The culinary philosophy at Steamer Wharf restaurant  Sunfire is one of flavours on fire incorporating the elements of charcoal, flame and high quality ingredients. Owners Jonathan Bisley and Lou McDowell have designed their menu so every dish is centred on a connection to cooking with fire, expanding on the legacy of their other high

The ongoing success of Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen underlines its reputation for exceptional culinary experiences. Deb and John Pickens who jointly own the business with Mora Wines say the restaurant is defined by three key attributes – people, place and passion. “It is set in a beautiful garden with an inviting

Rātā, one of Queenstown's most well-loved restaurants, has refreshed its dining room marking a new chapter for the legacy dining destination. This is not a reinvention. The refresh represents a continuation of what  Rātā has always stood for: warm hospitality and a deep respect for the land, people and culture of Aotearoa.

Italian restaurant brand Giovi Fine Food is making its presence felt in the Southern Lakes with the opening of its fourth restaurant, this time in Wānaka.  Bambina by Giovi at 72 Ardmore Street Wānaka is the company’s first foray into the town with other successful businesses already operating in Queenstown, Frankton

The 2025 New Zealand Open injected more than $23 million in direct economic impact for the Queenstown region.Post tournament statistics show the event also generated $12.3 million in net impact nationally after a 48 per cent growth in attendance numbers to 34,199. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upton says the success

A 46-kilometre drive from Queenstown on one of the world’s most scenic roads to the small township of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Whakatipu is a highlight. Set in stunning alpine scenery Glenorchy is a drawcard during spring with offering a range of passive and adventure activities.  Exploring the wilderness  Glenorchy

 Gibbston will come alive this summer with a celebration of wine, food and music at The Valley– a new music and lifestyle festival debuting on Saturday, January 24 2026  at The Church Cellar Door. The Auckland anniversary weekend festival will showcase a premium selection of top-flight Kiwi music, world-class wines, gourmet food and craft brews. “The Valley is

Queenstown’s pioneering thrill-seeking adventure tourism experience Shotover Jet has clocked six decades of adventure on the renowned Shotover River. From its roots as a pioneering jet boat operation to becoming the only company permitted to navigate the dramatic Shotover River canyons Shotover Jet has carried more than 4.6 million passengers since

A selection of new and noteworthy works headline spring at Wānaka’s contemporary art gallery Gallery Thirty Three. The gallery is recognised as a leading art and cultural destination in the Southern Lakes and exhibits paintings, sculptures and jewellery created by leading New Zealand and Australian artists. “As we launch into spring we

Ed Cruikshank’s name is synonymous with fine furniture and innovative design. The Queenstown designer’s first creations were crafted in wood while studying at one of England’s leading cabinet making schools before he broadened his skills and knowledge with a degree in furniture design and put his training into ten years of

Sarah Austin is breathing new life into vintage treasures at her jewellery business Maebel which is bringing international pieces to local collectors. “I absolutely love jewellery and always have. I believe it should be worn, enjoyed and celebrated.” Maebel’s current collection has been widely sourced from New Zealand, the UK, USA and

Wānaka’s bespoke framing specialist The 45th Degree is renowned for its framed maps which elevate home and office interiors and create an ongoing talking point. “Part of their popularity is that Wānaka and Queenstown are such outdoorsy and active places and our maps are a nice cross-over between being a design feature

Dining al fresco is one of life’s simple pleasures and spring is an ideal time to experience Arrowtown’s dining scene according to Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association manager Nicky Busst. “Many local restaurants and cafés feature stylish outdoor areas and courtyards where diners can take in the hustle and bustle of village

The Queenstown Trails network encompasses more than 200 kilometres of cycling and walking routes and as a not-for-profit organisation depends on the support of a wide cross section of the community to fund its ongoing development. “The expansion relies on a unique mix of generous individual supporters, business partnerships, grants and

Anderson Lloyd’s connection to the lower South Island dates back to 1862, when the firm began advising pioneers during the gold rush era. The Queenstown office was established in 1978 and has been part of the region’s growth ever since, supporting the needs of a dynamic commercial and tourism centre. Queenstown’s

Kevin Jackson’s distinctive property Jackson Orchards in Cromwell boasts a state-of-the-art packhouse and cool store, fruit stall, orchard tours and cottage accommodation. The fourth generation Central Otago orchardist established the 35-hectare orchard in 1989 and today it is one of New Zealand’s largest suppliers of stone fruit including cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, greengages,