Best Queenstown Walks & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards

Two people walking along a lake on a sunny day.
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…

Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen

The vine covered entrance to Mora Wines Queenstown.
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“Mora” means to linger or pause in Latin, and believe us – this is the place to do just that.

Blue Door Bar

A blue door leading to a bar in Arrowtown.
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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,...

Aosta

The entrance to Aosta Arrowtown.
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Put simply, the Aosta in Arrotown dining experience is like no other.

odd saint

A bright yellow coffee machine in Odd Saint Queenstown.
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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

A bottle of gin sitting on a table in the sunshine.
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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 cheese platter and a glass of rose wine.
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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

The exterior of Atlas Beer Cafe Queenstown.
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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

A 'floating bar' sign on a boat.
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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

A little wooden hut entrance to Little Mez Queenstown.
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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

A sign promoting tacos and Mexican food.
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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…...

The Boatshed Cafe

Inside the Boat Shed looking out towards the ocean.
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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

Customers dining inside a brightly decorated Queenstown cafe.
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Come as you are. The neon-lit invitation above Yonder’s entranceway is more than just an aesthetic.

One of the Locals: The Insiders' Guide to Queenstown

A woman and horse walking down a little country lane on a sunny day.
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 World Bar

Hands holding a deep fried ball.
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Not all adventures in Queenstown require a tent, carabiner or dehydrated food (thankfully).

Sherwood

The wood and green interior of The Sherwood Queenstown.
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With wellbeing, community and sustainability intertwined into each offering, visitors run away to Sherwood Queenstown to renew their body, spirit and mind through food,...

Altitude Brewing

The colourful exterior of Altitude Brewing surrounded by large green umbrellas.
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Inside a red corrugated shed, one could easily mistake this for just another garage in the industrial neighbourhood of Frankton Marina.

SUNDAYS

Customers dining at a large table at Sundays in Queenstown.
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One of the beloved residents of Country Lane in Frankton, SUNDAYS is set inside a beautifully refurbished church.

The Best Places to Wine & Dine in Queenstown

Two women dining at a high table inside a green painted room.
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.

Mrs Woolly’s General Store

People dining outside next to old huts.
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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...

The Fork and Tap

Customers dining outside a quaint stone building in Arrowtown.
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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.

Wolf Coffee Roasters

The exterior of the Wolf Coffee Roasters on a sunny day.
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Sitting amongst a row of historic buildings, Wolf Coffee Roasters is a specialty small batch coffee haven on Buckingham Street in Arrotown.

The Winery

The exterior of The Winery Arrowtown on a sunny day.
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If we all had the time and budget, we’d likely be sipping bubbles, whites and reds at a different winery every week.

Amisfield

A man made pond outside a large block building.
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Queenstown conjures up a few key images.

Country Lane

A view of country cottages on a sunny day.
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Disclaimer: you won’t find anything else like this in Queenstown.

Bespoke Kitchen

A flatlay of colourful plates of food and coffee.
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When the hustle and bustle of central Queenstown gets too much, there’s a nearby oasis offering a moment of tranquillity.

Kappa

The inside of Kappa restaurant in Queenstown.
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Next time you’re walking down Ballarat Street, look up in search of a small piece of Japanese paradise.

Canyon Brewing

The large exterior of Canyon Brewing Queenstown on a sunny day.
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Pull up a beanbag in Queenstown’s most scenic beer garden, with Shotover River views almost as impressive as their woodfired sourdough pizza and innovative beers crafted with sustainability in mind.