Boutique hotels
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Azur Lodge
- Style
- Luxe lakeside lodges
- Setting
- Lush Queenstown hillside
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Matakauri Lodge
- Style
- Alpine elegance
- Setting
- Shores of Lake Wakatipu
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The Spire
- Style
- Urbane five-star suites
- Setting
- Alpine church-side lane
Queenstown Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Queenstown.
Restaurants
(+643 442 6994)
Botswana Butchery
Receiving rave reviews is this excellent eatery opposite Queenstown Gardens, strong on fish, meat and gourmet steak. Dine in the main space downstairs or one of the private rooms for two which sport armchairs, private fireplace and lake views. There’s also an excellent bar upstairs.
Archers Cottage, 17 Marine Parade
(+643 441 8030)
The Bunker
One of Queenstown's better-kept secrets is this intimate restaurant hidden behind an unmarked door down a small alley. The cosy space is popular in winter for its hearty local-meets-European fare, roaring hearth and warming single-malt whiskies.
Cow Lane
(+643 442 5969)
Wai Waterfront Restaurant
Situated right on the waterfront, elegant Wai has one of the best locations and reputations in Queenstown. It’s known for its seafood, lamb and melt-in-your-mouth freshly shucked New Zealand oysters, boasting a seven-course chef’s tasting menu as well as à carte choices.
Steamer Wharf, Beach Street
(+643 442 8635)
Winnies
For something a little more casual, the ever-popular Winnies (Winnie Bagoes to locals) dishes up excellent pizzas on the balcony of one of the town's oldest buildings.
7-9 The Mall
Bars
(+643 442 7300)
Barmuda
Opulent Barmuda's outdoor courtyard with roaring fire draws the crowds whatever the weather and the original cocktail list keeps them here until closing.
Searle Lane
(+643 442 9688)
Dux de Lux
The perfect sundowner spot, Dux de Lux is microbrewery gold with its own Wakatipu Wheat beer.
16 Church Street
(+643 441 0450)
Eichardt's House Bar
Eichardt's was once the local drinking hole and while it's smartened itself up since becoming the Private Hotel, the bar still retains much of its history and character. It also serves up bloody good drinks.
Marine Parade
(+643 441 1081)
Monty's
Enjoy a pint of some of New Zealand's finest beer in the sunny courtyard.
12 Church Street
(+643 441 8066)
The Boiler Room
An extensive cocktail list, a good-looking crowd and 1980s tunes make for a great night out.
10 Steamer Wharf
Cafés
(+643 442 5282)
Joe’s Garage
Part-American diner, part-garage, this convivial cafe is perfect for refuelling with some of the best coffee and brunches in town.
Searle Lane
