Spring is finally here, and with it is a raft of delicious dining experiences that are set to help lift us right out of our winter slump. From a central city block party to mouth-watering events, spring solstice celebrations, seasonal set menus, long lunches and more, here we present our definitive September Dining Guide.
Celebrate Spring at SkyCity
SkyCity’s signature restaurants have curated delicious seasonal menus highlighting spring flavours and ingredients, all including a glass of wine from Nautilus. Each eatery utilises the seasonal offerings in a unique way, as they refresh favourite dishes and craft exciting new ones with the spoils of spring front and centre. Plus, guests that dine at SkyCity throughout the month of September will receive free parking, making a meal in the heart of the city simpler than ever.
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Bledisloe Block Party at Norma Taps
Norma Taps is set to transform the City Works Depot car park into an electrifying outdoor event this September, hosting a block party from 3pm — 11pm on Saturday 21st September centred around the highly anticipated upcoming Bledisloe Cup clash between the All Blacks and Australia.
The match will be shown on a massive LED screen, with commentary from the entertaining voices of The Alternative Commentary Collective, while Norma Taps’ signature kegged cocktails will be flowing at the outdoor bar, paired with a selection of game day dishes like smashed burgers, and an outdoor stage featuring top local DJs who will keep the energy alive post-match.
Secure your spot here.
Aperitivo Hour & a New Vintage at Bar Magda
Bar Magda’s Aperitivo Hour is back, just in time for spring, with a number of satiating drinks and tantalising dishes set to fill the early hours of the evening. Everyday, from 5 — 6.30pm, you’ll find $15 cocktails, including spritz, the Magdarita, and Negronis, alongside a delicious selection of $15 and $9 snacks. For the former, you’ll find Barry’s Bay parmesan custard with house made focaccia, grilled chicken and duck parfait on brioche, and a terrine of spiced ham and crab fat mayo with toasts, while for the latter, you’ll discover lumpia of crab and prawn with plum sweet chilli, barbecue skewers of pork or chicken with satti sauce, and Magda’s signature lamb ribs with green sambal soft herbs. Or, if you’re hungry and wanting to trust the chef (which is always recommended when Carlo Buenaventura is on the tools), grab a snack feast for $50 or $65 — ideal for two.
In addition, Bar Magda is releasing its third vintage this month: 2023 Magda Fantasy. Made by Brood Fermentation from Moutere, Nelson, this wine was specifically made to complement the unique flavour profile of Bar Magda’s culinary offering — with two labels, one in English, and one in Filipino. Farmed organically on clay soils, Magda Fantasy is a bright, fruitful, aromatic blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurtztraminer, fermented with indigenous yeast in oak with extended barrel time — resulting in a rich, lightly oxidative drop with notes of apricot, fennel seed, nutmeg, honey and thyme.
Book a table here.
Snow Machine at Ayrburn
The Snow Machine Festival returns to Queenstown from 4th — 8th September, with Ayrburn hosting a new daytime après experience at The Dell, with a bespoke line-up of live performances. On Saturday 7th September, Ayrburn will play host to a special event, with live music featuring Middle Kids and LadyHawke, or, if it’s culinary delights that you seek, indulge in a Wine & Tapas sitting, which will take place in The Manure Room daily at 11am or 1.30pm, or experience an iconic Poof Doof Drag Brunch on Friday 6th Sept at 11am. The dining destination is also opening up The Barrel Room for an indulgent Long Lunch on Saturday 7 September where, from 12pm, you’ll be treated to Ayrburn’s feast menu and a three hour drinks package, as well as ticket to The Dell event.
Secure your spot here.
Soul’s Ladies Lunch is Back
The original Ladies Lunch is back at Soul Bar & Bistro just in time for spring, and trust us when we say there is no better way to while away an afternoon with your girlfriends. From a delectable three-course meal to a glass of springtime bubbles to the picture-perfect water-wide setting and floral-festooned entrance, and, of course, an ever-lively vibe, there truly is nowhere better to celebrate the season in style.
Secure your spot here.
Celebrate Negroni Week with a Flight at QT
Step into the House of Campari this September at QT Hotels across New Zealand. In celebration of Negroni Week (16th — 22nd September) Rooftop at QT will not only be slinging happy hour negronis (with $14 classics from 4 — 5pm daily), you’ll also find a Negroni tasting flight on offer. If you choose to indulge in the flight, vote for your favourite to be in to win a staycation at a New Zealand QT of your choice along with a bespoke Campari bar kit. While key celebrations will be taking place during Negroni Week, QT’s Bitter & Twisted negroni menus will be available until October 21st.
Dog Point Winemakers Dinner at Advieh
On September 25th, indulge in a five-course menu meticulously crafted by Advieh’s partner chef, Gareth Stewart. Each dish showcases the bold and innovative flavours that define Advieh, perfectly complemented by Dog Point Wines, which are celebrated for their organic practices and the rich heritage of their Marlborough vineyard. Matt Sutherland, General Manager of Dog Point Vineyard, will be in attendance, sharing his extensive expertise in winemaking and offering insights into the vineyard’s history, Dog Point’s meticulous organic practices, and the unique characteristics that make each Dog Point wine truly remarkable. Tickets are $159 and include five courses and wine pairings.
Secure your spot here.
The Lodge Bar & Dining’s Spring Snacks Special
As Commercial Bay kicks off its spring solstice celebrations, The Lodge Bar & Dining is serving up a delectable snacks special, serving as the perfect accompaniment to a few afternoon drinks looking out over the sparkling Waitematā. Here, you’ll find meat pie croquettes with smoked cheddar, a selection of cheeses with quince, honeycomb and crackers, marinated olives, and (of course) a hearty bowl of fries with spicy ketchup and blue cheese aioli, all for $82 — serving two to four, depending on how hungry you are.
Solstice by Commercial Bay
Commercial Bay is pulling out all of the stops this solstice (13th — 15th September), with a number of fantastic offers running across the three-day event. At Queens Rooftop, you’ll find a glass of Piper-Heidsieck bubbles and a crayfish and kawakawa aioli brioche roll for $40, while, at Origine thirsty punters will discover two cocktails for $30. There are several other tasty happenings taking place, the details of which you’ll find here.
