Queenstown is world-famous for delicious food, amazing wine, and epic nightlife. With over 150 bars, restaurants and cafés, there is something for everyone.
Here are our top things for food and drink lovers to do in Queenstown.
Home to some of the best restaurants in New Zealand, fine dining in Queenstown will exceed your expectations. Tucked away in the centre of Queenstown, Rātā(opens in new window) creates genuine dining experiences, with goats cheese profiteroles with Rātā blossom honey, grass-fed beef tartare and Te Mana lamb rump being popular dishes. Inspired by Italian cooking techniques and flavours, find delectable pasta and fresh produce daily at Aosta(opens in new window), Arrowtown. Focused on a 'local and seasonal' philosophy, Amisfield Bistro(opens in new window) is famous for their signature 'Trust the Chef' menu keeping the dining experience fresh, exciting, and full of surprises.
There are over 100 wineries within a 40-minute radius in the Queenstown region and it is considered to be the world’s southernmost wine region. Home to New Zealand's largest wine cave and historic vineyards Gibbston Valley™ Winery and Cellar Door experience(opens in new window) is a favourite among locals and visitors. Enjoy a variety of wines including their world-renowned pinot noir. Committed to creating the finest cool climate wine, Chard Farm(opens in new window) is a family-owned winery with five unique vineyards growing distinctive and premium fruit. Set in the picturesque Arrowtown, Akarua Wines & Kitchen(opens in new window) is widely known for handcrafted cuisine that has a 'made from scratch' philosophy.
Beer aficionados are spoilt for choice in Queenstown with some of the best craft beer and breweries in New Zealand. At the head of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains, Glenorchy Brew Co(opens in new window) offers premium craft beer made with fresh artesian water from nearby glaciers and mountains. Atlas Beer Café(opens in new window) is a firm favourite with locals and visitors, find it situated on the lakefront in central Queenstown - try their selection of seasonal craft beers, delicious tapas, and famous steak. Inspired by their motto of 'search, seek, evolve', you'll be sure to find something new and exciting on one of the 18 taps at Searchlight Brewery(opens in new window).
Eat and drink like a local at the many unique eateries in the Queenstown area. Arguably Queenstown's busiest burger joint, Fergburger(opens in new window), is world-renowned for their creative, delicious gourmet burgers. The Ferg Deluxe is a must-try on your next visit. Located in the historic Archer’s Cottage, Botswana Butchery(opens in new window) is one of Queenstown's most stylish restaurants. With stunning lake views and roaring fires, the ambience is warm and welcoming all year round. Indulge in freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate, deluxe milkshakes and various sweet treats at the Cookie Time bar.(opens in new window)
Experience the epic Queenstown nightlife in one of the many bars and nightclubs. Go bar hopping in central Queenstown and or jump onboard the Big Night Out pub crawl. Doubling as a pizza bar and one of Queenstown's best nightclubs, Winnie's(opens in new window) is the spot with awesome entertainment, local DJ's and live bands. At Below Zero ice bar(opens in new window), everything is made of ice. The walls, bar, furniture, sculptures and glasses that cocktails are served in.
