Established · 13 signalsprepared_food Southland

Church Hill Restaurant & Lodge

Name: Church Hill Restaurant & Lodge
Address: Southland, NZ
Telephone: +64 3 219 1123
Location: Church Hill Restaurant & Lodge

Chris & Deanne Sara

Church Hill Restaurant & Lodge was transformed into its current iteration by Deanne and Chris Sara in 1999. Specialties include local Blue Cod, crayfish, pāua, and salmon from Paterson Inlet · 5-star, 5-star rating · Listed, Best Restaurants New Zealand

“Homemade Goods:** Guests consistently praise Deanne's cooking, which includes homemade breads and fresh baking, offered particularly at breakfast.” · “Church Hill offers more than just exceptional dining; it provides a fully hosted boutique lodge experience.”

Multi-GenerationalOperator PassionAuthentic SourcingArtisan QualityMoment of CareUnusual LocationStory RichCraft ObsessionOriginal SourcePersonal ConnectionHidden DiscoveryTradition PreservedLocal Secret

Their Story

Church Hill Restaurant & Lodge was transformed into its current iteration by Deanne and Chris Sara in 1999. They re-established Church Hill Restaurant & Oyster Bar in 2012 and Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant in 2017. Their journey is driven by a desire "to be an islander and not just a…

What They Make

Three-course dining experience (daily changing menu)
Local Seafood (Stewart Island blue cod, salmon, mussels, oysters, crayfish, West Coast whitebait, pāua (abalone), muttonbird (tītī) - seasonal, order in advance for main dishes)
Southland beef and lamb products
Seasonal vegetables (many homegrown in five greenhouses and expansive gardens)
Homemade breads
Fresh baking (particularly at breakfast)
Alcoholic beverages (fully licensed bar)

Awards & Recognition

5-star rating — 5-star
Best Restaurants New Zealand — Listed

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How to Get Their Products

Farmers' Markets

Stewart Island/Rakiura (Producer Region)

Southland

Online

physical store (on-site dining for lodge guests)