White (Auckland; tel. 09/978-2000): Named for its stunning minimal all-white interior, White is the handiwork of celebrated consulting chef Luke Mangan, who owns the award-winning restaurant Salt in Sydney. Its best feature is the Table, a big informal table for diners who like the idea of mixing with others over an outstanding meal.
DINE By Peter Gordon (Auckland; tel. 09/363-7030): This sleek, dimly lit culinary "palace" is the new playground of London/New Zealand celebrity chef Peter Gordon. Set in the new SKYCITY Grand Hotel, it's fusion cuisine at its best. Just make sure you save a few good breaths for gasping at the bill.
Logan Brown (Wellington; tel. 04/801-5114): Located in a restored bank building on the edge of the red-light district, this restaurant is guaranteed to exceed your expectations. Consistently voted one of the capital's best eateries -- for its service and its delicious focus on top meat cuts and wild game -- it shouldn't be bypassed.
Herzog (Blenheim; tel. 03/572-8770): Expect the very best from this winery and restaurant that has been held up by New York's Wine Spectator for its impressive stock of around 3,200 of the world's best wines. It's a fine-dining experience you won't forget in a hurry.
Rotherams (Christchurch; tel. 03/341-5142): Swiss-born chef Martin Weiss has mastered the art of stunning his hungry patrons. In an interior that's all about romance and special occasions, he presents meals that excel in both presentation and taste. Not to be missed -- likewise the extensive wine list.
The Bunker (Queenstown; tel. 03/441-8030): Don't start celebrating until you've actually found it and are sitting at one of its tables! Notoriously hard to find (that's part of its charm), and expensive when you get there, this hidden culinary jewel delivers on all the superlatives it receives. Make sure you hunt it down.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
