Eat, Drink, Play, Stay – Guide to Queenstown New Zealand
Take a short, three-hour flight out of Sydney and arrive at Queenstown, the ultimate holiday destination that's quicker to get to than most of Australia!
Queenstown, is one of those remarkable cities that's great to visit all-year-round. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a place of pure inspiration.
Tourists flock from around the world to experience NZ's thrilling adventures. Fly off a cliff in a paraglider, conquer your fears with bungee jumping, hop into a Jetboat for some hydro-thrills or get shredding on the slopes at Coronet, The Remarkables and Cardrona. After a day of snowy adventure, there is nothing better than settling down with a winter warming drink at one of the restaurants or Après-skiing bars around the town. Wrap up your trip with a relaxed breakfast, followed by a full-body massage.
The hotter summer months will see a different breed of a thrill-seeker, adventuring in the Four Lakes district, hiking and relaxing at local vineyards with tastings ripe for the taking. When the vineyards are at their most beautiful, the wine lovers will be found sipping some of the Central Otago Region's famous Pinot Noir.
Whether you are there for a few wines in winter or a few wines in summer, there is plenty to love about Queenstown. Please enjoy our go-to guide for discovering this magical place.
Rata dining is owned by New Zealand's internationally recognized Michelin star chef Josh Emett and well respected local restaurateur Fleur Caulton. Together they have taken inspiration from the southern landscape and everything that epitomizes New Zealand and created a relaxed dining space with great food and service. Discreetly tucked away amongst heritage buildings, you could…
You can't visit Queenstown and not check out Amisfield Winery and Bistro. Specialising in Pinot Noir this boutique winery also produces a small range of aromatic white wines. Their Lake Hayes Bistro and Cellar Door at the Winery is set amongst a picturesque setting to enjoy lunch and wine tastings. Choose from the daily changing…
Before your flights are even booked, someone will tell you that you have to go to Fergburger. They are right, it's a must-try. Brave the 40-minute line, prolonging your hunger just a little longer so that you can taste the incredibly delicious burgers at Fergburger. You might come for the two-hands-worthy size of these burgers,…
Botswana Butchery
Located in Queenstown's historic Archer's Cottage with spectacular lake views and signature roaring log fires inside and out, Botswana Butchery is one of Queenstown's most stylish restaurants. The ambience is warm and welcoming all year-round and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They're well known for their suburb meat selection but you'll also find a…
If you are all about sticky ribs and tender steaks, then book yourself a table at Flame. As you contemplate whether to have a half or full rack of pork ribs, have a look around you; these rib portions are enormous. That's right not generous, not big, enormous. The rule at Flame is that you…
As with most quality restaurants in Queenstown, you will need a reservation at Captains. Looking around the venue, there are a number of cliché boat references, which are played down by the dim lighting and great service. From a generous serve of New Zealand green-lipped mussels steamed in tomato and garlic sauce with gremolata to…
With 80 New Zealand wines and over 700 wines in total, on offer at The Winery, you'd be hard-pressed not to find one that you liked. Unless of course, you are into whiskey, there are eight NZ single malt whiskies available as well as other premium spirits from around the world. Unlike a regular bar,…
Tucked away in an alleyway full of bars, Habana Bar should be your new favourite Rum Bar bursting with rum and beats. It is easy to have an intimate night here, chatting over spiced rums, taste testing expensive bottles and listening to upbeat rhythms. Habana Rum Bar has only been open for a few months…
Grant Taylor is the man behind Valli Wines, and with his 20 hectares of grapes in the heart of the Gibbson Valley, his Pinot Noir is not to be missed. His has won the Best Pinot Noir Trophy at London's International Wine Competition, an unprecedented three times. The Pinot Noir hits your palette with bold…
Onsen Hot Pools
The Onsen Hot Pools is a highlight for Queenstown visitors and locals alike. A unique kiwi twist on a Japanese tradition, you will have exclusive use of one of their classic indoor cedar tubs for 60 minutes as you kick back, relax and enjoy your surrounds. Ideal for individuals or groups up to 4 people,…
New Zealand's snow is comparable to some of America's mountains, with people travelling from around the world to visit these slopes. Queenstown is the hub for any skier or boarder looking to hit up The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Beginner riders should look into Coronet Peak, where there are two slopes designed for first-timers and…
One of the more adventurous activities in Queenstown is to strap yourself to a stranger and jump off a cliff, or as the locals know it…paragliding. There are a few paragliding outlets in Queenstown including Coronet Tandem Paragliding or GForce Tandem Paragliding. Or if you are into throwing yourself over a ledge and into the…
For those who haven't tried Jet Boating before, prepare yourself for a thrill ride along the Kawarau River, Shotover River or into the Lake Wakatipu harbour. Choose between ShotOver Jet Boating, KJet or for a unique experience with even more G-Force, check out Hydro Attack.
If you're looking for luxury then book yourself into Eichardt's Private Hotel. This boutique accommodation is a Queenstown icon born from the wealth of a booming gold-mining town. The landmark building, located in the heart of Queenstown in premium lakefront position, was transformed into a luxury hotel late in 2001 and has hosted a veritable…