Lounge Bar Wanaka

99 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Expect views, house-made limoncello, daily happy hours and a great taste in music at this bar dedicated to cocktails.

Gin and Raspberry - CLOSED

155 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

When it’s time to kickback, enjoy a signature gin and raspberry on the bar’s balcony, offering some of the best views in Wanaka.

The Old Mountaineer's Cafe

Have a locally sourced feed and take in breathtaking views at this iconic cafe in the Aoraki Mount Cook Village, opened by famed mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary.

The Spice Room

43 Helwick Street, Wanaka

Ask for one of the two top booths by the fire, settle in and relish in the fresh, wholesome flavours offered at this Indian restaurant in Wanaka.

Francesca's Italian Kitchen

93 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Dig into warming, authentic pizzas and pastas indoors or out at this Italian restaurant right by the waterfront in Wanaka.

Astro Cafe

Godley Peaks Road, Lake Tekapo

Sip your flat white 1000 metres above sea level surrounded by 360-degree views of the Mackenzie Basin.

Minaret Station

Minaret Station, Minaret Bay

Taking a helicopter to lunch sounds over the top — we hear you. But this is a once in a lifetime kind of meal set high in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Salmon Farm Cafe

State Highway 6, Paringa

This farm-cafe-shop lets you feed, eat and buy (smoked or fresh) salmon. Expect some of the freshest salmon — ever.

Alice May

30 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier

After exploring the glacier, head here for traditionally New Zealand, meaty dishes with a twist.