Best Restaurant Views In New Zealand
Jack’s Point Restaurant - Queenstown
Jack’s Point restaurant is part of Jack’s Point Community, 15 minutes from Queenstown airport. This is a residential development like no other, amongst other reasons; because 95% of it’s pristine land has been left untouched. The views are pure New Zealand, mountain majestic and come in sense surround. Not unexpectedly, the menu is as pure and wholesome as this environment. Try the local beets with burrata, fig and mountain spinach or the market fish black tacos and you’ll see what we mean.
Regatta Bar and Eatery - Auckland
First, imagine the perfect seaside dining spot… Then sit down in the sunshine bar at Regatta on a nice day. Let your eyes wander past the green palms to the turquoise waters of Takapuna Beach and you’ll understand just how good this place is. As befits such a view, the mainstay of the menu is the freshest kiwi seafood done simply and elegantly. Alternatives include a sensational crisp pork belly and smoked duck breast that reflect owner Andy Ruzich’s French heritage.
The Sugar Club - Auckland
From 53 stories up in The Skytower the views of Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other will leave you in no doubt that you have arrived somewhere special. Just reading chef Peter Gordon’s sophisticated fusion menu is a hit to the taste buds and the end result more than lives up to this promise. Dishes like goat tagine, crayfish linguine and tempura, blue pea inari are rendered from the finest local ingredients and fully live up to the website’s promise of “a meal of discovery”.
Stratosfare – Queenstown
These views are so spectacular you’ll feel like you’re in a plane except that the food’s a lot better. The food is international with plenty of choice from a quality buffet and even though it’s not a cheap trip out it’s worth paying $20 more to be next to a window. The gondola ride is part of the experience and there’s no better view of Queenstown.
Curator’s House Restaurant - Christchurch
If the scenery of the South Island is not enough, Curator’s House is certainly another great reason to make the trip to Christchurch. The restaurant serves authentic Spanish food in a beautiful 1920’s manor house overlooking the Avon River, in the middle of the Botanic Gardens. The location and specialities like the cordero asado (slow roasted lamb shoulder), Cloudy Bay clams in a white wine and onion ragout and paella served in the pan make this restaurant difficult to top.
Mikano Restaurant and Bar – Auckland
Known for its seafood, Mikano offers beautiful views of the Auckland waterfront, Devonport and Rangitoto Island while you take in its modern NZ cuisine and striking interior. In winter, enjoy a drink by the fire or perhaps a cocktail in the New York style bar.
Te Whau Restaurant and Vineyard – Waiheke Island
Honestly, with so many high quality restaurants in this area, you are spoilt for choice; however, even in this company Te Whau stands out. The restaurant is set on a headland, so you can drink in the views and their renowned chardonnay with spanner crab salad or seared sesame crusted kingfish.
Bistro Gentil – Wanaka
If stunning views over Lake Wanaka to snow covered mountains and the overlay of contemporary French cooking and the best NZ produce doesn’t push your buttons then you have un petit problème. Bistro Gentil is around an hour and ten minutes drive from Queenstown and won a chef’s hat in the Cuisine NZ Good Food Awards and a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor in 2016.