Dining Experiences in New Zealand

Board the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, for an evening cruise on Queenstown's scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you're treated to a sumptuous barbecue dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. Sink your teeth into roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts and a New Zealand cheeseboard while a pianist provides the ambiance. After dinner, join a walking tour of the farm to see demonstrations, or simply relax in the bar where you can purchase wine and other beverages, before the return boat trip to Queenstown.

Enjoy a 4-course dinner aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant and travel in heritage style through the city center, round-trip from Cathedral Junction. Relax and enjoy views of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Avon River from your window-side table. The 2.5-hour journey in this elegant restaurant on wheels includes a welcome drink upon arrival, with tea and coffee to accompany your gourmet meal, served by professional waitstaff.

Sail away on a 2.5-hour harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner during a memorable tour of Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Set out aboard a sailing yacht from Viaduct Harbour, then enjoy service in the dining room while at anchor in Westhaven Marina. As evening falls, your expert captain shares informative facts about Auckland and its iconic sights.

Depart Queenstown aboard the TSS 'Earnslaw' for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. You'll travel round-trip by vintage steamship and dig into a gourmet barbecue lunch from the terrace at the Colonel's Homestead. Enjoy chef-prepared Central Otago specialties accompanied by salads, desserts and local cheeses. Don't miss the sheep shearing demonstration or showmanship by the farm's sheepdogs.

Ride the Queenstown gondola to a skyline restaurant for a midday or evening meal, and enjoy scenic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables range. At Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, perched on Bob's Peakat Skyline high above the mountain town, settle in for a 4-course buffet lunch or 6-course buffet dinner of local specialties. Each table in the restaurant's tiered seating area boasts prime views, including Coronet Peak. On Christmas or New Year's Eve, enjoy a themed buffet, live entertainment and two luge rides.

Gain insight into traditional Maori customs with a 2.5-hour guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia, followed by a steambox lunch prepared the traditional way: cooked over steam vents at the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Walk past Pohutu Geyser, see a flax-weaving demonstration, and spot the national bird in the nocturnal Kiwi House. This small-group tour near Rotorua is limited to a maximum of 15 people for a personalized experience.