The Packing Shed

After your first visit to The Packing Shed, you’ll find yourself torn between sharing this hidden gem with everyone you know and wanting to keep it as your little secret. However, in the spirit of Neat Places, we’ll spill the beans.

The magic begins as soon as you exit the main road and veer off towards the lush grounds filled with fruit trees, schist stone walls and gold mining relics. A mere 10-minute drive from Clyde and Alexandra, The Packing Shed is tucked away on an old family orchard, a green and expansive space that feels completely removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Bec and Barry first opened the restaurant in 2003, offering a luxurious but relaxed dining experience that has evolved over the years but maintained an uncompromising focus on serving great food and looking after people. Hailing from Dublin, Barry is a familiar presence in the dining room, often spinning a captivating tale while uncorking a lovely bottle of Central Otago wine. The open kitchen layout adds a special energy to the space, where diners can spot a calm Bec, making each beautifully presented dish look effortless. While she’s worked all over the world – from super yachts to top-tier restaurants in Europe – Bec is right at home at this Boulton Road property, having grown up on the very orchard where the restaurant now stands.

The menu is rustic but refined, changing daily with a seasonal focus to keep things interesting for those who find themselves returning regularly for a leisurely lunch. There is a European and classic French influence running through the dishes, a showcase of exceptional pastry techniques, flawlessly cooked seafood and meat, a preference for decadence (yes, we’re talking about the butter), and a spot of drama here and there. Out back, a glasshouse has been built into the ground in an effort to grow as much produce on site as possible, for everyday service as well as the impending launch of cooking classes (coming in November, watch this space).

The combination of its stunning garden surroundings, warm hospitality, and world-class food makes The Packing Shed a must-visit when you’re in Central Otago. Heck, after devouring our plum tarte tatin with whipped cream and macadamia, we’d happily travel from anywhere for another taste.