Central Otago Cheese
Central Otago Cheese
Description
Queenstown, as a major tourist hub and gateway to Central Otago, offers excellent access to the region's artisan cheeses. While not a production center itself, it hosts specialty shops, markets, and numerous restaurants and wineries that showcase local cheeses, particularly those from nearby Gibbston Valley and wider Central Otago.
Dietary Information
Milk
Vegetarian
This dish is not vegan
This dish is gluten-free
Serving information
Serving style
Frequently served on platters at wineries and restaurants, often featuring 3-5 local cheeses with fruit paste, crackers, nuts, and fruit. Sold by weight in shops/delis.
Quick facts
Wineries/Shops: Approx 10 AM - 5 PM. Restaurants: Lunch/Dinner hours. Market: Specific seasonal hours (e.g., Sat 9 AM - 2 PM).
Safety Tips
What to Look For
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Reputable branding and source
Choose cheese from known producers or reliable specialty shops/markets.
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Proper packaging and storage
Ensure cheese is well-wrapped and refrigerated correctly at the point of sale.
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Clear labeling (use-by date, pasteurization status)
Check dates for freshness and pasteurization info if required (especially for pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals).
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Good condition
Cheese should look and smell appealing, without signs of excessive drying, sweating, or unwanted mold (unless it's a blue cheese).
What to avoid
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Damaged or compromised packaging
Can indicate improper handling or potential contamination.
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Cheese left unrefrigerated for extended periods
Increases risk of bacterial growth, especially for soft cheeses.
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Visible mold (on non-blue cheeses)
Indicates spoilage. Small amounts on hard cheese rinds can sometimes be cut off, but caution is advised.
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Signs of cross-contamination at deli counters
Ensure staff use clean knives and cutting surfaces between different cheeses.
Price information
Price range
Budget tips
- Supermarkets like FreshChoice or New World offer a range, potentially cheaper than specialty tourist shops.
- Remarkables Market (seasonal) allows direct purchase from producers.
- Wine tasting platters offer a way to sample several cheeses but can be costly.
Value indicators
- Cheese sourced from reputable Central Otago or South Island producers (e.g., Gibbston Valley, Whitestone).
- Served correctly (room temperature, good accompaniments).
- Knowledgeable staff in shops/restaurants who can discuss the cheese.
- Freshness and proper storage evident.
Where to Find This Dish
Gibbston Valley
Wineries in this area often feature local cheese platters. Gibbston Valley Cheese has its own shop/cellar door experience.
Gibbston Valley Winery, Other Gibbston cellar doors
Winery hours (approx. 10 AM - 5 PM)
Queenstown Town Centre
Specialty food stores, delis, and some restaurants offer Central Otago cheeses.
Shops in central Queenstown, Restaurants
Retail hours, Lunch/Dinner
Arrowtown
Historic town near Queenstown with gourmet food stores that stock local cheeses.
Arrowtown main street shops
Retail hours
Remarkables Market (Frankton)
Seasonal weekend market where local food producers, potentially including cheesemakers, sell directly.
Remarkables Park Town Centre
Saturdays during summer season (check dates/times)
Vendor Tips
- Visit the Gibbston Valley Cheese shop for a dedicated experience.
- Ask winery staff for cheese pairing recommendations with their wines.
- Supermarket delis (New World, FreshChoice) offer convenient access and good range.
How to Order
Regional Variations
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Gibbston Valley Cheese Range
(Gibbston Valley Cheese Range)
Specific cheeses produced locally in the Gibbston Valley are readily available.
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Winery Platter Exclusives
(Winery Platter Exclusives)
Some wineries might partner with specific small cheesemakers for exclusive platter offerings.
Cultural context
History
While New Zealand has a long history of dairy farming and large-scale cheese production, the artisan cheese movement in regions like Central Otago is more recent, flourishing over the last few decades. Inspired by European traditions but utilizing local milk and terroir, cheesemakers began creating specialized, high-quality products. The synergy with the established wine industry has helped promote local cheese, often featured at cellar doors and regional food events.
Local significance
Part of Queenstown's positioning as a gourmet destination, highlighting local Central Otago produce alongside wine.
Eating customs
- Enjoyed leisurely, often shared, in scenic settings like wineries or restaurants with views.