Deep South, Tip-top and often promoting the locally created chocolate and raspberry ice-cream - Te Anau dairy knows how to keep the locals and tourists coming back each summer. They pride themselves on huge ice-creams with the most sought after flavours!

Best value ice-creams need to have the best taste, a local couple from Otautau ventured out to create their own "Orgasmic" ice-cream range from their own milk production. The tubs are small but packed full of flavour and can be found at many stockists around Southland.

Are you after a great quality ice-cream without the price tag? Perhaps searching for a solution for your dreams of a supersized ice-cream? How about visiting Deep South Ice Cream in Invercargill and purchasing your very own 10 litre tub of delicious locally made ice-cream?

Experience the joy of a soft-serve ice-cream in a location that isn’t frequented by Mr Whippy or Mr Kool. All the toppings can be provided and ensure your summer days stay cool! A perfect stop in on your way to Invercargill or Gore.

For those who seek a dairy free ice-cream the price, and quality is often compromised. Blue River dairy have created their very own dairy free and gluten free ice-cream made with sheep milk and the taste is exceptional!

A locally owned family business located in Invercargill, this little store brings you the best of the ocean every day at remarkable prices! Be sure to try their Lake trout sandwich and fries or their smoked blue cod fillets - they needn’t anything but a hint of seasoning for the juicy, smoky aroma to take over you palate.

Fresh, flaky fish handpicked right outside the restaurant. The Pavilion pride themselves on their substantial portion sizes, you will never be served up any less than three large blue cod fillets for their large meal and two for their usual! Perfection teamed with a fresh lemon wedge, hand cut chips and a fresh salad. Bliss!

Well worth the drive, the Blue Cod Blues operate out of a caravan for a few months only during summer. They have it all - fresh fish, crispy chips, paua patties and local mussels. You can’t go wrong with this small locally owned entity, they’re guaranteed to satisfy every time.

Fish and chips delivered to your doorstep. Stirling Tides has an exceptional view of the Fortrose Estuary and most definitely capitalises on the location with exceptional takeaways. Fresh flavours and vast selection for you to enjoy while you watch the fishermen in appreciation.

Not to be forgotten based on their location - this takeaway store has some of the best fish and chips known to Southerners - many of whom make a 30 minute or more drive just so they can enjoy the thrill of great food without the hassle of preparation and cooking. Don’t forget to grab some oysters while they’re available, delicious every time!

If you are in search of a restaurant to broaden your dining experience and heighten your love of all things ‘food’, the Saucy Chef is the solution you’ve been searching for. The main component that separates the Saucy Chef from other restaurants is their extensive selection of proteins they have available. They offer delicacies rarely found in Southland such as goat, duck, beef cheeks, are hare. Indulge a little and taste artistic cuisine that challenges your perception of food, you won’t be disappointed!

Fine dining at its best, the Redcliff is a quaint, private restaurant in the heart of Te Anau that serves quality produce and locally sourced proteins paired with exceptional flavour combinations that will leave a memorable impression on you palate. Winners of the beef and lamb awards and people’s choice awards several years running, their meals are beautifully matched to exclusive wines - especially their finest cut of tender lamb with a bold jus.

Buster Crabb features an uncomplicated menu that reflects their knowledge pairing classic flavours with fresh and local ingredients. The mains are in generous proportion and are able to be paired with a variety of diverse side dishes that will satisfy your hunger, a two favourites of mine are the manuka smoked roasted vegetables and the char grilled polenta.

There are several attractive features about this restaurant including the vintage aeroplanes that fly right on the doorstep, the personalised interior with three dimensional wallpaper, the exclusivity of your dining experience and of course the exceptional cuisine. The Moth is usually open only for reservations, however during the summer months it makes a great location for those last-minute dinner reservations. A particular favourite among the locals are their tender scallops, perfectly opaque in the centre and caramelised on the outside.

Great food paired with a Monteiths beer or cider sound like your preference of dining? The Kiln boasts local favourites such as merino lamb, Southern blue cod fillets and local Rakiura salmon. Their meals are served in generous proportions and will leave you planning your next visit back as soon as possible!

Tasty pizza right in the heart of Invercargill, the perfect way to begin your night out on the town. In the wee hours Bar Luca is a popular night club and cocktail bar but tones down its image during the day with cosy couches, warm fires and a fantastic relaxing atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to unwind and savour some amazing gourmet pizza!

The ultimate comfort food restaurant, La Toscana is a true Italian style restaurant where the food is cooked with utmost respect for quality ingredients and huge flavours. The pizza at La Toscana is a reflection of true Italian cooking, everything is prepared fresh using quality local and imported ingredients to create an array of pizza, pasta and home-made desserts.

A small slice of the Italian lifestyle resides here at Ristorante Pizzeria da Toni. Waitresses that speak fluent Italian, rustic pizzas being cooked as you watch, and a wonderful selection of homemade gelato’s to cleanse your palate. The Ristorante Pizzeria da Toni has an abundance of pizza selection for you to choose from that are guaranteed to satisfy both in size and flavour!

Hell Pizza, their name says it all. Sinful pizzas that will leave you feeling gluttonous but ultimately satisfied to your core. They have the best dessert pizzas in Southland, with toppings such as berries and juicy fruit, chocolate, custard and cinnamon crumble who could resist?

There is something to be said about a thin, crispy base pizza and a large pint enjoyed under the sun that should be celebrated. Howl at the Moon Gore have laden all your favourite toppings; bacon, ham, salami, BBQ sauce, aioli, red onion and mozzarella cheese and made it accessible at any time of the day for you to savour in their private outdoor area. Watch the world go by as you dwell in the satisfaction that only a tasty slice of pizza can provide.

The Saucy Chef features large booths, an open fire as well as two separate dining areas. What better place to nestle into that special someone and enjoy the most extensive wine selection paired with the perfect protein prepared with love and respect.

The Cabbage Tree bar and restaurant are fully equipped to ensure you and your partner have an incredible time together. With an array of different sized rooms available, your privacy is of the utmost importance as they cater for your social and dining experience. Be sure to try one of their platters that feature an array of delectable cuisine, prefect for an intimate dining experience!

The Kiln is your destination for Friday date nights. Their cosy interior with a large fire will ignite your romance and kick-start your night. The sumptuous meals and fantastic wine selection are guaranteed to satisfy, while later on you can dance the night away with some of the best bands, sourced from afar to entertain the locals!

A restaurant designed with the assistance of locals, for locals. Elegance on 148 features cosy nooks and intimate dining with an old worldly charm and aged distinction. Their menu features fresh local produce that will have your taste buds watering in delight, and don’t forget their cocktail of the month!

The Redcliff is the pinnacle of the flawless intimate dining experience. Each room holds only less than ten small tables, this means the privacy is excellent as you find yourself able to converse easily while absorbing yourself in the exceptional fine dining experience.

Sass Cafe is an award-winning establishment that pride themselves on quality food and service. The breakfast menu offers either cooked and cool options, as well as a free orange juice or coffee with any big breakfast meal. They are also able to arrange takeaway options if you find yourself short of time and in need of a tasty treat!

When two of the most frequently visited restaurants in Te Anau are owned by the same people, you know for sure that they understand what great food is all about! The Fat Duck has one of the most extensive breakfast and lunch menus that will satisfy those mid-morning hunger cravings. Teamed with some of their prized coffee and a comfy seat outside, there isn’t more you need when searching for a great meal this Sunday.

No need to worry about dining reservations here! The Moon sets itself out from other restaurants by encouraging walk-in diners. The fluidity of this restaurant is evident through their ever-changing blackboard menu and weekly specials. The meals here are an excellent representation of hearty Southern food, huge meals and even bigger flavours! Pop on in this Sunday early and beat the rush!

Ziff’s cafe features an uncomplicated menu that flows from breakfast through to lunch. With quirky bursts of flavour combinations, they are sure to make your taste buds sing with delight at the first mouthful. A personal favourite are their eggs Benedict with a sumptuous lemon butter sauce – pure indulgence.

A breakfast bar, great coffee and a new menu that adopts a South-American themed cuisine, Zookeeper’s are a great place to begin your Sunday. With their eccentric decor and lively attendants, you will be leave feeling energised, ready to take on the rest of your day!