Dine out at New Zealand’s best rated restaurants

Media
Written By Kim Manunui

If dining out is on your dream itinerary, these are some must-visit 3 HAT restaurants and our nearest villas.

These are just two of six restaurants, closest to our villas, that received the 3 HAT accolade in the latest 2025 Cuisine Good Food Guide, presented by American Express.

 

Amisfield, Southern Lakes - Queenstown

In brief: “Supreme, sublime - and other justified superlatives” - Cuisine Good Food Guide

Amisfield in Lake Hayes stands proudly as a beacon of New Zealand's culinary landscape, widely celebrated as one of the country's finest dining establishments. This experiential fine-dining restaurant offers a world-class, multi-course menu that is unparalleled in Aotearoa and complemented by the estate’s award-winning organic single-vineyard wines, alongside a curated selection of some of the finest wines from around the globe. In June 2025, Amisfield became the first New Zealand restaurant to place in the top 100 of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.

 

Our properties close to Amisfield

 

Drift Bay Private Villa

Queenstown - South Island

Journey time to Amisfield: just over 20 minutes by road

Soak up the mesmerising mountain and lake view from this large and amazingly private, Queenstown lakefront paradise.

Drift Bay Private Villa is an outstanding, immaculate private home set on 10 acres of waterfront land.

It can host up to 16 guests in seven bedrooms, features a media room, games room, suberb outdoor living, and an oversized hot tub for 14.

 

Hawks Nest Private Villa

Queenstown - South Island

Journey time to Amisfield: approximately 35 minutes by road

Immerse yourself in this impeccably designed, modern and elegant Queenstown retreat with transcendent views of the lake and mountains and outstanding amenities.

Nestled hillside, enjoying expansive views of Lake Whakatipu, sits Hawks Nest - an abode of serene, natural beauty, and comfort.

With 5 bedrooms, Hawks Nest can accommodate up to 12 people, a media and games room, a New York-style downstairs bar, gym equipment, and a tranquil wellness room.

 

Te Toka Private Villa

Queenstown - South Island

Journey time to Amisfield: approximately 35 minutes by road

Named Te Toka (Māori for ‘The Rock’), this stunning property is as solid and enduring as the rocky land it rests on. But beyond its rugged foundation, this villa offers a luxurious and serene retreat, where panoramic views, chic design and refined comforts create an experience as beautiful and timeless as the landscape itself.

This villa can accommodate up to 10 guests across 5 bedrooms. Designed to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, it features expansive living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private gym, pool table, wrap around terrace, spa pool, and meditation garden.

 

Craggy Range, Hawkes Bay

In brief: “A delicious legacy in the making” - Cuisine Good Food Guide

Terry and Mary Peabody have built a remarkable legacy at their winery, rooted in family values and a commitment to showcasing the rich culinary landscape of Hawke’s Bay. Craggy Range’s menu continues to champion local producers, influencing the region’s food-and-drink narrative. Nestled between breathtaking Te Mata Peak and sprawling vineyards, diners are treated to chef Casey McDonald’s exceptional creations, which draw inspiration from the on-site kitchen gardens.

 

Our property close to Craggy Range

 

Summerlee Original Homestead

Cape Kidnappers - Hawkes Bay - North Island

Journey time to Craggy Range: approximately 20 minutes by road

This, the original homestead of Cape Kidnappers Station, is a magnificent secluded property set in 10 acres of gardens with spectacular coastal views. It’s on the doorstep of the world renowned golf course and close to many of Hawke’s Bay’s finest wineries, restaurants and outdoor pursuits.

With 8 bedrooms, this property can accommodate up to 14 guests. It has recently undergone a major renovation, splendidly restored and providing many luxurious and functional spaces to enjoy. The expansive landscape encompasses a tennis court; large pétanque court, separate pool and pool house area, hot tub, croquet and a cleverly designed outdoor room with additional dining and fireside seating.

 

Of course, there are those of you who may prefer to dine in and enjoy the comfort and luxury of your own space. If this is the case, a private chef would be the perfect accoutrement and is something we can help you with.

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
Next

New York Times Highlights New Zealand’s Top Luxury Retreats