Food and Wine

Delicious New Zealand Cuisine

New Zealand really is a ‘land of plenty’, and we are so lucky able to grow and produce such abundant amounts of the most delicious fresh food (and wine) in the world. Along with some very well known and creative chefs, these days we are even a known destination for passionate foodies! On our ‘World Heritage Walking Tour’ introducing and showing off to you our country’s world class food and wine is just as important to us as making sure you experience the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer! When we created this very special trip, we had in our minds the vision or dream of our group relaxing at the end of the day in specially picked restaurants with new found friends enjoying a beautifully prepared meal (perhaps with a bottle of New Zealand wine) and celebrating a day of unforgettable experiences together. Take a moment to check out some reviews if you like, you’ll see that our dream truly became reality.

Indulge your tastebuds during your trip to New Zealand.

New Zealand Trails Cuisine

Because we have chosen to eat out at our favourite restaurants - neither our guides or our guests do any cooking. This means you can look forward to freshly created, delicious meals every single day. There’s no freeze-dried food or eating out of a can at any point on our tours, even in remote locations. Imagine eating expertly-prepared meals and enjoying fine wines at the beautiful, remote Martin’s Bay Lodge, nestled deep within Fiordland National Park.

Our 'World Heritage Walking Tour' winds through some of the most abundant food and wine regions in New Zealand. from Queenstown to Fiordland, the Canterbury Plains and the West Coast, we get to indulge in beautiful delicious fresh seafood, fresh organic vegetables, stonefruit, venison, lamb, whitebait and wild game; I’m sure you can see why so many people tell us that the food and wine were one of the highlights of their time with us!

Sip on a glass of wine while enjoying lunch at a winery in Gibbston Valley.

While on our trip every morning you’ll look forward to a hearty breakfast complete with cooked options and delicious fresh fruit. During days when we’re hiking, you’ll enjoy a packed lunch freshly made that morning – complete with gourmet sandwiches, fruit, water and lots of yummy extras – that will keep you ‘full of beans' for the afternoon’s activities. On the days we’re not hiking, we enjoy lunch in the best cafes around plus a surprise or two thrown in for good measure. Dinners are spent in popular local restaurants - with your guide helping you enjoy the best foods New Zealand can offer. And no worries if you are vegetarian have an allergy, intolerance or in-fact have any dietary requirements, we have it covered!

World-class New Zealand wines go down a treat at the end of a day exploring in the outdoors. Known for their vibrancy, intensity and purity, New Zealand’s wines are famous the world over and make a beautiful accompaniment to a fine meal. The Central Otago region is known for its Pinot Noir, while Chardonnay lovers should look to wine made from Gisborne. For Sauvignon Blanc that will knock your socks off, Marlborough is known as one of the best regional producers in the world. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy New Zealand’s finest drops; we visit two Queenstown wineries on tour, and all of the restaurants we dine at have fantastic selections. For a quality local recommendation, look to your guide – they’ll no doubt have some great advice on what to choose.

Lakeside lunch in Queenstown.

To get a feel for the culinary highlights you’ll enjoy on a New Zealand Trails tour, we’ve included a description of a few of our favourites below.

Public Kitchen, Queenstown

Focusing on delicious local produce that’s either been caught off the coast, caught in the hills or farmed just down the road, Queenstown’s Public Kitchen makes for a beautifully fresh and quintessentially New Zealand dining experience. Owned by the highly acclaimed Wai dining group, service is top-notch and eating on the lake terrace is a must for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu. You can’t go past the hearty leg of Venison dish – farmed in Athol, only 75km away from the restaurant itself.

Try the New Zealand eye fillet beef at Public Kitchen in Queenstown.

Lake Matheson Cafe, Fox Glacier

Looking out towards snowy mountain peaks and nestled on the shores of one of the country’s most beautiful lakes is the Lake Matheson Cafe. The views you’ll enjoy here are truly spectacular. Combined with meals made from locally-sourced ingredients and created by passionate chefs, this is a special dining experience you’re unlikely to forget. As previous winners of the New Zealand Beef and Lamb hallmark of excellence award, it’s no wonder that the lamb burger – made with manuka honey and fresh herbs - is a popular favourite.

Take in the scenery from the deck at Lake Matheson Cafe.

The Alpine Restaurant, Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook

Located in the foothills of the Southern Alps, one of the most scenic and tasty buffets in the South Island is found at the Alpine Restaurant. Enjoy South Island Salmon, Roast Lamb and crisp, fresh salads as you gaze up at the towering peak of Mount Cook – a vista that can be enjoyed from every seat in the house.

Breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt Cook from The Hermitage.

Any dietary requirements you may have are happily catered for. New Zealand’s professional chefs are adept at creating meals that meet personal requirements; just let us know beforehand.