When it comes to culinary adventures while traveling, what comes to mind? Street food, campfire cooking, or perhaps fine dining? Join Earth Travel Unlimited as we take you to a dining experience that’s both familiar and extraordinary—buffet dining in the sky, right in the heart of New Zealand!
A Buffet That Redefines Expectations
New Zealand is well known for its scenic hikes, majestic mountains, and unique wildlife. But would you ever think that a buffet meal could be one of the most memorable parts of your trip?
If your idea of a buffet includes bland, reheated food served in a crowded room—think again.
Welcome to Stratosfare Restaurant in Rotorua, located on New Zealand’s North Island. To say this is one of the best buffet restaurants in the world isn’t an exaggeration—it’s big, it’s beautiful, and the food is next-level.
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Reaching the Top – A Journey with a View
Perched on the summit of Mount Ngongotaha, 487 meters above sea level, Stratosfare offers unrivaled panoramic views of Rotorua city and its vast lake, covering nearly 79 square kilometers.
Getting to the top is an experience in itself. While hiking sounds like a healthy pre-meal idea, the only way up is via a scenic gondola ride—and trust us, it’s breathtaking.
Once you reach the summit and step out of the gondola, you’re greeted with sweeping views that will leave you speechless. The pathway to the dining room is designed to showcase nature’s beauty, building anticipation for the feast that awaits.
The restaurant itself blends modern elegance with classic charm. The dining space is expansive and well-organized. During peak seasons, reservations are essential, but you won’t experience the chaotic lines or elbow-to-elbow scenes typical of most buffets.
No rush. No crowds. No leftovers. This is five-star buffet dining done right.
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What Makes Stratosfare’s Menu So Special?
Once you’re seated, the staff will offer you drinks from an impressive list of cocktails and beverages. Here are some standout favorites:
- Toblerone Cocktail: A decadent mix of Frangelico, Kahlua, Baileys, cream, and honey
- Green Apple & Elderflower Martini: Gin and elderflower liqueur shaken with lemon juice, green apple purée, and rosemary
- Stratosfare Kiwi: A refreshing blend of fresh kiwi fruit, kiwi vodka, and apple juice—an absolute must-try!
If you’re wary of kiwi’s tartness, rest assured—New Zealand-grown kiwis are on a whole different level. Smooth, sweet, and juicy!
The drinks menu also includes fresh juices, mocktails, sodas, New Zealand wines, beers, whiskeys, rums, gins, brandies, and local liqueurs. Supporting local farmers and producers is part of Stratosfare’s philosophy, meaning the ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and regional.
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Feast with a View – What’s on the Buffet?
Stratosfare’s buffet offers both pre-prepared dishes and made-to-order items—a perfect balance of quality and variety. Lunch and dinner menus feature a range of options, including:
- Soups: Seafood chowder
- Salads & Vegetables: Grilled corn & bean salad, Thai-style cabbage slaw, shredded carrot
- Mediterranean Cold Cuts: Smoked ham, chorizo sausage
- Antipasti & Dips: Stuffed olives, feta-stuffed peppers, hummus
- Seafood Station: Marinated mussels with chili and ginger, grilled prawns, smoked fish fillets, and made-to-order mussel pots
- Pasta Bar: Cooked-to-order pasta with your choice of sauces (penne, fettuccine, etc.)
- Roasts & Sides: Roasted potatoes and vegetables
- Grilled Meats: Garlic butter steaks, marinated chicken
- Desserts: Pavlova, chocolate nougat mousse, blueberry crumble
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Even more impressive is the dinner spread, which features expanded selections including:
- A wider bread selection
- Caesar salad station
- Asian corner with steamed wontons and dumplings
- Waffle station with delicious toppings
- A New Zealand cheese board with assorted nuts and garnishes
Want to upgrade your experience? Dinner guests can opt for premium grilled dishes like Angus beef fillet or New Zealand lobster tail for an extra charge.
Even if you stick to the regular buffet items, you’ll leave full and satisfied—every dish is crafted with care and flavor. Nothing here tastes average. Everything is exceptional.
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Dining Details & Tips for Stratosfare
Prices:
- Lunch Buffet: NZD 65 (adult), NZD 41 (child)
- Dinner Buffet: NZD 75 (adult), NZD 49 (child)
Round-trip gondola ride is included in the price!
Children under 5 eat free.
With Wine Pairing:
- Lunch: NZD 79
- Dinner: NZD 89
Window Seating Upgrade: NZD 17 per person (includes one drink: wine, beer, cocktail, or soft drink). Worth it for those epic sunset views!
Opening Hours:
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM (restaurant closes at 3:00 PM)
- Dinner: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (restaurant closes at 9:00 PM)
- Wine Tasting Add-on: Available only between 11:00 AM – 5:15 PM
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Pro tip: Check the sunset time for Rotorua on the day of your visit and book your table at least one hour beforehand. You’ll be able to witness the magical transition from daylight to twilight over the lake—an unforgettable experience!
If you love delicious local cuisine and breathtaking views, Stratosfare Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a must-visit experience on your New Zealand itinerary. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just indulging in your love of good food, this hilltop buffet will stay in your memories long after the last bite.
- Address: Skyline Rotorua, 178 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua, New Zealand
- Phone: +64 7 347 0027
- Website: Stratosfare Rotorua – Skyline
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Dining at Stratosfare Restaurant isn’t just about food—it’s about elevating your entire New Zealand experience. From the scenic gondola ride and jaw-dropping mountain views to the premium buffet bursting with local flavors, everything here feels like a celebration of the best this country has to offer.
Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or just someone looking for something unique to mark your time in Rotorua, Stratosfare delivers on every level—quite literally. So if you ever find yourself in this part of the world, don’t just look at the view. Taste it. Toast it. And take it all in.
Because some memories are best made with a full plate and a view that takes your breath away.
