With crayfish from the fiords and wild Fiordland venison from the forest, Te Anau is a food destination. This region is widely known for its spectacular outdoors. Keen nature lovers flock here for multi-day walks, visits to remote fiords and the chance to see rare wildlife. Fiordland has fostered a great food scene alongside these world-class natural attractions, and Te Anau is the main hub of activity. It’s in this South Island town that you’ll discover incredible meat pies, luxury lodge dining and great food trucks. Count on any top Te Anau spot being unpretentious and delicious. Take time to discover Te Anau through its food.
1. Redcliff Cafe
This unassuming red restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Te Anau. Redcliff Cafe is the place to go for classic kiwi fare done well. Feast on wild game like wild hare and Fiordland venison, and quintessential New Zealand lamb. Pair dinner with a local tap beer or pinot noir and you’re in for a great evening. The restaurant is set in an early settlers cottage with an inviting atmosphere that locals love. It’s not uncommon for Redcliff Cafe to have some live music on, making this the best place for early evening festivities.
2. Ditto
Ditto is Te Anau’s new, fresh and funky Asian fusion restaurant. Offering dine-in or takeaway options, this is one of those places to eat in Te Anau that’s a must-try no matter how long you’re in town for. Their street food is addictive, with menu items like Vietnamese loaded fries and savoury crepes. Try Te Anau’s version of the food that conquered the world – bao buns. Imagine finishing a walk in the Fiordland bush and returning to Te Anau for a big bowl of Pho or a tasty sushi bowl.
3. Sprig and Thistle
A great coffee can be the cornerstone of a town. Discover the Sprig and Thistle caravan and you’ll be enjoying hot brews from the friendly locals. This coffee caravan can be spotted at The Key, just 20 minutes out of Te Anau. Fresh home baking like cheesy scones and salads and toasties make this a go-to stop for lunch in Te Anau. Any time you’re on the road to Fiordland, be sure to check out Sprig and Thistle.
4. Fiordland Lodge
Fiordland Lodge is just a 7-minute drive from Te Anau, yet the setting feels secluded and private. This luxury New Zealand lodge is the perfect base for a holiday in Fiordland. This family-owned lodge accommodates a maximum of 27 guests, and each room is beautifully appointed and has uninterrupted views of Lake Te Anau. Guests can plan adventures in the mountains before returning to the lodge to sit by the gigantic log fire and marvel at the views. Dinner at Fiordland Lodge is one of the best experiences in the region, with food sourced locally from the land and sea. The Dip and Dine package at Fiordland Lodge is a must, pairing a beautiful dinner with a soak in one of the private hot tubs for the ultimate evening experience. Bookings for this are essential.
If you’re planning a trip to Fiordland, check out our guide to The Ultimate Weekend in Fiordland here.
5. The Fat Duck
The Fat Duck is one of the best places to eat in Te Anau, thanks to their excellent service, cocktails, live music and true gastro pub feel. You can’t miss it, right on the corner of the main drag, with social seating outside and inside. Park up here for plates of their paté and dumplings, followed by a wild Fiordland venison pie or their popular twice-cooked pork belly. The Fat Duck is great for family-friendly dinners in Te Anau and drinks with a crowd. Whether you’re at the beginning of your trip or wrapping up a multi-day hike in the bush, a delicious dinner at this gastro pub won’t go amiss.
6. Black Dog Bar
The Fiordland Cinema and its accompanying bar, The Black Dog, are great reasons to spend more time in Te Anau. The locally filmed Ata Whenua (Shadowland) is a spectacular film on Fiordland that is a must-watch. Enjoy a tasty cheeseboard or some Southland cheese rolls from The Black Dog Bar menu before your screening. Cocktails, local beers and great wines are served here too. The best part, you can now order fresh Fiordland crayfish for the perfect movie snack. Crayfish rolls or garlic and chilli crayfish skewers plus a narrated film about the surrounding National Park; it’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
7. Sandfly Cafe
Somewhat of an institution in Te Anau, Sandfly Cafe is ‘the’ spot for a quick coffee, a lazy breakfast or a long lunch. Located in the middle of town, it’s a trusty place to plan your next Fiordland adventure alongside a good brew. Start the day with housemade baked beans or their hashbrown stack. Lunches range from venison burgers to warm chicken salads. This locals favourite is open from 7am so you can sneak in breaky before your upcoming days adventure. The great cafe vibes in a mountainous setting make Sandfly Cafe one of the best places to eat in Te Anau.
8. Miles Better Pies
The township of Te Anau sits on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake, Lake Te Anau. There’s not much better than grabbing a great bite to eat and strolling along the lakeside to soak up the atmosphere in this town. Spot local operators running lake cruises, excited groups embarking on trips to the nearby glowworm caves, and eager hikers returning from some of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Miles Better Pies are a much-loved pie shop in Te Anau. A hot pie from this hole-in-the-wall spot is a must when in the region. Flavours like venison, lamb and mint, seafood and steak and kidney will knock your socks off. Miles Better Pies is home to some of the best meat pies in the South Island.
9. Wild Fiordland Boat Charter
Try a charter boat experience for the ultimate ocean-to-plate experience. Fiordland is the home of fresh, beautiful New Zealand crayfish and seafood that people travel far and wide for. Journey deep into the fiords with Wild Fiordland to go straight to the source and try this delicious food. Practice sustainable fishing and dig into New Zealand delicacies like kina. One of the best things about a boat cruise or charter is the intense appreciation you gain for the fish and their habitat. Whether it’s obtained with a speargun, from diving or by dropping in a line, this will likely be the best seafood you’ve ever had!
This article was created in paid partnership with Fiordland NZ.
