Shop and Stare: 9 Boutiques & Art Galleries to Explore in Queenstown

A nice reminder that gift shops can be so much more than keychains and magnets. Frank’s Corner is home to the handcrafted treasures of over 80 artists from all over Aotearoa. You’ll find everything from quirky ceramics and handblown glassware to exclusive art prints and Frank’s own line of merino goods and woolly yarns. All local objects have been designed and made in New Zealand – a true piece of Aotearoa to take home or gift to friends. Owners Allison and Frank opened their first store inside an old charming cottage on the corner of Camp and Isle Street before expanding to a second store in Glenorchy (complete with a Real Fruit Ice Cream cart in the summer). Both are well worth checking out.

A working farm until 2006, brother and sister – and fourth generation caretakers – Bruce Grant and Tineke Enright have since transformed their family’s land into a destination that celebrates independent businesses and homegrown talent. The neighbourhood is made up of a thoughtfully curated collective of residents, operating out of heritage buildings and each adding their own magic to the community. There’s immersive beekeeping experiences, jewellery workshops hosted by Jessica Winchcombe, second-hand vintage stores, homeware boutiques, and much more. Due to open in early 2025, ‘School House Studios’ is Country Lane’s latest exciting project: a restored historic school building featuring 10 unique spaces to host a community of artists and creative businesses. 

You can’t leave the lane without hitting up some of the great food and coffee spots on offer. Enjoy a pizza and spritz at Sundays, experience the taste of traditional Māori kai from the Hāngi Master food truck, grab Brazilian-inspired baked goods from Sugary Patisserie, or sip locally roasted coffee from Black Lab (they’ve bid single-use coffee cups farewell here, so BYO reusable cup or take a moment to enjoy your brew at a sunny outdoor table).

Located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, Te Atamira hosts a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions, workshops, and community-oriented events to inspire moments of creativity in everyday life. The hub is made up of 22 purpose-built spaces, from painting, art and dance studios, to galleries and theatre spaces. Explore local exhibitions, try your hand at life drawing, attend a comedy show… Whatever you’re into, there’s something for everyone, young and old.

Angel Divine has been keeping the people of Queenstown well-dressed in timeless pieces for almost three decades. Whether you’re visiting the flagship store on Beach Street or their newest space on Arrowtown’s Buckingham Street, you’ll be treated to an elevated and relaxed environment. The collection predominantly features beloved New Zealand designers such as Twenty Seven Names, Marle and Yu Mei, as well as luxurious labels from further afield.

A few doors down, continue your Buckingham Street browsing at Seletti Concept Store, a fashion destination for the bold. Founded in 2009, Seletti continues to evolve and push the boundaries of retail in Aotearoa. The Arrowtown boutique offers a highly curated collection of womenswear, beauty, art, and design, featuring iconic international labels like Gucci and Chloe, alongside Aesop, The Frankie Shop, and Seletti’s own line.

Opened by Meredith Parkin in 2021, Flora Fauna is inspired by Wunderkammer, an old concept where people collect and display a wonder-filled cabinet of natural curiosities. Have we piqued your interest? The Church Street space, in the centre of Queenstown, is brimming with fascinating finds, where nature-inspired objects and books sit amongst an ethically sourced taxidermy collection of wise owls, charming badgers, and intricate butterflies. A visit to Flora Fauna is sure to enchant you.

Nestled in a charming courtyard, just off Buckingham Street’s main footpath, Astor Bristed is a contemporary art gallery that showcases great works by New Zealand artists. With a striking wall-to-wall window facade, the gallery offers an ever-evolving view into the latest exhibition. The year-round programme is made up of monthly rotations, with past showcases including Kerrie Hughes, Fergus Robertson, John Walsh, and Holly Zandbergen.

Featured on the must-do list of almost everyone visiting Queenstown – and for good reason – this gallery is home to the original art collection of Ivan Clarke. Clarke’s works are eccentric and whimsical, including landscape and impressionist paintings inspired by the region. However, he has become most famous for his Lonely Dog series, which has grown into an enormous collection of over 200 artworks and a licensed brand loved worldwide.

Sharing the same street, Artbay’s three galleries provide the perfect ‘art hop’ experience. Established in 2004, Artbay’s original space is located in a historic cottage along Queenstown’s Marine Parade, with a vibrant and ever-changing collection of local and international contemporary works set against a striking backdrop of exposed schist stone. In 2020, Artbay introduced their latest venture, Lightworx, just a few doors down. Set in a fresh and modern space with a big city feel, Lightworx houses avant-garde works that combine light, colour and space designed to uplift every mood. Rounding off the trio, VIRUT Gallery opened last winter and is dedicated to showcasing the work of VIRUT, an internationally renowned artist who has caused waves in the contemporary art scene for his innovative approach to portraiture.