Private Chef in Queenstown-Lakes District
Rent one of our 34 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Queenstown-Lakes District
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Queenstown-Lakes District in January 2018, more than 34 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Queenstown-Lakes District and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Starting in 2018, 3,364 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Queenstown-Lakes District. To book your chef in Queenstown-Lakes District, just share your event details in our form. Receive proposals from top chefs and chat with them until you find your match.
Up until today, our chefs have shared 460 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 2,058 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.55 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 3,364 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Queenstown-Lakes District usually book menus around 188 NZD per person, including 3.75 courses, sharing an average of 6.69 messages with their chefs. If you've never had a chef at home but want to add an extra spice to your next celebration, just rent a chef in Queenstown-Lakes District.












How it works
Personalize your request
Share with us the details of your dream meal, including type of cuisine, preferences, and intolerances.
Receive menu proposals
Our chefs will design menus based solely on your wants and needs.
Get chatty with your chefs
Don't be shy about exchanging some messages with your chefs until your perfect menu is ready!
Book your experience
Once you are happy with your choice, submit your payment to secure your experience.
Enjoy!
All there is left to do is count down the days till your culinary experience begins!
34 Private Chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District












More than 3,300 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.42 Chef
The guests in Queenstown-Lakes District have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.42.
4.63 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District received an average score of 4.63.
4.42 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.42 average score.
4.63 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Queenstown-Lakes District has been scored with a 4.63 on average.
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
460 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Avocado sesame smoked salmon on toast
Bruschetta, mozzarella, tomato, proscuitto
Chicken liver, strawberry, sourdough
Tomato, kiwi, balsamic , burrata
Baked cheese oyster
Baba ganoush, miso caramel, flat bread
Barbeque chicken skewer on lettuce kasundi
Broccoli, carrot puree, almonds, mushroom, adobo jus
Cauliflower steak, romesco, salsa verde, almonds
Courgette, yoghurt, mint, parsley, lemons
Steak venison tartare, puffed wild rice, soy cured egg yolk
Beef tataki, orange, salsa verde, radish, chives
Nz pork hock, asian green, chorizo romesco sauce
Caldorobo brisket, roast potatoes
Crumbed herb market fish, garlic parsley emulsion, fennel & orange salad
Beef cheek, pomme puree, green peas, kale
Chicken bbq inasal, eggplant & charred tomato ensalada
Linguine , salmon, scallops, lemon butter cream sauce
Meringue, strawberry, chocolate, custard
Tiramisu, espresso, mascarpone, cocoa powder
Banana chocnut pudding, sweetcorn anglaise, salted caramel pocorn,
Caramelised onion and blue cheese tartlet (v)
Kūmara falafel, beetroot puree, feta, quince (v)
Market raw fish, coconut, cucumber, heirloom tomato, capsicum
Lamb, kūmara and feta filo pie
Braised beef cheek, parmesan-nutmeg polenta, jus
Lumina lamb rump, saffron potato puree, caper relish, jus
Mount cook salmon, cauliflower, romesco, chive oil
Ratatouille, saffron rouille, baguette (v)
Rhubarb pavlova, orange pastry cream
New zealand cheeseboard and accompaniments
Lemon meringue tart
Steamed pudding, salted caramel, vanilla custard
Charcoal fired lamb kofta, curry leaves, madras, mango
Charcoal fired impossible kofta, curry leaves, madras, mango (vegetarian)
Scampi tartare, shrimp cracker, wasabi, ginger
Mushroom bao, fried tempeh, hoisin, cucumber (vegetarian)
Truffle yaki udon, pancetta, mushrooms, parmesan, 63 degree egg
House-made gnocchi, wild mushroom, parmesan cream, truffle (vegetarian)
East coast crayfish coconut bisque, green lipped mussels
Rum cured mt cook salmon, buttermilk, apple, puffed grains
Lumina slow cooked moroccan lamb, saffron risotto, raita
Crayfish miso ramen, shiitake, soft egg
Seafood laksa bisque, mussels, scampi, calamari, herbs
Tempeh miso ramen, shiitake, soft egg (vegetarian)
Caramel coconut sticky rice, hazelnut, roasted figs
Matcha panna cotta, dulce de leche, biscoff crumb
Strawberry and mango lasagne
New zealand cheeseboard
House-made focaccia with kalamata olives (vegetarian)
Semi-dried tomato crostini, whipped chèvre, tapenade (v)
Mezze platter | marinated olives and feta (v)
Fresh fig, prosciutto, aged balsamic
Porcini and parma ham lasagne, truffle oil
Spinach ravioli filled with smoked mozzarella, fresh tomato sugo (vegetarian)
Lumina lamb rump, eggplant caponata, saffron rouille, jus
Market fish, saffron and clam risotto
Tiramisu
Baklava | a familiar classic
Lemon meringue tart
Pine nut and custard tart, roasted pear
Achiote chicken tostada, pico de gallo, avocado
Achiote jackfruit tostada, pico de gallo, avocado (vegetarian)
Satay chicken bao, cucumber, spring onion
Carrot arancini, sage, truffle mayo (vegetarian)
Orange-miso glazed pork, roasted onion, tahini dressing
Mount cook salmon, cauliflower, romesco, chive oil
Slow cooked beef short rib, sour cream sauce, avocado, pico de gallo
Miso roasted cauliflower, ginger broth, tofu, nz wakame (vegetarian)
Caramel coconut sticky rice, toasted coconut, pineapple
Matcha tiramisu
Pine nut and custard tart, spiced roast pear
Vegan chocolate mousse, black dorris plum, hazelnut
Cured salmon, lemon mayonnaise, chive, shrimp cracker
Mushroom bao, fried tempeh, hoisin, cucumber, spring onion (v)
Confit duck spring roll, tamarind, mandarin
Wairiri buffalo mozzarella toast, clevedon tomato, black olive (v)
House-made gnocchi, wild mushroom, parmesan cream, truffle (v)
Heirloom tomato tart, fromage blanc, oregano (v)
East coast crayfish bisque, green lipped mussels, baguette
Rum cured mt cook salmon, buttermilk, apple, puffed grains
Bostock’s organic chicken, eggplant caponata, basil pesto
Market fish, ratatouille, chervil beurre blanc
Lumina slow cooked moroccan lamb, saffron risotto, raita
Pan fried tofu, orange-miso glaze, apple butter, roasted onion (vg)
Poached peaches, mint nougat glace, amaretto jelly, ginger custard
Strawberry and mango lasagne
Pine nut and custard tart, spiced roast pear
Matcha panna cotta, dulce de leche, biscoff crumb
Scampi tartare, shrimp cracker, wasabi, ginger
Fried chicken, korean glaze, pickled cabbage, mayo
Kūmara falafel, beetroot purée, feta (vegetarian)
Labneh with roasted chilli oil (vegetarian)
40 degree salmon, miso roasted cauliflower, ginger broth
Charcoal fired kingfish, gochugaru sauce, fried leek
Soba noodle salad, miso roasted eggplant, za’atar (vegetarian)
Truffle yaki udon, pancetta, mushrooms, parmesan, 63 degree egg
Seafood laksa bisque, mussels, scampi, calamari, fresh herbs
Slow cooked spiced lamb, teriyaki glaze, lavash bread
Pan fried tofu, orange miso glaze, apple butter (vegetarian)
Black origin wagyu, roast cabbage, pāua xo jus
Matcha panna cotta, dulce de leche, biscoff crumb
Steamed pudding, salted caramel, coconut vanilla custard
Strawberry and mango lasagne
Petit fours
Mezze platter | keftedes (greek meatballs)
Mezze platter | melitzanosalata (eggplant salad)
Wairiri buffalo mozzarella toast, clevedon tomato, black olive (v)
Lamb, kūmara and feta filo pie
Lemon risotto with chilli prawns and gremolata
Goats curd agnolotti, hazelnut, brown butter, sage (vegetarian)
Heirloom tomato tart, fromage blanc, oregano (v)
Oxtail croquettes, truffle mayo, parmesan
Herb crusted lumina lamb rack, carrot purée, green olive relish, goats curd, jus
Market fish, ratatouille, chervil beurre blanc
Bostock’s organic chicken, eggplant caponata, basil pesto
Ratatouille, saffron rouille, baguette (v)
Baklava cheesecake, honey comb, pistachio crumb
Poached peaches, mint nougat glace, amaretto jelly, ginger custard
Strawberry and mango lasagne
Saffron-poached pears, burnt honey cream, liquid puff pastry
Personalize your menu
A romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. Traditional dishes or exotic flavours. A fine dining experience or a family-style meal. Every private chef experience is unique! Submit your request and personalize yours.








Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in Queenstown-Lakes District.
What does a private chef service include in Queenstown-Lakes District?
A private chef service includes everything necessary to enjoy a personalized dining experience at home. This includes:
- Customization of a menu based on your preferences;
- Purchase of ingredients;
- Mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before arrival;
- Preparation of the menu at your home;
- Complete table service;
- Set up and cleaning of the kitchen and used spaces.
Please note that tableware and glassware are not included. Gratuity is entirely at your discretion.
How much does a private chef cost in Queenstown-Lakes District?
The price of renting a chef in Queenstown-Lakes District can vary depending on the specifics, but smaller groups tend to have a slightly different price per person compared to larger gatherings.
Booking prices range from 155 NZD to 260 NZD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 155 NZD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 163 NZD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 207 NZD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 260 NZD per person.
Seasonal ingredients, your location, and how soon you book also affect the final price. If you're interested in getting free quotes with no obligation, fill out our form and let the best chefs near you send unique proposals for your event.
How can I hire a private chef in Queenstown-Lakes District?
Booking is easy! Just tell us the date of your event, number of guests, dietary preferences and any allergies, and a few details about your kitchen. Within a few hours, you'll receive customized menus from qualified chefs. Each chef's profile will include their experience, reviews, and photos of their dishes.
Feel free to chat directly with the chefs through our platform. Ask them to modify menus, discuss pricing, or get answers to any questions you might have. Once you've found the perfect chef and menu, finalize your reservation online. We'll then provide the chef's contact information to confirm any final details.
How can I find a private chef near me?
There are currently 34 chefs available in Queenstown-Lakes District. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District who will send you their menu proposals. You can then choose the chef and menu that suits you best.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service?
While there's no strict limit on guest count, private chef experiences are designed to create a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings of friends and family. Since most homes have limited space to accommodate large groups, parties typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the chef cook at my house?
Yes, the chef always prepares the menu at your home for a more personalized experience. However, some prep work might be done beforehand for complex dishes.
Can I cook along with the chef?
Absolutely! Many guests are passionate about food and relish the chance to learn from the chef. You can pick up new kitchen skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at each dish on the menu. Feel free to jump in and cook alongside the chef for a truly interactive experience!
Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, they're 100% fresh. Unlike restaurants with pre-made dishes, private chefs prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible. This is because the chef creates a customized menu specifically for you, then goes out and sources the finest ingredients to bring your chosen dishes to life.
Are drinks included in the personal chef service?
Drinks are not typically included, but you can discuss adding them to the menu proposal with the chef.
How much should I tip my private chef in Queenstown-Lakes District?
Tipping for private chefs is entirely at your discretion. Our goal is for you to have an unforgettable experience, and the chef always appreciates a nice tip. However, the decision and amount are completely up to you.
Key information about our chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District
Percentage of our women chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Percentage of services with kids in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Percentage of guests that hired a chef more than once.
Average number of days booked for multiple services at home with a private chef.
Photos uploaded to the platform by our private chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Queenstown-Lakes District each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Queenstown-Lakes District, for example, demand often increases during special dates like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, so it's best to book in advance.
If you're wondering about the best time to hire a chef, any month is perfect for enjoying a private chef. Just keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for last-minute bookings. So, don't wait—book your chef early to secure your unique dining experience in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Cost of a private chef in Queenstown-Lakes District
The cost of hiring a private chef in Queenstown-Lakes District can vary based on several factors, including the number of people in your group or seasonality. Larger groups tend to have a different average rate per person compared to smaller groups that hire a chef:
Booking prices range from 155 NZD to 260 NZD per person.
For 13 people or more: 155 NZD
For 7 to 12 people: 163 NZD
For 3 to 6 people: 207 NZD
For 2 people: 260 NZD.
Additionally, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, location, and how soon you book your personal chef. If you want to get free quotes, just fill out our form and receive tailored proposals for your event. No committment at all.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Queenstown-Lakes District?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Queenstown-Lakes District: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Chef's special, but you can have anything you want (our surprise menu will cover that!).
Beyond these six types of cuisine, our private chefs personalize diverse menus for their clients every day, adjusting every detail to find the perfect menu for every occasion and every group. Our private chefs can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction and suggest other cuisines or fusion dishes. Submit your request and hire a chef in Queenstown-Lakes District!






Talk to our chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District
Each of our chefs is one-of-a-kind, with professional culinary training and years of experience in diverse restaurants. Craving Italian pasta, Spanish paella, or traditional sushi in Queenstown-Lakes District? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Queenstown-Lakes District, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.










Take a Chef services in nearby cities
Discover cities near Queenstown-Lakes District where you can enjoy a Private Chef service
Cities where you can enjoy a Private Chef
Discover cities of New Zealand where you can enjoy our experiences.