Restaurants

Queenstown is filled with an ever-changing array of good cafes and restaurants. The Skyline Gondola Restaurant (tel. 03/441-0101) is as much an experience as a meal. Enjoy lavish lunch and evening buffets accompanied by spectacular views. A buffet dinner including gondola ride is NZ$72 and lunch is NZ$47. The restaurant is huge and tour groups are seated in a separate area. Bookings are essential.

Special Find: Winning Wines

Gantley's Restaurant, 172 Arthur's Point Rd., Arthur's Point (tel. 03/442-8999), has an extensive wine list with over 250 selections, showcasing some of the most outstanding wines produced in New Zealand. One of only a few New Zealand restaurants to win an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine for "having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world," Gantley's is favored for its romantic interior and superior wine selections. Main courses range from NZ$35 to NZ$45, and they're open daily from 6pm; they offer courtesy transport from Queenstown.

Special Find: Market Treats

The best place for delicious treats, picnic food, and fabulous tastes to take home is Mediterranean Market, 53 Robins Rd., Queenstown (tel. 03/442-4161; www.mediterranean.co.nz). Head out on Gorge Road, turn down the hill beside the supermarket, and then hard left into the lower carpark. It's home to Squisito Café, and if you come out empty-handed, I'll be surprised. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6:30pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm.

For Chocolate Lovers

Patagonia Chocolates, Lakeside, 50 Beach St., Queenstown (tel. 03/442-9066), and Ramshaw Lane, Arrowtown (tel. 03/409-8584); www.patagoniachocolates.com), are must-stop/must-eat destinations. They're open daily from 8am to 10pm.

Glenorchy is a bit lean on dining options, but you won't starve. Glenorchy Hotel (tel. 03/442-9902) has a terrace cafe and restaurant with a la carte, stone grill, and bistro dining; and Glenorchy Café (tel. 03/442-9958) can fill the gaps with snacks and light meals in a casual atmosphere. Kinloch Lodge (tel. 03/442-4900) has the best menu, with the likes of Mediterranean baked lamb, seared grouper, or homemade meatballs.