Restaurants with a View in New Zealand (South Island)

As I get older, I’ve come to really appreciate a good restaurant with a view while traveling. Call me bougie, but there’s nothing better than enjoying a fancy drink on a patio after spending a day hiking outside. During our recent trip to the South Island of New Zealand, we managed to find somewhere cool to eat each night! I’m excited to share the best restaurants with a view in New Zealand (South Island edition).

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Table of Contents

Restaurants with a View on the South Island of New Zealand

1. Hermitage Hotel (Mount Cook)

Address: 89 Terrace Road, Aoraki / Mount Cook 7999, New Zealand

Hermitage Hotel restaurant at mount cook national park during south island road trip.

After hiking the famous Hooker Valley Trail, head to the Hermitage Hotel for a drink and meal with a view. Depending on the season, you can dine in the Panorama Room (plated meals) or the Alpine Restaurant (buffet dinner).

We reserved a spot at the Alpine Restaurant and enjoyed the view out of the massive floor-to-ceiling windows framing New Zealand’s tallest mountain. The buffet food was okay (as with most buffets), but the views made up for it!

If you are unable to get a reservation, you could always grab a drink or lunch from the Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe and Bar and enjoy the same views from the patio (however, it’s only open until 3:30pm).

2. TLV (Lake Tepeko)

Address: 2 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand

After exploring Lake Tekapo and taking in the beauty of all the lupines (visit in the springtime!!), we knew we wanted to soak in the views a bit longer. We found the nearby TLV Restaurant and Bar and lucked out by grabbing one of the last available patio seats.

The vibe is casual yet stylish, and the food matches the setting—delicious woodfired pizzas, fresh seafood, and some of the best lamb you’ll find in the area. Whether you’re stopping by before a stargazing tour or just passing through, TLV is the kind of place where you’ll want to linger a little longer.

3. StratosfareRestaurant (Queenstown)

Address: Skyline Queenstown, Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Dining at Stratosfare Restaurant in Queenstown is an experience that starts before you even take your seat—the only way to get there is by riding the Skyline Gondola, which climbs high above the town for some of the best panoramic views in New Zealand.

Once at the top, the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows showcase a jaw-dropping scene of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and Queenstown’s iconic alpine landscape.

The buffet-style dining offers something for everyone, from fresh seafood and premium New Zealand meats to decadent desserts. I thought this buffet was tastier than the Alpine Restaurant (above), but still not 5 stars.

4. Aihe (Akaroa)

Address: 59 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand

Aihe restaurant and oysters in Akaroa new zealand.

Aihe is one of those hidden gems in Akaroa where you can sit back with a great meal and soak in the stunning harbor views. We grabbed a delicious lunch here after swimming with the famous Hector Dolphins.

Located right on the waterfront, this laid-back spot has a cozy yet stylish vibe, perfect for a long lunch or a relaxed dinner. The menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients, with standout dishes like their beautifully prepared seafood, creative small plates, and seasonal produce.

5. Bombay Palace (Wānaka)

Address: 113 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand

Bombay Palace indian food in wanaka- restaurants with a view in New Zealand.

If you’re craving incredible Indian food with a view to match, Bombay Palace in Wanaka is the place to be. Sitting on the balcony or by the large windows, you get a picture-perfect look at Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains while digging into flavorful curries, tandoori dishes, and fresh naan straight from the oven.

The butter chicken is a local favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Whether you’re fueling up after a day of adventure or just looking for a cozy spot to watch the sunset over the lake, Bombay Palace serves up the perfect mix of delicious food and breathtaking scenery.

This is the perfect stop after you finish your trek up the nearby Roy’s Peak!

6. Public Kitchen and Bar (Queenstown)

Address: Steamer Wharf, 45 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Drink on patio at Public kitchen and bar in queenstown.

Although there are plenty of restaurants with a view in downtown Queenstown, we loved everything about Public Kitchen & Bar. The food is delicious, the happy hour drinks were super affordable, and the views of Lake Wakatipu are unmatched.

The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with plenty of shareable plates like crispy pork belly, fresh seafood, and tasty vegetarian options. I had the seafood pasta and it was so so good!

Tip! After dinner head to Perky’s Floating Bar to have a drink with a view (on a boat) while watching the sunset!

7. Tini (Akaroa)

Address: 40E Rue Lavaud, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand

Tini gin bar in new zealand. best restaurants with a view in new zealand.

Tini was right next to our hotel in Akaroa and was the perfect place to kick off our New Zealand adventure on night one. This unique restaurant overlooks the harbor and is famous for its gin-tasting experience. Try the flight! I’m now forever obsessed with pink gin.

The menu is seasonal and ever-changing, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a creative twist. Whether you’re here for a relaxed afternoon drink or a light meal with friends, Tini’s intimate, welcoming vibe and unbeatable setting make it a must-visit when in Akaroa.

Map of the Best Restaurants With a View in New Zealand

New Zealand is 10000 percent on my “must-return” list so I’d love to hear your favorite restaurants with a view in New Zealand! Let me know over on Instagram so I can add them to my future list!

For now, here’s a map of the restaurants I’ve visited so far! I’ve linked more helpful New Zealand planning posts below to make your trip as seamless as possible.