Skyline Queenstown, the iconic tourism operator, has launched its restaurant and bar Stratosfare, following a substantial redevelopment.

The restaurant is located at the top of the Skyline Gondola, and offers a new dining experience to the 150,000 diners each year.

One of the highlights of the new restaurant is the opportunity for chef and guest interaction, with guests able to watch their dishes being prepared by chefs at interactive cooking stations.

Stratosfare also has a mussel bar, and a purpose built rotisserie oven where guests can observe their dishes being cooked.

Lyndon Thomas, Skyline Queenstown GM, said that the company is really proud of what it’s achieved with Stratosfare.

“We’ve aimed to redefine what people expect from a buffet-style restaurant in New Zealand, with a real focus on the interaction between our guests, chefs and food. It’s an all-encompassing experience that our diners are going to love,” he said.

Jeff Staniland, Skyline Enterprises CEO, said that the redevelopment of the restaurant with its new look and feel has been achieved while retaining an absolute focus on great service and food.

“The name Stratosfare is derived from ‘Stratos’ – meaning ‘up high’ – and ‘Fare’, a collection of food. It was an obvious choice for both Skyline Gondola properties summing up the elevated location and new dining experience perfectly,” he said.

Further significant enhancements to Skyline Queenstown’s offerings over the past 18 months have also included the opening of the market kitchen in June 2013, and the addition of a Jelly Belly retail store.

Skyline Rotorua has also completed redeveloping its dining experience, launching the new restaurant at the same time as Stratosfare.