True South Dining Room

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Fine Dining Where the Lake Meets the Remarkables

True South Dining Room sits within The Rees Hotel, a five-star property established in 2009 on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. The setting is hard to overstate: floor-to-ceiling views across the lake to the Remarkable Mountain range form the backdrop for every meal, making the room as much a part of the experience as what arrives on the plate.

The hotel's own description of the dining room captures the intent well — guests are treated to "a sense of surprise" when they dine, with dishes that are "delicious, exciting, and unexpected." That promise of the unexpected is central to what True South has built its reputation on, positioning it as one of Queenstown's most talked-about fine dining destinations.

A Wine Program Recognised on the World Stage

Alongside the kitchen, the Bordeau Wine Lounge — True South's companion space dedicated to fine wines, fine foods, and good company — has earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a distinction that reflects the depth and curation of the cellar program. For guests who take wine seriously, this recognition places True South in rare company among New Zealand restaurants.

The People Behind the Property

The Rees Hotel has been shaped by a leadership team with deep roots in international luxury hospitality. Executive Director Mark Rose, a professionally trained chef with a background spanning the UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand, guided the property from its opening. His formation in food and beverage operations — including overseeing multiple restaurants at Cameron House on Loch Lomond — informs the standards that True South maintains.

General Manager Micka McDonald, who has worked her way up through nearly every level of the hotel over close to three decades in hospitality, brings the same commitment to the floor. The result is a dining room where service feels considered rather than transactional.

Sophisticated Dining in a Lakeside Setting

True South is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with outdoor seating available for those who want the alpine air alongside their meal. The fine dining room is complemented by the full hotel offering — private beach, wharf access, a library of rare books — giving the experience a sense of place that extends well beyond the table. For visitors to Queenstown seeking elegant, well-crafted dining with one of the region's most exceptional wine programs, True South Dining Room is a clear destination.