Recommendation
Botswana Butchery
Botswana Butchery Queenstown is a top-tier restaurant set in a historic cottage overlooking Lake Wakatipu, offering premium meats, seafood, and fine wines in a cozy, upscale setting.
Margo's Queenstown
Margo's Queenstown is a vibrant, Mexican-inspired restaurant known for bold flavours, creative cocktails, and a fun, share-style dining experience.
Rodd & Gunn The Lodge, Queenstown
The Lodge Bar by Rodd & Gunn in Queenstown offers a refined lakeside dining experience, blending New Zealand's finest seasonal ingredients with an elegant, lodge-style ambiance. Signature dishes include Bluff oysters and Cardrona venison, complemented by expertly curated wines and cocktails.
Fergburger
Fergburger in Queenstown is a legendary burger joint famed for its gourmet creations, including options like venison, lamb, and tofu . Adjacent to it is Fergbaker, offering artisan pies, pastries, and coffee . Completing the trio is Ferg's Bar, serving craft beers and cocktails in a cozy setting . Together, they provide a full-day dining experience in the heart of Queenstown.
Ayrburn
Ayrburn is a picturesque food and wine precinct near Queenstown, set on a restored 160-year-old farm. It features multiple venues, including The Woolshed bistro, The Manure Room wine bar, The Burr Bar for cocktails, and The Dairy for ice cream, all nestled among scenic gardens and streams .
Onsen Hot Pools Retreat and Day Spa
Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown offers private cedar-lined hot tubs overlooking the Shotover River, providing a tranquil retreat just 10 minutes from town. Guests can enjoy exclusive-use pools, a day spa with various treatments, and evening soaks illuminated by lanterns under the stars. Complimentary shuttle service is available from central Queenstown .
Roys Peak
Roy's Peak, near Wānaka on New Zealand's South Island, is a challenging 16 km return hike with a 1,300 m elevation gain. The trail offers panoramic views over Lake Wānaka and Mount Aspiring, making it a favourite for sunrise treks and iconic photos. Han and I took 5 hours return.
Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels, situated on the scenic Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka. Established in 1863 during the gold rush era, it remains a popular stop for traveler's exploring Central Otago .The hotel features a rustic charm with a stunning beer garden, charming hotel rooms, and an excellent bar and restaurant serving a modern take on traditional pub fare .
Millbrook Resort
Millbrook Resort is a luxurious five-star retreat nestled on 650 acres of picturesque countryside near Arrowtown, New Zealand. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including Deluxe Studios, One and Two Bedroom Suites, Resort Homes, and Luxury Retreats, all designed to reflect the character of the Central Otago region.
Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a picturesque historic town just 20 minutes from Queenstown, known for its gold rush heritage, charming streets, and restored miners’ cottages. Set along the Arrow River, it offers boutique shopping, great cafes, scenic trails, and a relaxed, village atmosphere—perfect for a peaceful escape with character.
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Milford Sound is a breathtaking fjord in Fiordland National Park, known for its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic scenery. Often called the "eighth wonder of the world," it's a must-see destination for boat cruises, kayaking, and scenic flights, offering unforgettable views and abundant wildlife like seals and dolphins.
