3 Best Restaurants in Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island, New Zealand

A spacious dining room done in wood and brick provides the setting for dining on a large menu of classic, hearty Kiwi fare including hot-smoked salmon and braised lamb shanks; there's something for everyone, including vegetarians. The wine list includes mostly New Zealand vintages, with a few Australian wines as well. The outdoor garden bar is a perfect place to enjoy the Southland sun and a glass of wine; forget driving and make use of a courtesy vehicle for pickup/drop-off within Otatara and Invercargill city.

The mouthwatering menu focuses on organic, locally grown, seasonal produce, offering regional New Zealand cuisine with a few Asian accents (a Thai duck salad, for instance). While the atmosphere in the modern, high-ceilinged space is casual, the food is serious thanks to chef Bevan Smith, who trained in Christchurch and has published four cookbooks. The restaurant is 12 km (7½ miles) north of the center of Oamaru.

Students crowd into this no-frills noodle bar that serves yummy, filling, and inexpensive soups and other dishes. Highlights on the lengthy menu include spicy satay chicken burgers, fried rice, bong-bong chicken, and deep-fried wantons; hot pots are another choice.