Book your Te Anau dinner
Walk-ins are welcome, but we can't always fit you into the restaurant, so it's best to book, especially over the busy summer months. If the restaurant is full, The Cliff casual eatery out the back is often open too, for platters, snacks and sandwiches, unless there's a private function on that night. Give us a call and we'll tell you what's open.
Te Anau 9600, Fiordland
Dinner from 4:00 pm
Nights at The Redcliff
Live music most weekends
Te Anau's home for live music. Most weekends there's a local or touring musician playing while you eat and drink.
Don't take our word for it
From craft shop
to Fiordland icon
Built in 1978 in the cottage style of Fiordland's early European settlers using authentic recycled materials, The Redcliff was originally a craft shop owned by Ray and Helen Willett. Named after Redcliff Station - an early sheep station in the area - the wagon out front and photos on the walls tell the story of station life in old Fiordland.
Converted to a restaurant & bar in 1993, it quickly became a favourite meeting place for locals and travellers. Stamped with the NZ Beef & Lamb Hallmark of Excellence every year since 2005, we showcase the region's produce - wild hare, venison straight from the hills, and seafood from Fiordland's waters. Most weekends, there's live music too.
Cast and crew from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have been regulars over the years. John Rhys-Davies, who played Gimli, once performed a Shakespearean sonnet at our annual poets forum.
Drinks at The Redcliff
More than a restaurant - The Redcliff is Te Anau's favourite bar. Drop in from 3 pm for a drink before dinner, or settle in for the evening.
Wine
A short list built around Central Otago pinot noir - the best of the South Island's wine country, just up the road. Ask your server about our current picks and tasting notes.
Craft Beer
New Zealand craft beers on tap and by the bottle. We rotate our tap list to showcase the best from southern breweries - always something new to try alongside your meal or on its own.
Cocktails
Classic cocktails and house specials. From a well-made G&T to something more adventurous - our bar team will sort you out. Ask about our seasonal specials.
The Cliff, our events space
The Cliff is our events space at The Redcliff: a covered outdoor bar, lounge and deck that seats up to 120 for wedding receptions, milestone birthdays, corporate functions and live music. Rustic charm, modern Fiordland cooking, and a dance floor when you want one.
- Up to 120 guests seated or standing, under cover and heated.
- Its own bar, lounge seating, long tables and a dance floor.
- Food from our kitchen - grazing tables, shared plates or a sit-down menu.
A night at The Redcliff, wrapped
Any amount you like, bought online and sent by email. Dinner, drinks, or a table on a night there is music on.
Gateway to Fiordland
Te Anau is the doorstep to some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery. Here for a day or a week, there is more to do than you will fit in - and after your adventure, The Redcliff is open from 3 pm.
Milford Sound
A 2-hour scenic drive from Te Anau through the Homer Tunnel to New Zealand's most famous fiord. Day cruises run year-round, with kayaking and overnight options in summer. Most tours return to Te Anau by late afternoon - perfect timing for dinner.
Kepler Track
One of New Zealand's Great Walks, starting right from Te Anau's lakefront. The full 60 km loop takes 3–4 days, but the day walk to Luxmore Hut is a stunning option with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
A short boat ride across Lake Te Anau to a cave system lit by thousands of glowworms. Family-friendly tours run daily and take about 2 hours. A genuinely magical experience unique to this part of New Zealand.
Doubtful Sound
Deeper, quieter, and more remote than Milford - Doubtful Sound is the quieter one. Day cruises depart via Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass. Overnight cruises are available for those wanting total wilderness immersion.
Lake Te Anau & Kayaking
New Zealand's second-largest lake is right on your doorstep. Kayak or paddleboard along the shoreline, take a lake cruise, or simply enjoy the waterfront walk. The lake is beautiful at any time of day - especially at sunset.
Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
Home to the takahē - a bird once thought extinct, rediscovered in the Murchison Mountains near Te Anau in 1948. The DOC-run sanctuary on the lakefront is free to visit and a great introduction to Fiordland's unique wildlife.
Te Anau from Queenstown & beyond
Te Anau is a 2-hour drive from Queenstown via the scenic SH6 and SH94 route through the Southland countryside. Most visitors arrive via Queenstown Airport - hire a car or take the daily InterCity bus. From Invercargill, it's 1 hour 45 minutes north on SH6.
The Redcliff is at 12 Mokonui Street in the heart of Te Anau township - a 1-minute walk from Lake Te Anau and the town centre. Free street parking available. If you're heading to Milford Sound the next morning, Te Anau is the gateway town and The Redcliff is the perfect dinner the night before.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about dining and live music at The Redcliff.
What are The Redcliff's opening hours?
Does The Redcliff have live music?
Do I need to book a table at The Redcliff?
Where is The Redcliff located in Te Anau?
What type of food does The Redcliff serve?
Can The Redcliff host private functions?
What is there to do in Te Anau at night?
Where should I eat after visiting Milford Sound?
What is the best restaurant in Te Anau?
Follow us for the latest gigs, food specials, and behind-the-scenes from the kitchen.