MacKinnon Restaurant & The Explorer Bar

MacKinnon Restaurant and Explorer Bar bring elegant South Island charm to Te Anau, framed by lush gardens and the tranquil sweep of Lake Te Anau.

Set within the Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas, it is a serene dining retreat where impeccable service and picturesque views make the setting as memorable as the meal itself.

In the kitchen, Southland’s bounty takes centre stage. The menu leans into soulful, modern classics that showcase regional produce and polished technique: think Fiordland seafood chowder that is rich and creamy, duck leg confit balanced by autumnal sweetness, and New Zealand grass-fed beef tenderloin with all the comforting trimmings.

South Island lamb and Southland beef are treated with quiet confidence, allowing clean, honest flavours to shine, while a touch of earthiness keeps each plate beautifully grounded.

To finish, nostalgic indulgence takes the spotlight with apple and berry crumble crowned with hokey pokey ice cream, or a classic chocolate brownie dripping in warm chocolate sauce.

The Explorer Bar’s selection of drinks is curated to flatter the kitchen’s depth and delicacy, turning a good evening into a great one.

Settle in by the lake, raise a glass, and savour Southland at its most inviting. Book a table at MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar, follow the flavours, and let the scenery do the rest.