The Woolshed at Ayrburn

The Woolshed is the bistro at Ayrburn, the dining and wine precinct on Ayr Avenue near Arrowtown, and it is the estate's most relaxed all-day option. The building is a carefully restored and reimagined farm woolshed, and the restaurant is listed as MICHELIN Selected in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide New Zealand.

The menu is bistro-style and changes with the seasons. The tourism board's summary of the award picks out the bistro classics and grilled meats, and in particular the lamb cutlet and lamb saddle as highlights. Daily specials feature exclusive cuts from R.M Prime Produce, Ayrburn's own produce brand, so it is worth asking what is on the board when you sit down.

The space has several moods. There are cosy nooks indoors and fireside tables for colder days, and when the weather is fine there is a sunny spot outside beside Mill Creek. The atmosphere is lively rather than hushed, which makes it a good fit for families, groups of friends and anyone who wants a long lunch without the formality of a tasting menu.

The Woolshed is open every day from 11.30am until late, which makes it one of the easier places in the Arrowtown area to plan around. Bookings can be made online for groups of up to ten; larger groups should email Ayrburn directly to arrange a table.

Ayrburn has plenty more to explore before or after a meal. Billy's, in the original homestead, serves modern Chinese food; The Barrel Room hosts wine tastings; The Manure Room serves wine flights and shared plates; The Vintners Bar is known for whisky flights; The Burr Bar is the place for cocktails; The Dairy is devoted to sweet treats, and The Bakehouse serves fresh food all day, much of it outdoors. Opening hours vary between the venues, so check the website before you go.

Ayrburn publishes local transport options on its website. If you plan to enjoy the wine, or a whisky flight in The Vintners Bar, consider arranging transport rather than driving back to Queenstown, and book The Barrel Room in advance if you want to add a tasting.