Wharf Bar
Monday12:00 – 10:00 pm.
Tuesday12:00 – 10:00 pm.
Wednesday12:00 – 10:00 pm.
Thursday12:00 – 10:00 pm.
Friday12:00 pm – 12:00 am.
Saturday12:00 pm – 12:00 am.
Sunday12:00 – 10:00 pm.
On the edge of Lake Whakatipu, the lakefront path steps around weatherboard boat sheds perched on the edge of Steamer Wharf, a site that’s been central to the beating heart of Queenstown for more than a century and a half. Now home to restaurants and bars, the connection to the water still defines the place, and Queenstown Wharf Bar occupies one such building.
From its upstairs vantage point, floor-to-ceiling windows keep the lake, the layered greens of the gardens across the bay and the jagged mountain contours rising beyond in constant view. It’s the sort of scene that can stop conversation, and leave you with a sore neck from craning to take it all in (unless you’ve nabbed a seat at the low wooden leaner that wraps around the room). Afternoon light bathes the space in a warm glow, and as evening rolls in the mood shifts gently with it.
The smell of an incoming woodfired sourdough pizza might be enough to pull your nose from the glass. With an Italian-Asian-inspired menu covering all appetites from antipasti to big plates, Wharf Bar does the classics well, though you’ll find a zany twist on more than one of the dishes. Shared plates keep things moving across the table, while the bar handles everything from local beers and wines to signature cocktails.
Whether you come for a pizza and pint or pinot, the atmosphere makes it easy to linger. Before you know it, hours have slipped by – along with the TSS Earnslaw, right under your nose.
Words by Izzie Thompson & Photography by Francine Boer
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
Steamer Wharf Suite 3, Level 1/88 Beach St, Queenstown
Nearby Places
Artbay Gallery

Set along Queenstown’s picturesque lakefront, Artbay is an award-winning gallery housed in a historic cottage.
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…...
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.
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...
Similar Places
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.
Dishery
Most people roll into Arrowtown and let the road guide them around to the right, along the main street with its iconic gold-rush era facades.
Perky's Floating Bar

Next time you’re strolling along the Marine Parade in Queenstown, dig out your “lake legs'' and hop aboard New Zealand’s only floating bar.

