Culinary Delights

Enjoy our Chef’s
Culinary Delights

After a day of exploring the stunning Tasman region, return to the lodge to unwind on the verandah with a select glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Enjoy a beautifully prepared platter of canapés, followed by our Chef’s Choice dinner, crafted to delight your palate.

Our culinary philosophy emphasises locally-sourced, organic produce from our gardens and boutique vineyard, ensuring your dining experience is a delightful start and end to your day. We customise meals to meet specific dietary needs and can recommend local restaurants upon request.

Please contact us in advance for special meal requirements.

Farm-to-Table Organics
& Local Produce

At Motueka River Lodge, we focus on delicious, nutritionally superior food using an abundance of locally grown produce. Our collaboration with internationally acclaimed UK Chef Alistair Forster ensures exceptional appetizers and four-course “Chef’s Choice” gourmet dinners featuring the best of Tasman and New Zealand produce.

Our organic vegetable garden, orchards and vineyard provide the foundation for our meals, complemented by local artisanal products such as strawberries, wild mushrooms, olives, cheese, line-caught fish and local charcuterie. Our cuisine showcases the best of the region, creating a memorable fine dining experience.


The Importance
of Healthy Soil

At Motueka River Lodge we believe that truly flavorful food starts with healthy, rich soils. Our focus on cultivating a biodiverse microbiome in our soils translates to healthier plants and ultimately a healthier you. The human microbiome, essential for our cellular, gut, and brain functions, benefits from food grown with soil health in mind. Learn more about the connection between soil and human health through resources like the "Kiss the Ground" movement and experts like Dr. Zach Bush.

Sample Menus

Dinner

Indulge in the luxury of Motueka River Lodge, where every meal celebrates local abundance and sustainable practices. Experience the finest in Motueka accommodation and dining, and let us make your stay unforgettable.

Our menu is subject to seasonal changes.
A sample dinner menu is seen below.

  • Canape Platters featuring local artisan specialties while sipping your favorite beverage.

  • Forest mushrooms, goat cheese, black olives, beetroot, quinoa, pine oil, Riwaka truffle custard

  • Roasted Moutere Black Roc Pork Loin with Neudorf black garlic butter, seaweed, caramelized onion, eggplant and coconut ash

  • Ora King Salmon marinated in verjuice, with Peckham’s cider jelly and caviar

  • Te Mana lamb fillet and belly with smoked celeriac, chestnut, bacon, and gingerbread

  • Textured chocolate with caramelized milk, malt powder, sorbet, mousse, mandarin, and macadamia

Breakfast

Our menu changes often but will typically include:

  • Daily fresh fruit with fresh yogurt and homemade granola (GF)

  • Blueberry almond & buckwheat pancakes with fresh fruit and yogurt (GF)

  • Avocado on fresh sourdough toast with lemon, lemon zest & fresh herbs (GF option)

  • The Kiwi: Your choice of free-range eggs, nitrate-free bacon, fresh avocado on sourdough (GF option)

  • Freshly baked croissants and muffins

  • A range of high-quality black, green, white jasmine, oolong or herbal teas

  • A full espresso coffee bar with organic coffee beans or a personal French press coffee

  • Seasonal juice combinations, freshly squeezed every morning

  • Sparkling or still filtered water

Degustation Platters

Can't decide? Our chef prepares degustation platters paired with wine flights to maximize your taste experience. Check in daily for available options.

Drinks

We offer a wide selection of local Tasman and NZ wines, stored in our underground wine cellar to ensure optimal conditions. Let us know your drink preferences in advance, and we will accommodate your needs.

Special Events

Our lodge is the perfect venue for those important anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and other celebrations. Contact your lodge hosts to discuss available options and book your special event.

TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL EVENT