Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and serene lake views everywhere you turn, Queenstown draws in thousands of visitors from near and far.
But this town is more than a picturesque postcard.
Unmistakably a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and unhinged adrenaline junkies, it’s just as much a place for foodies, craft beer fans and culture lovers looking to get their thrills.
From the head of the lake in Glenorchy to Queenstown’s bustling centre and the charming pockets of Frankton, we’ve never been more excited to showcase the best places to eat, drink, shop and explore in one of the South Island’s greatest destinations.
Beyond freefalling and speeding through the Shotover, Queenstown is home to a community of friendly locals ready to show off endless experiences worthy of your itinerary. Taste world-class gin or dine at award-winning wineries, browse independent boutiques and one-of-a-kind retail villages, work your way around the local craft beer scene and enjoy leisurely brunches perched on the edge of Lake Whakatipu.
Whether you’re living around the corner or visiting from far-off shores, our curated guide will open your eyes to the neatest nooks and crannies of Queenstown. So buckle in – this is guaranteed to get your heart racing.
Gift Guide 2025: Neat Gifts from Neat Places in Aotearoa
Shop and Stare: 9 Boutiques & Art Galleries to Explore in Queenstown
Every inch of Queenstown’s great outdoors is an endless source of beauty and inspiration – but going inside is just as much of a treat. Come along with us as we open the door to a community of creative businesses housing objects as beautiful as the scenery out the window, breathtaking art made by Aotearoa talents, well-made clothing designed to last a lifetime in your wardrobe, and much more.
Best Queenstown Walks & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
The Queenstown region is a hiker’s paradise, with an abundance of tracks etched into its incredible landscape. From easy-going paths skirting the lake’s shores, to rugged alpine terrains and serene trails through native bush, we’ve put together 10 of our favourite picturesque walks for every level. And because no good adventure is complete without a culinary indulgence (we’re not talking about the muesli bar stashed in your pocket), we’ve paired each trail with some delicious recommendations, including great coffee, flaky pastries, crafty brews and hearty meals. So lace up your boots and let’s get going…
One of the Locals: The Insider's Guide to Queenstown
Forget about Google recommendations. If you’ve been hosted by locals while visiting a city, you’ll appreciate their access to authentic experiences that may have otherwise slipped under your radar.
The Best Places to Wine & Dine in Queenstown
In the heart of Queenstown Lakes where gardens, farms and lakes thrive with first-class produce, Queenstown was destined to be a haven of culinary delights. From hatted restaurants to under-the-radar eateries, scenic beer gardens to renowned wineries, exploring this town’s hospitality scene is just as thrilling as any bungy jump. With so much on the menu, we recommend extending your stay by a few more days to get a taste of it all.
Explore our Directory
View AllSeletti Concept Store
A bold and ever-evolving destination for fashion-forward shoppers, Seletti’s flagship store is located amongst the heritage buildings of Buckingham Street in Arrowtown.
Artbay Gallery
Set along Queenstown’s picturesque lakefront, Artbay is an award-winning gallery housed in a historic cottage.
Astor Bristed
In our opinion, few towns offer a more beautiful backdrop for showcasing great works by New Zealand artists.
Flora Fauna
Wander down Church Street in the heart of Queenstown and the sight of a flirtatious peacock or a flight of iridescent butterflies will lead you into the home of Flora Fauna...
Rifters Tasting Room
Nestled in the historic (and utterly charming) Dudley’s Cottage on Buckingham Street in Arrowtown, Rifters Tasting Room is home to some of Aotearoa’s best...
Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen
“Mora” means to linger or pause in Latin, and believe us – this is the place to do just that.
odd saint
Residing in a wistful schist stone building on the corner of Camp Street, odd saint is a neighbourhood eatery for those who worship great food and great service.
Blue Door Bar
Who would’ve thought an old, weathered doorway sporting peeling blue paint could cause such a stir? Arrowtown's Blue Door Bar is a hidden speakeasy-style bar,...
Atlas Beer Cafe
Tucked away behind Steamer Wharf on the edge of Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown’s Atlas Beer Cafe prides itself on maintaining a small footprint while going big on the...
Mt Rosa
A little off the beaten track in Gibbston, proudly stands the home of Mt Rosa – a wine label and cellar door that has played a pivotal role in shaping the...
Sherwood
With wellbeing, community and sustainability intertwined into each offering, visitors run away to Sherwood Queenstown to renew their body, spirit and mind through food,...
The Boat Shed Cafe
Set in a dream location on the shores of Lake Whakatipu in Frankton, The Boat Shed Cafe is a loved spot for locals and visitors to stop in for coffee, a memorable breakfast...
SUNDAYS
One of the beloved residents of Country Lane in Frankton, SUNDAYS is set inside a beautifully refurbished church.
Margo's
There’s no greater universal disappointment than dining at a Mexican restaurant, expecting to get punched in the face with zingy, spicy and numbing flavours…...
Wolf Coffee Roasters
Sitting amongst a row of historic buildings, Wolf Coffee Roasters is a specialty small batch coffee haven on Buckingham Street in Arrotown.
The Fork and Tap
Gracefully perched on the corner of Buckingham Street, this beloved Arrowtown pub opens its doors each day, ready to greet groups of old friends and connect new ones.
