travel briefs

OTAGO (Central Otago & Waitaki Valley)

CRACKING SPOT FOR LUNCH

ONE of the newer spots to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the Central Otago winelands is the former Walnut Cottage, built in 1870, now a joint venture between Akarua Wines and Kitchen by Artisan.

The brainchild of John and Debbie Pickens, of Ar tisan Catering in Queenstown, and the Skeggs Family, of Akarua Wines in Bannockburn, the eatery overlooks Lake Hayes.

Named for the walnut tree outside its front door, Walnut Cottage was built in the 1870s as the office for the local Wakatipu Flour Mill and has seen many changes as the area around Queenstown has grown in popularity over the past 150 years. The menu highlights shared plates, including confit duck or lamb shoulder, as well as individual dishes like roast beetroot with black quinoa and barley, pickled.