Restaurant
Essence
The evening tasting-menu restaurant at ROKI Collection, holder of two MICHELIN Stars and Cuisine's Restaurant of the Year 2026, cooking New Zealand produce with European technique.
Botswana Butchery
A lakefront steakhouse in the historic Archer's Cottage on Marine Parade, serving premium cuts, oysters and market fish, and listed in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide.
At a glance
- Type
- Steakhouse
- Area
- Lakefront, Queenstown, New Zealand
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Opening
- Open daily · 11:00–23:00
- Official site
- botswanabutchery.nz
Good to know
- Lake views
- Private dining rooms
- Private lounge
- Bar
Why we recommend it
Botswana Butchery occupies the historic Archer's Cottage on Marine Parade, one of the older buildings on the Queenstown lakefront. It has been here since 2008 and is one of the town's best-known places for a celebratory steak dinner. It is listed as a MICHELIN Selected restaurant in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide New Zealand, and there is a sister restaurant in Auckland.
Meat is the focus. The menu is built on local ingredients and aged cuts from what the restaurant calls the Butcher's Block, along with game, and the tourism board highlights the steakhouse classics alongside oysters, market fish and seasonal vegetables, so there is plenty for those not eating red meat. The wine list is long, running to four figures of bottles, and the staff are knowledgeable about wine service, which helps when choosing a bottle to go with a steak. Note that sides are ordered and charged separately from the mains.
The setting is a large part of the appeal. The restaurant has lake views from its historic cottage, and inside there are dark leather banquettes in the main dining room and log fires. The lounge has leather sofas arranged around an open fire, which is especially welcome on a winter evening. There is a bar for a drink before dinner, a private lounge that seats up to 25 people, and individual private dining rooms on the first floor seating from two to thirty people; one has stone walls, red velvet chairs and a buttoned banquette. They work well for celebrations and business dinners. The restaurant also hosts functions.
Botswana Butchery is open every day from 11am to 11pm, so it works for a long lakefront lunch as well as dinner. It suits couples, groups marking an occasion and meat lovers, and it is an easy walk from the town centre. Booking is advisable for dinner, particularly in winter. Reservations are normally made through the online booking link, but when the online system is unavailable the restaurant asks guests to call instead.
Eichardt's Private Hotel and its lakeside bar are also on Marine Parade if you want a nightcap afterwards.
Botswana Butchery FAQs
Where is Botswana Butchery?
It is in Archers Cottage, 17 Marine Parade, on the Queenstown lakefront.
What are the opening hours?
Botswana Butchery is open Monday to Sunday from 11am to 11pm.
What kind of food is served?
It is a steakhouse serving fine cuts from the Butcher's Block, plus oysters, market fish and seasonal vegetables.
Is Botswana Butchery in the MICHELIN Guide?
Yes. It is listed as MICHELIN Selected in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide New Zealand.
Does it have private dining?
Yes. There are private dining rooms on the first floor and a private lounge for up to 25 people.
How do I book?
Book through the online link on the website, or call +64 3 442 6994 if online bookings are unavailable.
Does it have lake views?
Yes. The restaurant overlooks the lake from Marine Parade.