Dine out at New Zealand’s best rated restaurants

If dining out is part of your dream New Zealand itinerary, experiencing some of the country’s finest restaurants is a must.

Featured here are two of the six restaurants located near our villas that received the coveted 3 HAT accolade in the 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 made history as the first New Zealand restaurant to place in the top 100 of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, debuting at No. 99.

 

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, private residence set on 10 acres of pristine waterfront land.

With seven beautifully appointed suites accommodating up to 16 guests, the villa offers generous living spaces including a media room, games room, superb outdoor entertaining areas, and an oversized hot tub designed for up to 14 guests.

 

Hawks Nest Private Villa

Queenstown - South Island

Journey time to Amisfield: approximately 35 minutes by road

Immerse yourself in this impeccably designed Queenstown retreat, where modern elegance meets sweeping lake and mountain views.

Nestled on the hillside above Lake Whakatipu, Hawks Nest offers a serene escape surrounded by natural beauty and exceptional comfort.

With five beautifully appointed bedrooms accommodating up to 12 guests, the villa features generous living spaces including a media and games room, a New York–style 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’), his striking property reflects the strength and character of the land on which it stands. Beyond its rugged foundation lies a luxurious and serene retreat, where panoramic views, elegant design and refined comforts create an experience as timeless as the surrounding landscape.

The villa accommodates up to 10 guests across five beautifully appointed suites, including one in a separate unit just off the main house. Designed to blend seamlessly into its natural setting, it features expansive living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private gym, pool table, wraparound terrace, spa pool and tranquil 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

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

With eight bedrooms accommodating up to 14 guests, the property has recently undergone a major renovation, beautifully restoring the home while creating a range of luxurious and functional spaces to enjoy.

The expansive grounds include a tennis court, large pétanque court, separate pool and pool house, hot tub, croquet lawn, and a thoughtfully designed outdoor room with additional dining and fireside seating.

 

For those who prefer to dine in, a private chef can create exceptional meals in the comfort and privacy of your villa — an experience we would be delighted to arrange for you.

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.

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