I’ll be in Queenstown soon and have one night set aside for a proper fine dining experience. I’m currently deciding between Rātā, Amisfield Bistro, and Essence.

I’m particularly interested in hearing from locals or anyone who has dined at these recently.

Amisfield is especially intriguing, although I’m aware the executive chef left/was let go a few months ago. For anyone who has been since the change, has it had any noticeable impact on the food, service, or overall experience? Is it still the same level it was previously?

For context, I’m a pretty serious food lover, so I’m less concerned about simply having a “nice dinner” and more interested in the quality and creativity of the food, service, wine program, atmosphere, and overall experience.

If you had one night and could choose only one, which would you pick? And are there any other Queenstown restaurants I should seriously consider instead?

Would particularly love to hear from people who have been recently, rather than older reviews.

ive been here 8 years now, and generally have a fun experience in town. but this winter, theres this dude and hes been a fun night out ruinner.

hes older, has a dyed blond pony tail and a white earring.

my first encounter he blocked my friend from getting into bunker. he was a bit sweaty from a fun night but had only had a couple drinks. we moved on and the next bar let us straight in.

my next experience with this dude was at a rave at the London. (who tf puts this bouncer on a rave) anywho. i was there because one of the DJs invited me, id had a huge day at work and was over tired. and im middle aged, so it shows. was enjoying my night with my friends, when tiredness got the better of me and i went and got some food from my car. i was all loose and relaxed from raving (my safe place to stop masking) and he stopped me at the door! just looked at me and said no. worst part of this, was i had only had 1 drink that night. now i was stuck away from my friends. i went straight to another bar to sulk, and was let straight in and sold a drink. in the end i wound up feeling really bummed out and drove home (2 drinks in a whole night)

then recently my work had a party at a local bar and who should be on the door. this dude. normally my work has raging parties that get a bit out of hand. not this time. i noticed the crowd of roughly 150 young fun people dwindle by 11pm. he would do a sweep and looked at me suspiciously (was mutual) and i wound up not wanting to drink at all and i just went home. i just felt put off by this guy.

anyone else have any good stories about this grumpy old blond ponytail white earring bouncer guy? i know im not his only victim!

I'm part of a family group heading to Queenstown for a wedding in early March next year.

About 15 of us , who are total amateurs are wanting to fly fish. I can only find group tours starting at $350 each person for a few hours on a boat.

We really want to stand in a running estuary in lake Wakatipu somewhere close to QTown and try our luck.

Are there any alternatives to expensive boat rides?

Are there any places to hire rods and maybe a guide for half a day?

So after today at what point does FENZ look at the district and decide it’s worth actually paying people to save lives and land?