Nestled in the pristine landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand lies a celestial haven where dining transcends the ordinary – stargrazing. With ever-changing views of the night sky, imagine dining under a star-studded sky, where the Milky Way and neighbouring galaxies weave a tapestry above to perfectly complement exceptional local cuisine and exquisite New Zealand wines.
Experiences
Billion Star Dining at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, Aoraki Mount Cook
Begin with a Michelin-quality 6-course fine dining experience at Moraine Lodge showcasing local produce, followed by a stargazing experience underground at the Pukaki Observatory, which doubles as a wine cellar. Here, along with an introduction to the Southern sky, visitors enjoy a welcome drink before marveling at celestial wonders through a retractable roof and a powerful 9-inch reflector telescope. The observatory offers an intimate view of the cosmos, with the possibility of witnessing the Southern Lights on special nights.
Dark Sky Diner, Lake Tekapo
As the name suggests, this restaurant is at the Dark Sky Project Base at Lake Tekapo, where on a clear night you can see some of the world’s brightest stars. Whether you visit night or day, rain or shine, the views are spellbinding – you’ll be able to see the mountains of the Two Thumb Range overlooking the lake and might even spy the peaks of Aoraki, Mount Cook National Park if it’s clear enough.
The Black Diamond at the Lindis, Ahuriri Valley
A long way off the beaten track is The Black Diamond a purpose-built fine dining experience in Canterbury’s Southern Alps featuring a full-glass front structure allowing for uninterrupted views of the valley and the starry ski. Arrive by guided horse trek, luxury vehicle or hike to be greeted with champagne and canapes followed by a 3-course meal in the ultimate of tranquil luxury.
Minaret Station, Wānaka
Food is at the heart of Minaret Station, a luxury alpine lodge set at the head of a picturesque glacial valley within the untouched landscapes and beauty of the Southern Alps near Wānaka. The chefs use only the freshest local ingredients from Central Otago’s basin, including free range venison, Lumina Lamb and Angus Beef all sourced from Minaret Station’s own 50,000 acre working farm. Diners can choose from a range of settings to enjoy dinner or drinks during their stay, including al fresco on the deck to enjoy uninterrupted views of the night sky.
Conservatory Dining at Amisfield, Tāhuna, Queenstown
Amisfield offers a luxury dining experience unlike any other in its glasshouse conservatory, far from city lights. Here, you dine under a star-studded sky, surrounded by panoramic views that change with the seasons. Having honed his craft at a three-star Michelin restaurant, Executive Chef Vaughan Mabee creates dishes that represent the work of fisherman, hunters, gatherers and farmers that epitomise the tastes of Central Otago. Amisfield’s Conservatory promises an unforgettable culinary experience with a backdrop of breathtaking beauty.
Mount Rosa Lodge, Gibbston
The vineyard at Mount Rosa Lodge proudly stands as one of the highest vineyards in Central Otago. On special request, the lodge is offering an evening of intellectual exploration and gastronomic delight with Brian, a local astrophysicist. Take a seat at the table with Brian and embark on a journey through the cosmos while savoring exquisite local home cooked cuisine and wines.
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, Glenorchy
Set in the heart of beech forests on Lake Wakatipu, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is set in the country’s smallest township, giving it that edge-of-the-world feeling. The scenery is as breathtaking as you’d expect, with sweeping vistas across the lake and toward the soaring peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Enjoy a chef-curated dinner featuring seasonal ingredients sourced locally, in a secluded setting that provides an ideal backdrop for stargazing.
Gastronomy Experience Pen-y-bryn Lodge, Oamaru
As a firm supporter of the locavore movement and the Waitaki District’s status as home to Australasia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, Pen-y-bryn Lodge proudly serves an amazing and abundant dining experience showcasing the best of the Waitaki region. The geo-gastronomical menus are served alongside the Waitaki’s finest wine, and Pen-y-bryn Lodge has three telescopes available for guests who can expect to see many night sky wonders, including The Southern Cross, The Milky Way, and the Aurora Australis on special evenings.
From the water
Waitematā Harbour Dinner Cruise, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Set sail on a memorable dining experience while cruising past Auckland’s iconic landmarks and cityscape. Enjoy a three-course dinner designed by Auckland restaurant Lula Inn, and as dusk falls, retreat to the open deck to enjoy dessert under the stars, with views of the city lights reflecting on the water creating a magical atmosphere.
Evening Cruise onboard the Pacific Jemm by Eichardt’s, Tāhuna, Queenstown
Board the 80-ft Pacific Jemm for an evening cruise on Lake Wakatipu to discover the Lake’s panoramas over a glass of champagne as you depart the wharf. Sample the unique tastes of the region and flavours of the season with a ‘trust the chef’ gourmet BBQ menu prepared by your own private chef, whilst taking in the spectacular mountain vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the starry skies above.
Doubtful Sound overnight cruise, Te Rua-o-te-moko, Fiordland
Enjoy an unforgettable Doubtful Sound experience starting with a scenic 1-hour cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach journey over Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest to Deep Cove. The vessel combines old-world charm with modern comforts as guests cruise through stunning scenery, guided by knowledgeable hosts who highlight resident dolphins, seals, and penguins. Guests will enjoy a delicious three-course dinner in the dining saloon, paired with local wines, and can stargaze on the upper deck under clear skies.
Milford Sound overnight cruise, Te Rua-o-te-moko, Fiordland
Explore the heart of Fiordland on a Milford Sound overnight cruise, offering breathtaking views and abundant wildlife sightings. Guests leisurely cruise past majestic waterfalls, lush rainforests, and towering mountains, encountering seals, dolphins, and possibly penguins. The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove, and as evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon a feast prepared freshly by the on-board chef. Then it’s time to relax, indulge in some stargazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin.
Dinner and drinks with celestial views
Mudbrick Rooftop Bar, Waiheke Island
Mudbrick’s rooftop bar sits on the ridge overlooking the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf and back to Auckland city. Featuring an island-inspired menu of elegantly plated dishes using ingredients sourced from the restaurant gardens, it’s a perfect setting for culinary indulgence paired with breathtaking views of the starlit horizon.
Bar Albert, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Bar Albert’s open-air deck is the highest in the country – sitting 38 floors up, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Rangitoto & the Hauraki Gulf, making it the perfect spot for sunset drinks. This sophisticated speakeasy-style venue boasts art-deco-inspired furnishings, plush sunken leather banquets and an extensive cocktail menu.
Queens Rooftop, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Queens Rooftop and Wineshop offers stunning 270-degree views of Waitematā Harbour, accessed via a discreet elevator hidden in a wineshop. The menu features inventive dishes like potato and egg trifle, snapper schnitzel, and a raw bar with the freshest local seafood, with a panoramic deck perfect for taking in the city lights and stars above.
Foxglove, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington
Located in a beautiful heritage building on Queens Wharf on Wellington’s iconic waterfront, Foxglove offers stunning views across the harbour, delicious food and a unique cocktail list. Featuring an expansive waterfront balcony, Foxglove offers a unique outdoor dining experience all year round.
The Boat Shed, Whakatū, Nelson
Literally sitting on Nelson’s picturesque Wakefield Quay, The Boat Shed epitomises coastal dining with its panoramic views of the harbour and beyond. The ambience is inviting and unpretentious, offering a fully covered balcony warmed by heaters in winter, making it a perfect year-round dining destination. Renowned for its ‘Trust the Chef’ experience, diners can enjoy a culinary journey showcasing the freshest local ingredients whilst watching the boats go by under the stars.
Mr Brightside Rooftop Bar, Ōtautahi, Christchurch
Located at the top of the iconic Public Trust Building in the heart of Christchurch’s hospitality precinct on Oxford Terrace, Mr Brightside is a penthouse-style rooftop bar with a retractable roof, offering stunning 360-views over the Port Hills, Avon River and snowcapped Alps. The last spot to see the sun in Christchurch, Mr Brightside has an extensive cocktail list to enjoy an evening in the garden city.
Nest Kitchen, Tāhuna, Queenstown
Perched above Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu in Kamana Lake House, Nest Kitchen celebrates New Zealand’s natural ingredients with a focus on foraged herbs and wild ingredients. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views of the lake and starlit skies, and signature dishes include Bluff Octopus Carpaccio and Royalburn Station Lamb.