One of the best things about holidaying in New Zealand is the food. It’s so fresh and delicious you almost wonder if the chefs have their own farmyard and stream out back.

Could a holiday with a foodie – or the family – possibly get any better? Maybe -  if those Old McChefs happen to be right downstairs from your hotel room — or even deliver to you in bed. Here are 5 New Zealand hotels where the culinary experience is a journey in itself.

Hippopotamus Restaurant and Bar at the Museum Hotel Wellington

The gourmet French cuisine served at the award-winning Hippopotamus Restaurant and Bar within the Museum Hotel Wellington is a destination all of its own.

Try the 5 dish degustation, with or without wine pairing, which includes dishes like salmon sashimi, poached scampi and classic French Onion soup with truffled oil drizzle. Or savour a high tea with delicacies from the French pastry chef.

The beautiful hotel artwork is a feast for the eyes too.

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Double Delicious at The George Hotel Christchurch

The George Hotel Christchurch (pictured) has not one, but TWO award-winning restaurants.

First, there’s Pescatore, a Cuisine Magazine finalist in the New Zealand Restaurant of the Year Awards serving up a minimalist seasonal menu matched to a whale of a wine list.

Amongst the many amazing dining options is the Evolution degustation that includes dish themes like umami and aromatic.

Meanwhile, 50 On Park Restaurant and Bar is open for all meals. The continental breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, pastries, juices and more makes it good enough reason alone to rise and shine.

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Lombardi Restaurant Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown

What better way to give a meal time to go down than with a glass of wine in hand andviews over stunning Lake Waktipu and mountains surrounding Queenstown before you?

At the Lombardi Restaurant of Hotel St Moritz you can also enjoy a great family dining experience as kids love to gobble down the children’s menu favourites.

Party animals, they don’t forget you either. You can hit the town until the wee hours and still get a decent meal from the 24-hour room service – then wake up for a morning dip in the hot tub before a ski or some other action packed adventure.

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Nosh Restaurant, Travelodge Palmerston North

Ever been so hungry you thought your stomach was eating itself? Sounds like a job for the all-you-can-eat buffet at the Travelodge Palmerston North – available every day for breakfast and on Friday and Saturday night for dinner.

If you prefer a la carte, Nosh also serves up favourites such as garlic prawns, rump streak and Thai chicken salad.

You can even do your best Fidel or Hemingway impersonations in the fun and charming old world cigar bar atmosphere of the Cuban Bar. Or waffle on about all the cool stuff you saw at the city’s New Zealand Rugby Museum.

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Castle Dining room, at Larnach Lodge of Larnach Castle Dunedin

Most of us have come a fair way since sitting in a field, shoveling flesh and innards out of an animal carcass with our bare hands for dinner. You can celebrate the invention of knives, forks and table manners in the grandeur of Larnach Castle Dunedin, with an exclusive option for Larnach accommodation guests.

Their three-course Scottish dining experience with a Kiwi twist is a great way to meet other hotel guests and try a unique foodie experience.

Don’t forget to take advantage of your complementary tour of the 19th century castle and the magnificent gardens.

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