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 Insiders 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. With that in mind, we’ve been teasing insider tips out of the people that know this town best, to bring you a list of locally approved places to eat, shop and get together in Queenstown. We reveal the best burger in Queenstown, charming shopping laneways, community gatherings, neighbourhood eateries, and more. So even if you’re staying for a week or a while, it’s time to get down with the locals. We can promise you that you’ll be welcomed as an old friend.
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.
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.
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.
Broken Heart Gin Garden
Bridging the gap between Queenstown and Arrowtown, Broken Heart Gin Garden offers an unexpected world-class gin experience on the main roadside in Arthurs Point.
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...
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...
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...
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…...
Frank's Corner
There are run-of-the-mill gift shops in Queenstown and then there’s Frank’s Corner.
The Boatshed 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...
Yonder
Come as you are. The neon-lit invitation above Yonder’s entranceway is more than just an aesthetic.
The World Bar
Not all adventures in Queenstown require a tent, carabiner or dehydrated food (thankfully).
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,...
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...
Altitude Brewing
Inside a red corrugated shed, one could easily mistake this for just another garage in the industrial neighbourhood of Frankton Marina.