Top al fresco dining spots

Arrowtown was built for long afternoons outside. The main street runs under a canopy of old trees, the river is a short walk from any café, and the surrounding hills catch the sun well into the evening in spring and summer. Once the weather obliges, the best seats in town are the ones that are not inside.

From the heritage garden at Provisions of Arrowtown to winery terraces with views across the basin, the al fresco dining options here go well beyond a table on the footpath. Arrowtown's food scene is serious, the local wine is excellent, and the setting does most of the work.

Here are some of our favourite spots for dining outdoors in Arrowtown.

The warm days and long evenings of spring and summer in Arrowtown are perfect for dining outdoors (al fresco).

Think fresh air, sunshine and views, local produce paired with craft beer or wine, live music and good company. Here are just a few of our favourites.

1. Provisions of Arrowtown
Provisions of Arrowtown is located at the end of the tree-lined row of miner’s cottages on Buckingham Street, within the restored historic Romans cottage. With a tranquil garden setting and a dedicated play area for the kids, sit amongst its roses, lavender and fruit trees and enjoy a long breakfast or lunch made from local, fresh ingredients. Provisions has an all-day menu and counter food and is fully licensed. Make sure you try one of their famous sticky buns!

2. Postmasters Kitchen + Bar
Postmasters Kitchen + Bar is located in the old Postmasters house, which dates back to the 1860s. With prime views of the historic main street and iconic hillsides, relax in their hedged courtyard or on their wisteria-draped verandah and savour the flavours of their all-day menu paired with a delicious cocktail, or a local beer or wine. Their chefs pride themselves on using local ingredients and herbs from their onsite garden and they specialise in tailoring meals for all common dietary needs.

3. Swiftsure
Swiftsure by Man O’ War is a stylish yet relaxed South Island bistro uniquely located above Buckingham Green in the heart of Arrowtown. From sun-drenched terraces to cozy fireside corners, it’s layered indoor & outdoor spaces offer something for every season and mood. With sweeping views and menus for every age, Swiftsure is fast becoming a local favourite and the perfect spot for reliving the day’s adventures.

4. Dishery
Dishery is a bistro restaurant located in the Dudley’s Cottage Precinct next to the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. Its location makes it an ideal spot to unwind before or after hitting the trails and relax amongst the roses at one of their courtyard tables. If it starts to get cooler, they crank up their outdoor brazier so you can still enjoy the al fresco vibes. Dishery’s menu is fresh and seasonal, accompanied by coffee, beer, wine, and an extensive cocktail list.

5. Fork & Tap
The Fork & Tap is an often-photographed pub housed in a miner’s cottage on the corner of Buckingham and Wiltshire Streets. Recently renovated and extended, the Fork & Tap has an outdoor setting that captures the afternoon sun with large rustic tables, a fireplace and a children’s playhouse. Their menu includes kiwi classics, pizzas and snacks and a well-thought-out blackboard of seasonal dishes. Enjoy a meal with friends and family, and if you’re lucky, you might be there when a local musician comes to play a session.

6. Millbrook Resort
Millbrook Resort has several options for drinking or dining with a view for couples, families, or groups of friends. Smithy’s Smoke House is a popular al fresco option located on the terrace beside Mill Pond, where you can sit by an open fire with a drink and delicious selection of tapas. Or if you're looking for something more substantial, head to the Hole in One Café which offers outdoor seating too.

Key Takeaways

• Provisions of Arrowtown has one of the town's best garden settings — a restored historic cottage on Buckingham Street with outdoor tables set among roses, lavender and fruit trees.
• Spring and summer are the prime seasons for al fresco dining in Arrowtown, with long evenings and warm afternoons well into March.
• Several Arrowtown venues pair outdoor dining with live music, craft beer and locally sourced seasonal menus — check current listings in the directory.
• The Arrow River and Buckingham Green are popular picnic spots if you prefer to bring your own — several local delis and bakeries can set you up.
• Arrowtown's al fresco scene is more relaxed and characterful than Queenstown's waterfront strip — the pace is different and the food holds its own.