Best of Queenstown 2026 — Top 10 Things to Do, Restaurants, Hotels & Free Activities

The best of Queenstown, ranked by locals: independent Top 10 lists for things to do, cafes, restaurants, hotels, free activities and more across the Wakatipu basin — refreshed regularly.

Top Things to Do in Queenstown

  1. Skyline Queenstown Gondola & Luge — The view that defines Queenstown — a steep gondola climb to Bob's Peak with panoramic Lake Wakatipu and Remarkables vistas, plus the iconic luge tracks and S…
  2. AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy — The world's first commercial bungy jump — a 43m leap into the Kawarau Gorge that started it all in 1988. The original, and still the most photographed jump i…
  3. Shotover Jet — Queenstown's signature jet boat — 360° spins through the narrow Shotover Canyon at 85 km/h, just centimetres from sheer rock walls. The only operator allowed…
  4. TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise — Step aboard the 1912 coal-fired steamship — the "Lady of the Lake" — for a serene cruise to Walter Peak high country farm. A century-old icon still running d…
  5. Ben Lomond Track — Queenstown's most rewarding day hike — 11km return from the gondola top to a 1748m summit with 360° alpine views. Allow 6–8 hours and respect the weather.
  6. Onsen Hot Pools — Private cedar-lined hot pools with a retracting wall framing the Shotover Gorge — one of the most photographed wellness experiences in NZ. Book ahead, especi…
  7. Coronet Peak Ski Area — Queenstown's closest ski field — 25 minutes from town with night skiing, the longest groomed runs in the region and the famous Coronet sunset over the Wakati…
  8. Nevis Bungy & Swing — Push past the Kawarau and you'll find the Nevis — NZ's highest bungy at 134m and the world's biggest swing. A serious step up for thrill seekers.
  9. Queenstown Gardens — A free peninsula of mature trees, a frisbee golf course, ice rink and lakeside walking loop right in the centre of town. The locals' favourite picnic spot.
  10. KJet Triple Trip — Queenstown's only jet boat covering three rivers — Shotover, Kawarau and Lake Wakatipu — straight from the town pier. No transfers, just thrills.

Top Free Things in Queenstown

  1. Queenstown Lakefront Walk — A flat 2.5km waterfront promenade from the Park Street gardens past Steamer Wharf to St Omer Park. The single most-loved free activity in town.
  2. Queenstown Hill Time Walk — A 3-hour return loop with stunning panoramas of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables — and the famous "Basket of Dreams" sculpture at the summit.
  3. Sunday Creative Queenstown Market — Earnslaw Park comes alive every Saturday with local artisans, food trucks and live music — free to wander, browse and people-watch on the lakefront.
  4. Queenstown Gardens Frisbee Golf — A free 18-hole disc golf course winding through the gardens — bring or borrow a disc, locals are happy to lend one.
  5. Glenorchy Road Drive — Often called the most scenic 45-minute drive in NZ — Lake Wakatipu's western shore from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Park-and-photo at Bennetts Bluff lookout.
  6. Bob's Cove Track — 15-minute walk from the carpark to a postcard-perfect emerald cove and historic lime kiln ruins. One of the most photographed spots on the lake.
  7. Arrowtown Heritage Trail — A self-guided walk through the gold-mining village 20 mins from Queenstown — preserved 1860s buildings, the Chinese Settlement and the Arrow River.
  8. Watch the Bungy Jumpers — Walk down to the viewing platform at Kawarau Bridge and watch the world's first bungy go off all day — pure entertainment without the price tag.
  9. Lake Hayes Loop — An 8km flat loop around a perfectly mirrored lake between Queenstown and Arrowtown — a runners' and cyclists' favourite.
  10. Frankton Track — A 5km lakefront cycle and walking path connecting Queenstown to Frankton — flat, sealed and free, with constant lake views.

Top Cafes in Queenstown

  1. Vudu Cafe & Larder — Queenstown's most iconic brunch spot — sunny outdoor seating on Beach Street, a deli case worth photographing and consistently the top-rated cafe in town.
  2. Bespoke Kitchen — The Gorge Road favourite — bright, high-ceilinged room, exceptional coffee and one of the best benedict menus in the South Island.
  3. Yonder — All-day eatery on Church Street with a strong vegetarian and gluten-free menu, great cocktails after dark and a buzzy fire-warmed interior in winter.
  4. Bestie Bagels — NY-style hand-rolled bagels on Shotover Street — pastrami-on-rye, smoked salmon schmears and the best takeaway breakfast in town.
  5. Joe's Garage — A Queenstown institution since 2003 — relaxed brunch, Allpress coffee and the famous big breakfast that powers a lot of ski mornings.
  6. Bombay Petrol Station — Hidden Indian-fusion brunch in Frankton — masala omelettes, paneer benedicts and a cult Sunday biryani brunch.
  7. Patagonia Chocolates — Argentinian chocolate, gelato and proper hot chocolate on the Beach Street lakefront — the after-walk treat stop.
  8. Fergbaker — Fergburger's bakery sibling — pies, pastries and the famous chocolate brioche, open until 4am for the post-bar crowd.
  9. Sherwood Cafe — The Frankton Road eco-hotel cafe with seasonal menus, garden produce, mountain views and the most Instagrammable plating in town.
  10. Tanoshi Teppan & Espresso — Tiny Japanese-style espresso bar by day, teppan-grill izakaya by night — the best $5 long black on Beach Street.

Top Restaurants in Queenstown

  1. Rata — Josh Emett's modern NZ fine-dining flagship in a courtyard off the mall — the most awarded restaurant in Queenstown and a national Cuisine Restaurant of the…
  2. The Bunker — A speakeasy-style upstairs dining room hidden above Cow Lane — leather banquettes, an open fire and a menu built around game and aged steak.
  3. Botswana Butchery — Queenstown's grand-occasion lakefront steakhouse — Marlborough sounds oysters, dry-aged beef and one of NZ's most serious cellars in a heritage Marine Parade…
  4. Fergburger — The world-famous queue is real — and the burgers genuinely live up to the hype. Open until 5am and quite possibly Queenstown's most famous brand.
  5. Amisfield Bistro — Trust-the-chef tasting menu in a stone-walled winery 15 minutes from town — twice named NZ's Restaurant of the Year. A bucket-list lunch.
  6. No5 Church Lane — Buzzy modern bistro with a wood-fired grill, a great wine-by-the-glass list and the most welcoming dining room in town.
  7. Public Kitchen & Bar — Sharing-plate steakhouse on the Steamer Wharf with possibly the best lakefront sunset view of any restaurant in Queenstown.
  8. Sasso — Italian fine dining in one of the oldest stone buildings in town — handmade pasta, an excellent Italian wine list and warm, professional service.
  9. Pier Restaurant & Bar — Built right out over the lake on Steamer Wharf — fresh fish, local Akaroa salmon and one of the most photographed dining rooms in NZ.
  10. Blue Kanu — Pacific-rim "Polynasian" food — fun, full-flavoured, sharing-style. The locals' birthday-dinner pick on Beach Street.

Top Indian Restaurants in Queenstown

  1. Mantra Indian Restaurant — The lakeside Steamer Wharf Indian — generous thalis, beautifully spiced curries and the best butter chicken in town according to most locals.
  2. The Find Indian Restaurant — A long-running Beach Street favourite — chefs from Punjab, hand-rolled garlic naans straight from the tandoor and a lively atmosphere.
  3. Saffron Indian Cuisine Arrowtown — A 20-minute drive from town in heritage Arrowtown — modern Indian tasting plates that earned national recognition. Worth the trip.
  4. Indian Spice — A Shotover Street institution — quick service, generous portions and one of the best lunch curry deals in the CBD.
  5. Curry Pot — Frankton local favourite — proper South Indian dosas, idli and Chettinad curries you won't find in town.
  6. Bombay Palace — Long-running Camp Street BYO with one of the largest Indian menus in town and a loyal local following.
  7. Tandoori Palace — The all-you-can-eat Sunday lunch buffet is the best curry value in Queenstown — and the tandoori platter is excellent à la carte too.
  8. Spice Room Frankton — Modern Indian in Five Mile — clean, contemporary fit-out, properly spiced dishes and great vegetarian and vegan options.
  9. Little India Queenstown — NZ-wide chain with a reliable, well-spiced North Indian menu and friendly service — open late after most other kitchens close.
  10. Spice Hub Arrowtown — Low-key Arrowtown gem with a beautifully balanced lamb rogan josh and one of the best naan baskets in the basin.

Top Chinese Restaurants in Queenstown

  1. Tatsumi Yakiniku & Sichuan — Modern Sichuan with a serious chilli oil game and a Japanese-style yakiniku grill — the most exciting Chinese opening of the past two years.
  2. Madam Woo Queenstown — The Asian street-food chain from chef Fleur Caulton — bao, hawker rolls and noodles in a buzzy room overlooking Beach Street.
  3. Tzu Chi Sichuan Hot Pot — Authentic individual hot pots with imported Chongqing broth — Frankton's favourite cold-night dinner.
  4. Lotus Garden — Long-running Camp Street Cantonese with proper roast duck, salt-and-pepper squid and lazy-Susan family banquets.
  5. Bao Now — Tiny Frankton bao bar — slow-braised pork belly bao and the best $12 lunch in the area.
  6. Hong Kong Garden — A Beach Street classic for honey chicken, sweet-and-sour pork and yum cha lunches — comforting, generous, reliable.
  7. Searle Lane Dumpling House — Hand-folded jiaozi, xiao long bao and crisp guotie pot stickers — the dumpling lunch locals send everyone to.
  8. Yi Pin Xiang — Authentic Hunan and Sichuan in Frankton — fish-flavoured pork, twice-cooked pork and a serious Mandarin-speaking lunch crowd.
  9. Pan Asian Kitchen — Pan-Asian sharing menu in The Junction — Singapore noodles, kung pao chicken and a great-value early-bird menu.
  10. Wah Hing Takeaway — No-frills, cash-friendly Frankton takeaway — bigger portions than anywhere in town and a cult midnight chicken chow mein.

Top Hotels in Queenstown

  1. Eichardt's Private Hotel — Five-star heritage suites right on the Marine Parade lakefront — Queenstown's most romantic stay and the most awarded boutique in NZ.
  2. Sofitel Queenstown — French luxury one block from the lake — MyBlend spa, MM&D restaurant and beautifully appointed rooms with mountain views.
  3. QT Queenstown — Design-led art-hotel on Brunswick Street with the famous Bazaar marketplace breakfast and the best heated rooftop hot tub view in town.
  4. Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa — Lakeside resort on Kawarau Village — water taxi to town, full spa, Wakatipu Grill and family-friendly suites.
  5. Hotel St Moritz — M Gallery boutique on the Brunswick Street hill — every room has a balcony and a lake view. Lombardi restaurant on site.
  6. The Rees Hotel — Lakefront apartments and suites with the award-winning True South Dining Room and personalised, butler-style service.
  7. Crowne Plaza Queenstown — Big-brand reliability, an unbeatable Beach Street lakefront location and a top-rated restaurant in Pier.
  8. Sherwood Queenstown — Design eco-hotel up Frankton Road — recycled fit-out, organic kitchen, weekly live music and one of the best hotel restaurants in NZ.
  9. Kamana Lakehouse — Hilltop hotel with the most panoramic view of any hotel in Queenstown — and the famous Kamana hot tub at sunset.
  10. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside — Family-friendly four-star directly on the Earnslaw Park lakefront — pool, restaurant and the best location-to-price ratio in town.

Top Travel Agents in Queenstown

  1. RealNZ — The home of the TSS Earnslaw, Milford and Doubtful Sound cruises and the Walter Peak farm experience — the biggest Queenstown experience operator.
  2. Southern Discoveries — Award-winning Milford Sound cruise and overnight options plus the underwater observatory — second-generation Fiordland operator.
  3. GO Orange — Day trips, jet boats, rafting, e-bike tours and ski transfers — the value-pick activity desk on Shotover Street.
  4. Info & Snow — The walk-in info centre on the corner — great for last-minute ski lift tickets, transfers and Milford day-trip bookings.
  5. Queenstown Combos (AJ Hackett) — The official AJ Hackett booking desk for bungy-swing-jet combos at the lowest price — staff who actually do the jumps.
  6. House of Travel Queenstown — The biggest Kiwi travel chain — long-haul holidays, cruise specialists and corporate travel from a Beach Street office.
  7. Flight Centre Queenstown — Walk-in flight, ski and Pacific holiday specialists in the heart of the CBD — handy for last-minute international changes.
  8. Milford Sound Tourism — The bookings desk for the day cruise + scenic flight and the Routeburn-Milford guided walks.
  9. Adventure Queenstown — A locally-owned activity-booking specialist that builds custom multi-day Queenstown / Wanaka / Fiordland itineraries.
  10. Indo Kiwi Travel — Kiwi-Indian travel specialists for South Island itineraries, group tours and India-NZ travel.

Top Wineries & Cellar Doors in Queenstown

  1. Amit Sharma — Social Media Marketing & Web Design — Web design and social media marketing for cellar doors and wineries, plus 57+ free browser tools and a free AI appraisal at amit.marketing.
  2. Gibbston Valley Winery — The region's pioneering winery, home to New Zealand's largest wine cave, a tasting room, bistro, cheesery and luxury lodge.
  3. Kinross Cellar Door — Country-best cellar door pouring five boutique Central Otago labels — Coal Pit, Hawkshead, Kinross, Valli and Wild Irishman — with an on-site bistro.
  4. Chard Farm — Family-run pioneer at the entrance to the Gibbston Valley, known for estate-grown premium Pinot Noir and a dramatic setting on a terrace above the Kawarau Ri…
  5. Peregrine Wines — Striking falcon-wing architecture in the heart of Gibbston, celebrated for its Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling.
  6. Amisfield — Lake Hayes specialist in Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, with an acclaimed cellar door and the famous Trust the Chef restaurant.
  7. Mt Rosa Wines — Family-owned single-vineyard cellar door in Gibbston with award-winning Pinot Noir, sharing plates and Southern Alps views.
  8. Brennan Wines — Small Gibbston producer founded by Sean Brennan, perfect for a relaxed tasting, platter lunch and a game of petanque in the garden.
  9. Rockburn Wines — Award-winning Central Otago Pinot Noir poured at the Rockburn Stables cellar door beside the historic Gibbston Tavern.
  10. Waitiri Creek Wines — One of Gibbston Valley's founding wineries, with a relaxed cellar door, sunny grounds and guided tastings just off the Gibbston Highway.

Top Bars & Nightlife in Queenstown

  1. Amit Sharma — Social Media Marketing & Web Design — Hospitality social media and web design that fills tables — plus free marketing tools at amit.marketing for Queenstown bars and venues.
  2. Wharf Bar — A buzzy waterfront bar on Steamer Wharf with sweeping Lake Wakatipu views, sunset drinks, wood-fired pizza and a lively after-dark vibe.
  3. Perky's Floating Bar — Queenstown's only floating bar on Lake Wakatipu, serving house cocktails and homegrown wines and beers with unbeatable mountain views.
  4. The Lodge Bar by Rodd & Gunn — Sophisticated lakeside bar with a Michelin-starred chef's menu and a sommelier-curated wine list, ideal for date nights and sunset drinks.
  5. Little Blackwood — Steamer Wharf cocktail favourite with daily happy hour, creative drinks, live music and artisan platters right by the lake.
  6. Atlas Beer Cafe — A locals' favourite tucked at the back of Steamer Wharf, famous for rotating craft taps, big breakfasts, tapas and great-value steaks.
  7. Yonder — A bright all-day eatery on Church Street that turns into a lively spot for drinks, live music and late-night dancing next to World Bar.
  8. Pub on Wharf — A laid-back Kiwi pub at Steamer Wharf with live gigs every night, sports on the screens and lakefront views over Queenstown Bay.
  9. Nest Kitchen + Bar — Stylish second-floor kitchen and bar at Kamana Lakehouse with panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.
  10. The Sundeck — Queenstown's favourite rooftop bar with lake views, a retractable roof, winter fires and live DJs — a go-to for après-ski drinks and golden-hour sessions.

Top Breweries & Craft Beer in Queenstown

  1. Amit Sharma — Social Media Marketing & Web Design — Web design and social media for taprooms and breweries, plus free marketing tools at amit.marketing to grow your craft beer brand.
  2. Altitude Brewing — Lakeside brewery and taproom by the Frankton marina with award-winning beers, rotating food trucks and stunning lake and mountain views.
  3. Searchlight Brewery — Independent Queenstown taproom with rotating taps, handpull cask ales, a sunny beer garden, fire pit and regular live music nights.
  4. Canyon Brewing — Microbrewery, taproom and restaurant at Arthurs Point pouring beers brewed onsite, with wood-fired pizza overlooking the Shotover River.
  5. Smiths Craft Beer House — Shotover Street institution with 21 rotating taps of NZ's finest brews and an impressive reserve bottle selection.
  6. Atlas Beer Cafe — Queenstown's home of craft beer at Steamer Wharf — a friendly, unpretentious favourite for taps, tapas and famous steaks.
  7. Cargo Brewery — Small-batch, award-winning brewery operating from shipping containers in the Gibbston Valley, with an open-air tasting space.

Top Ski & Snow Hire in Queenstown

  1. Amit Sharma — Social Media Marketing & Web Design — Seasonal web and social campaigns for ski and snow hire shops, plus free marketing tools at amit.marketing to capture winter bookings.
  2. Browns Ski Shop — Queenstown's original ski shop, family-run since 1980, offering ski and snowboard hire, expert boot fitting, tuning and tips from local racers.
  3. Outside Sports — Central Shotover Street outdoor store stocking a big range of rental skis, snowboards and winter clothing for all levels, tuned after every hire.
  4. Small Planet Sports — Quintessential Queenstown outdoor store on Shotover Street with specialist local knowledge and gear hire for skiing, snowboarding and ski touring.
  5. Quest Snow Centre — Locally owned and operated for over 30 years, a Shotover Street ski and snowboard rental centre with a tuning workshop and pre-collection options.
  6. SnowBiz — Central hire shop in the Station Building beside the NZSki bus stop, with 3D boot fitting, day-before pickup and a 100% refund guarantee.
  7. Torpedo7 Queenstown — Large fleet of skis, snowboards, boots and apparel for all ages, with free hotel delivery and gear tuned after every hire.
  8. The Remarkables Snow Centre — NZSki rental for The Remarkables, with collection at 25 Shotover Street the day before or on the mountain at the base building.
  9. Coronet Peak Rentals — On-mountain NZSki rental centre at Coronet Peak with skis, snowboards, boots and outerwear for hire steps from the lifts.
  10. Snow Machine Queenstown — Queenstown snow hire booking specialist offering ski and snowboard rental packages across the town's top rental partners.

Top Day Spas & Hot Pools in Queenstown

  1. Amit Sharma — Social Media Marketing & Web Design — Luxury wellness web design and social media for spas and hot pools, plus free marketing tools at amit.marketing to grow bookings.
  2. Onsen Hot Pools & Day Spa — Queenstown's iconic cedar-lined private hot pools above the Shotover River, with an award-winning boutique day spa and a courtesy shuttle from town.
  3. Bathe by Aluume — Modern urban hot pools on Brecon Street with six architecturally designed magnesium pools — five private and one communal — just minutes from town.
  4. The Bathhouse Spa Queenstown — A self-guided contrast-therapy sanctuary in town with a hot pool, ambient pool, cold plunge, Finnish and infrared saunas and a scented steam room.
  5. Body Sanctum Day Spa — Queenstown's longest-running and largest central day spa, multi-award-winning for massage, facials, body treatments and luxurious spa packages.
  6. The Vault Spa by Body Sanctum (Eichardt's) — Intimate luxury spa set in Eichardt's Private Hotel's 1887 gold vault on the waterfront, delivering boutique treatments by Body Sanctum.
  7. Sofitel Spa (So Spa with L'Occitane) — French-elegant hotel spa with massages, body treatments, a traditional hammam steam room and a cedar Jacuzzi couples’ suite.
  8. The Spa at Millbrook — Award-winning resort spa near Arrowtown with ten treatment rooms, luxurious facials, massages and body rituals, plus health and fitness facilities.
  9. The Bathhouse Cafe & Restaurant — Historic 1911 lakefront bathhouse on Marine Parade — now a sunny cafe and restaurant on the beach for a relaxed post-spa meal or drink.

Top Weddings & Elopements in Queenstown

  1. Amit Sharma — Social Media Marketing & Web Design — Web design and social media for wedding vendors who live on visuals and SEO, plus free marketing tools at amit.marketing.
  2. Nomad Weddings — Full-service Queenstown elopement and heli-wedding specialists handling planning, ceremony, officiant, photo and video with one local team.
  3. The Lovers Elopement Co — Internationally known elopement company by wedding artists Dawn and Gypsy, offering all-inclusive heli weddings and South Island venues.
  4. Stoneridge Estate — Luxury lakeside lodge, wedding venue and boutique vineyard on Lake Hayes, with a stone Chapel by the Lake and on-site accommodation.
  5. Panda Bay Films — Multidisciplinary Queenstown studio for pre-wedding, elopement and wedding photography, videography, plus makeup and hair.
  6. Felix Image — Queenstown and Wanaka one-stop studio for hassle-free elopement, wedding, pre-wedding and engagement photography and videography.
  7. 222 Photographic Studios — Award-winning, NZIPP-accredited Queenstown heli-elopement and wedding photography team capturing love stories across the region's landscapes.
  8. Long White Cloud Elopements — Husband-and-wife team specialising in intimate Queenstown elopement photography, video and heli-wedding planning.
  9. Dawn Collective — Queenstown wedding and elopement photographers and videographers travelling across New Zealand to document love stories.
  10. Kate Roberge Photography — Editorial, joyful and artistic Queenstown wedding and elopement photographer who also brings wedding-planning expertise.

More Queenstown Top 10 guides

Queenstown Guides & Stories

Queenstown — frequently asked questions

How are the Queenstown Top 10 lists ranked?
Each list is ranked independently using real Google review ratings and review volume, sense-checked by people on the ground in the Wakatipu basin. We are not pay-to-rank — businesses can't buy a higher position. Lists are kept current for 2026.
What's the number one thing to do in Queenstown?
The Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak is the iconic first stop for its panoramic Lake Wakatipu and Remarkables views, the luge and the Stratosfare buffet. For adventure, the original AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge bungy and the Shotover Jet are the bucket-list classics.
How do I get around Queenstown without a rental car?
Use the $4 flat-fare Orbus network (tap on with a Bee Card), Super Shuttle for airport transfers from Queenstown Airport (ZQN), the Snowline ski buses in winter, lake water taxis, and rideshare apps. Queenstown's town centre is also very walkable.
What are the best free things to do in Queenstown?
The lakefront walk, Queenstown Gardens, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, Bob's Cove, the Lake Hayes loop and the Arrowtown heritage trail are all free. You can also watch the bungy jumpers off Kawarau Bridge for nothing.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
Winter (June–October) is ski season for Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona. Summer (December–February) is best for hiking, biking, lake swimming and Central Otago wine. Autumn brings golden Arrowtown colours; spring is quieter and great value.
Who is behind these Best Queenstown guides?
Best Queenstown is part of the independent NZ City Guides network, curated by Amit Sharma — an award-winning New Zealand marketer. The network is supported by genuine partners and Amit's free tools, which keeps the guides free and independent.

About these rankings

Best of Queenstown is curated by locals on the ground in the Wakatipu basin. Our Top 10 lists are built from lived experience, verified local reviews and editorial picks — not pay-to-play placement — and are refreshed regularly. Every business is independently selected; sponsored partners are clearly labelled as featured.

Last updated: 2026-06-24. Part of the NZ City Guides network alongside Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua.