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.
Best Queenstown Walks & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
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.
What’s Good in Queenstown: Meet the businesses making a difference
When wonderland is the place you call home, there’s a lot worth protecting and preserving. A collective of Queenstown locals are rolling up their sleeves and changing the way they do business to keep the towering mountains, pristine lakes and rich soils of this well-visited land in pristine condition. There’s no doubt this community is in it for the long haul – and their efforts are already making a huge difference in the region.
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 AllMora Wines and Artisan Kitchen
“Mora” means to linger or pause in Latin, and believe us – this is the place to do just that.
Blue Door Bar
Who would’ve thought an old, weathered doorway sporting peeling blue paint could cause such a stir? Arrotown's Blue Door Bar is a hidden speakeasy-style bar,...
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...
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...
Altitude Brewing
Inside a red corrugated shed, one could easily mistake this for just another garage in the industrial neighbourhood of Frankton Marina.
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 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.
Remarkables Market
Inside The Red Barn on Hawthorne Drive in Frankton, just around the corner from the airport, the beloved Remarkables Market takes flight each Saturday from October through...
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.
Mrs Woolly’s General Store
As iconic as the red shed or the stunning views at the head of the lake, Mrs Woolly’s General Store has become a cornerstone attraction in Glenorchy, offering a bit of...
Yonder
Come as you are. The neon-lit invitation above Yonder’s entranceway is more than just an aesthetic.
Frank's Corner
There are run-of-the-mill gift shops in Queenstown and then there’s Frank’s Corner.
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…...
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.
Little Mez
Hidden downstairs from its sister restaurant Margo’s, this underground cocktail bar in Queenstown makes it immediately clear that having fun runs in this...
