NZ South Island recommendations, please

[Howard_2]

I'm leaving in a few weeks for a vacation on the South Island of New Zealand--TransAlpine train trip, glacier, etc etc. Usual tourist stuff.

I'd appreciate any "do not miss this!" recommendations that knowledgeable folks have.

Thanks.

[jogas]

One place I have always meant to go..and definitely will next time I am in the south.. is Fleur's Place in Moeraki on the S.W coast.

[mlgagnon]

Cool to see Fleur's recommended. My sister in law helps out there from time to time. The in-laws have a caravan (travel trailer) at Moeraki and spend most the Summer there.

[legume]

Was three years ago but two memorable meals - C'est la Vie, Akaroa (book ahead it is popular) & Saffron in Arrowtown.

[higgy]

Fleur's in Moeraki is an absolute must.

[mlgb]

Many many trips to NZ later, I have some favorites.

Get the local blue cod at Fleur's! BTW, you will need reservations there and also at many of the upscale places such as Saffron.

Amisfield Bistro on Lake Hayes Road between Arrowtown and Queenstown. Go with the Trust the Chef, great value. They close early, though. Nice view from the dining room. http://www.amisfield.co.nz/experience...

In Queenstown, Solera Vino, in the center of town on Beach Street.

North of Christchurch, in Amberley, on the way to the Waipara wineries, Nor'wester Cafe.

In Arthur's Pass, the Wobbly Kea was surprisingly good.

In Invercargill (yes), Jagz in the Gladstone neighborhood is more upscale, or the Zookeeper's Cafe downtown (again, recommended to get the crumbed blue cod).

As for Christchurch, I usually wind up at the Dux de Lux for convenience but I'm sure there are better choices. The weekend market at the Arts Centre has some good food purveyors, especially the cheese and cured meat stations.

[kmh]

my experience is a little outdated now but dinner at the george hotel was sublime a couple of years ago. In fact, I think Christchurch has an excellent standard of food generally.

Apparently Herzog vineyard is another "must not miss" if you are there in season. Former owners of a swiss vineyard and michelin star restaurant they now are domiciled in NZ and lovely lovely people.

[janeyc]

South Island..much better than the North in my opinion lol

Ok, agree with Fleurs in Moeraki.........its great!!!.....Fluer herself, is a
great person, and down to earth and endearing

I live in Queenstown, so of course i'll reccommend coming here!!

For fine dining try the following

- Gantleys
-The Postmaster's House
-Saffron
- Solera Vino

for casual:

-The Cow
- The Captains
-Monty's
-
Very causal but good Brunch/Lunch and very good coffee can be
found @ Joe's Garage and Vudu Cafe

For cocktails

Eichardts
Barmuda
Sky Bar
Bardeaux

[foodie450]

Probably missed your trip but for other's reference. The South Island is definitely the more beatiful of the 2 islands. You must stop at Nin's Bin just outside Kaikoura for the feshest most delicious crayfish in the world! It is a funny looking little caravan on the side of the road but he goes out daily and cooks up his catch.
In Christchurch you must not miss the Bodhi Tree - a burmese restaurant run by a husband and wife team that will welcome you with open arms. They will tailor the menu to your liking but I would definitely recommend the Tea Leaf Salad. I've never come across it anywhere else on my travels.

[gordon wing]

A friend of mine who is a food writer in Auckland highly recommended Bodhi Tree. Unfortunately, I only had one afternoon in Christchurch and they weren't open for lunch on that day ......... In SF there are a couple of restaurants that serve the Tea Leaf Salad.

[debbieann]

Saffron in Arrowtown
Rippon winery
Canterbury Cheese Mongers in Christchurch on Salisbury
London St in Lyttelton