Private Chef in Queenstown-Lakes District
Rent one of our 27 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 27 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, 2,110 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 229 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 2,006 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.54 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 2,110 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Queenstown-Lakes District usually book menus around 188 NZD per person, including 4.73 courses, sharing an average of 3.67 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!
27 Private Chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District
More than 2,100 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.3 Chef
The guests in Queenstown-Lakes District have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.3.
4.7 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Queenstown-Lakes District received an average score of 4.7.
4.3 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.3 average score.
4.7 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Queenstown-Lakes District has been scored with a 4.7 on average.
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229 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!
Egg plant rolls, sicilian sauce, stuffed ricotta, mozzarella
Beef carpaccio, rocket and parmesan salad, lemon dressing
Bbq prawns , corn and capsicum salsa, burnt lemon
Buffalo mozzarella, tomato , basil , balsamic vinaigrette
Raw fish, coconut lime dressing, cherry tomato, shallots, spring onion, lime
250g scotch fillet, colcannon mash, roast seasonal vegetables, red wine jus
180g eye fillet, parsnip puree, potato and cheese gratin, sumac roasted vegetables
Pan seared skin on snapper, cherry tomato ragu, gourmet potato, emulsified butter
Ricotta and spinach ravioli, rose sauce, pine nut, parmesan snow
Chocolate slice, coffee mascarpone, brownie crumble, vanilla ice cream
Chocolate mousse on dome, cocoa meringue, berries, cured rhubarb
Caramelised stone-fruit with whipped feta & paratha
Treacle cured salmon with cucumber & rye
Mussel fritters with chilli & yoghurt
Courgette with blackcurrant & feta
Beef fillet with tomato & anchovy
Crispy pork belly with dijon & fennel
Lamb rack withlemon & labneh
Chargrilled eggplant with miso & potata
Tempura blue cod with tartare
Milk chocolate mousse with raspberry & hazelnut
Baked cheesecake with strawberries & ginger
Pavlova with watermelon & rosewater
Antipasto # prosciutto,salami,fresh mozzarella, brie cheese,olives and cherry tomatoes
Bruschetta # grilled baguette topped with tomato, basil, parmesan, balsamic glaze
Burrata # grilled tomatoes with burrata cheese, olive oil, pesto sauce and bread
Caprese salad # fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with balsamic glaze
Prosciutto e melone # prosciutto and melon salad with rocket and balsamic glaze
Salmon caesar salad # classic caesar salad in parmesan cup with smoked salmon and crunchy croutons
Spaghetti meat ball # spaghetti with tomato sauce,basil and meat ball
Cauliflower steak # cauliflower steak served on a bed of risotto
Chicken gloria # creamy chicken casserole with mushrooms , sun dried tomato and baby spinach
Herbs crunch lamb rack # pan seared rack of lamb coated parmesan herbs along with creamy mint sauce,gravy and mash potatoes
Scotch fillet steak # classic steak served with creamy mushroom sauce ,mash potato and vegetables
Tiramisu # a classic layers of espresso lady fingers and silky smooth mascarpone
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Apple strudel # homemade apple filling in crispy filo pastry with milk crumble and vanilla ice cream
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wild berry coulis and fresh fruit
Brownie # double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Corn cake (vege) # crispy and chewy sweet corn fritters thai style served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Chicken curry puffs # minced chicken, kamara and vegetables wraped in flaky puff pastry , served with sweet and sour sauce
Bruschetta # grilled bread topped with tomato,basil,balsamic glaze
Pork on toast # crispy toast marinate pork mince and sesame seeds served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Burrata # grilled tomatoes with burrata cheese, olive oil, pesto sauce and bread
Dumpling # pork and prawns dumplings with pickled ginger and sweet soy sauce
Fresh roll prawns # fresh summer roll prawns, salad, vermicelli and peanut sauce
Mussels salad # steamed mussels with chili lemon dressing, fresh herbs and lemongrass
Prosciutto e melone # prosciutto and melon salad with rocket and balsamic glaze
Vol au vents # cream cheese and smoked salmon mini vol au vents
Thai beef salad # seared tender beef served with thai chilli dressing,fresh lemon juice, herbs and vegetables
Thai fried rice # thai style fried rice with egg and vegetables choice of meat
Pad thai # traditional stir fried rice noodles with egg,bean sprouts,peanut,spring onion and tamarind sauce. *choice of protein*
Spaghetti meat ball # spaghetti with tomato sauce,basil and meat ball
Scotch fillet creamy mushroom sauce # classic steak served with creamy mushroom sauce ,mash potato and vegetables
Herbs crunch lamb rack # pan seared rack of lamb coated parmesan herbs along with creamy mint sauce,gravy and mash potatoes
Spaghetti tom yum salmon #grilled nz king salmon on bed of spaghetti creamy tom yum sauce
Yum salmon # country style grilled salmon whit thai dressing, fresh vegetables, cashew nut, green apple and mint
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wildberry coulis and fresh berries
Creme brulee # a dessert consisting of rich custard topped with brulee caramel
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Thai red ruby dessert #cubes of water chestnuts in tapioca flour,sweet coconut milk and jackfruit
Tiramisu # a classic layers of espresso lady fingers and silky smooth mascarpone
Brownie # double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Apple strudel # homemade apple filling in crispy filo pastry with milk crumble and vanilla ice cream
Bacon prawns#skewered prawns wraped with smoked bacon served with sriracha mayo
Snapper sliders # pan seared snapper served with salad and garlic aioli
Vol au vents # cream cheese and smoked salmon mini vol au vents
Fresh roll prawns # fresh summer roll prawns, salad, vermicelli and peanut sauce
Mussels salad # steamed mussels with chili lemon dressing, fresh herbs and lemongrass
Mango avo prawns # grilled prawns with mango and avocado salsa
Salmon caesar salad # classic caesar salad in parmesan cup with smoked salmon and crunchy croutons
Tom yum goong # spicy prawns soup with lemon juice, mushroom and thai herbs
Choo chee salmon # grilled salmon served with steamed vegetables and coconut cream choo chee sauce
Spaghetti tom yum salmon #grilled nz king salmon on bed of spaghetti creamy tom yum sauce
Thai fried rice # thai style fried rice with prawns, egg and vegetables
Yum salmon # country style grilled salmon whit thai dressing, fresh vegetables, cashew nut, green apple and mint
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wildberry coulis and fresh berries
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Creme brulee # a dessert consisting of rich custard topped with brulee caramel
Thai red ruby dessert #cubes of water chestnuts in tapioca flour,sweet coconut milk and jackfruit
Tiramisu # a classic layers of espresso lady fingers and silky smooth mascarpone
Spring rolls (vege) # thai spring rolls stuffed with cabbage,carrot,vermicelli served with sweet and sour sauce
Pork on toast # crispy toast marinate pork mince and sesame seeds served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Chicken curry puffs # minced chicken, kamara and vegetables wrapped in flaky puff pastry , served with sweet and sour sauce
Coconut prawns # deep fried jumbo prawns rolling in shredded coconut served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Corn cake (vege) # crispy and chewy sweet corn fritters thai style served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Thai beef salad # seared tender beef served with thai chili dressing, fresh lemon juice, herbs and vegetables
Larb chicken # cooked chicken minced with fish sauce,lemon juice,chilli flake, fresh fragrant herbs and ground roasted rice
Tom yum goong # spicy prawns soup with lemon juice, mushroom and thai herbs
Mussels salad # steamed mussels with chili lemon dressing, fresh herbs and lemongrass
Pad thai # traditional stir fried rice noodles with egg,bean sprouts,peanut,spring onion and tamarind sauce. *choice of protein*
Massaman lamb shank # slowed cook lamb shank, kumara , onion , whole peanut in aromatic massaman curry
Green curry chicken # tender chicken in traditional thai green curry with coconut milk and vegetables
Thai fried rice # thai style fried rice with egg and vegetables choice of meat
Choo chee salmon # grilled salmon served with steamed vegetables and coconut cream choo chee sauce
Thai red ruby dessert #cubes of water chestnuts in tapioca flour,sweet coconut milk and jackfruit
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wild berry coulis and fresh fruit
Brownie # double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Coconut panna cotta #dairy-free, coconut panna cotta topped with slightly boozy berries coulis
Fresh fruits # cut and craving assorted fresh fruits on season
Snapper sliders # pan seared snapper served with salad and garlic aioli
Bacon prawns#skewered prawns wraped with smoked bacon served with sriracha mayo
Bruschetta # grilled bread topped with tomato,basil,balsamic glaze
Pork on toast # crispy toast marinate pork mince and sesame seeds served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Burrata # grilled tomatoes with burrata cheese, olive oil, pesto sauce and bread
Vol au vents # cream cheese and smoked salmon mini vol au vents
Mussels salad # steamed mussels with chili lemon dressing, fresh herbs and lemongrass
Salmon caesar salad # classic caesar salad in parmesan cup with smoked salmon and crunchy croutons
Gazpacho soup # fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, red onion, garlic, tabasco and worcestershire sauce
Thai beef salad # seared tender beef served with thai chili dressing, fresh lemon juice, herbs and vegetables
Pumpkin soup # caramelized baked pumpkin creamy soup with parmesan garlic bread
Herbs crunch lamb rack # pan seared rack of lamb coated parmesan herbs along with creamy mint sauce,gravy and mash potatoes
Cauliflower steak # cauliflower steak on risotto bed
Massaman lamb shank # slowed cook lamb shank,kumara,onion,whole peanut in aromatic massaman curry
Scotch fillet creamy mushroom sauce # classic steak served with creamy mushroom sauce ,mash potato and vegetables
Spaghetti tom yum salmon #grilled nz king salmon on bed of spaghetti creamy tom yum sauce
Balsamic mushrooms # stir-fried garlic & butter mushrooms with creamy balsamic, sourdough and poached egg
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Creme brulee # a dessert consisting of rich custard topped with brulee caramel
Tiramisu # a classic layers of espresso lady fingers and silky smooth mascarpone
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wildberry coulis and fresh berries
Brownie # double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Apple strudel # homemade apple filling in crispy filo pastry with milk crumble and vanilla ice cream
Spring rolls (vege) # thai spring rolls stuffed with cabbage,carrot,vermicelli served with sweet and sour sauce
Corn cake (vege) # crispy and chewy sweet corn fritters thai style served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Pork on toast # crispy toast marinate pork mince and sesame seeds served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Bacon prawns#skewered prawns wrapped with smoked bacon served with sriracha mayo
Coconut prawns # deep fried jumbo prawns rolling in shredded coconut served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Snapper sliders # pan seared snapper served with salad and garlic aioli
Wonton soup #wonton wrapped chicken and prawns in clear soup, spring onion
Thai fried rice # thai style fried rice with egg and vegetables choice of meat
Pad thai # traditional stir fried rice noodles with egg,bean sprouts,peanut,spring onion and tamarind sauce. *choice of protein*
Spaghetti meat ball # spaghetti with tomato sauce,basil and meat ball
Cauliflower steak # cauliflower steak served on a bed of risotto
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wild berry coulis and fresh fruit
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Creme brulee # a dessert consisting of rich custard topped with brulee caramel
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 251 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 251 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 27 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 251 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: 251 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 Surprise, 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.
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