W: Watch out for: the kiwi mocktails and alcoholic hot chocolatesLocated in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Threesixty Restaurant & Bar boasts floor to ceiling glass windows offering gorgeous views of both the idyllic mountains of Queenstown, and the picturesque Lake Wakatipu. With cozy seating and warm gas fires here it’s a great place to unwind with a glass of wine; stop by for happy hour from 4-6pm daily and enjoy any glass for just $5. Don’t miss the food here too, top picks of which include the scallops and the sirloin steak. The juice served during breakfast is freshly squeezed, zingy and delicious.
W: Watch out for: the life size ice gondola, and the vodka cocktailsBelow Zero Ice Bar provides drinks in an extremely cool environment, both metaphorically and literally. Everything here is hand-sculpted from ice by two of the world’s top North American ice carvers; from the walls and furniture, to the sculptures, and even the glasses drinks are served in, amazingly, everything is made entirely of ice. The bar is set at a temperature of minus five degrees, and upon arrival visitors are equipped with warm jackets, gloves and boots. The establishment is the first bar in the world to have a life-size ice gondola and a real gas fireplace, and is the largest venue of its kind in Australasia. Enjoy a game of ice hockey whilst sipping on an ice-cold beverage, or lounge on the icy throne whilst savoring a cocktail, the choice is yours.
W: Watch out for: the litre buckets of beer and free cowboy hatsA lively spot in the heart of the city, Cowboys Queenstown is a venue where the Wild West lives on and the good times roll. Committed to offering a slice of cowboy life New Zealand style, this establishment offers 22 tequilas, 18 bourbons and 15 whiskeys as well as roaring fires and melodious music. But what sets this bar apart? The infamous mechanical bull sat in the back of the establishment. Test out your bull-riding abilities and hop on this bucking bronco to see what you’re made of. Because you aren’t a real cowboy until you’ve ridden a bull, right?
W: Watch out for: a gin gimlet in summer, and a brandy alexander in winterBar Up is a hidden gem in Queenstown, an intimate joint adorned with a cozy fireplace and stylish, red leather couches where hipsters huddle under low-hung ceilings. The intimate atmosphere is strengthened with red lampshades casting a warm glow over the surroundings, and the retro printed wallpaper adds a chic edge to the environment. In summer the French doors here open onto an airy balcony allowing for a breeze to blow charmingly in from the outside lake. There is a plethora of wines and whiskies available here, and plenty of cocktails too.
W: A popular local favorite, Atlas Beer Cafe is hidden away at the back of Steamer Wharf. With great beers and beautiful views of the lake, what’s not to love? Stop by here for breakfast or lunch, or to enjoy a drink with friends whilst soaking up the magnificent surroundings of Lake Wakatipu. The venue is passionate about its ales, marketing itself as Queenstown’s home of craft beer, and offering 11 tasty options on tap. And if guests are peckish, there is a highly-acclaimed menu on offer, top picks of which include the steak, and the Kumara eggs benedict, served with a homemade hollandaise sauce. The mulled wine here is charmingly served with cinnamon sticks in the glass.
W: A must visit if in Arrowtown, this quirky café has been around about a year now but it keeps it fresh with an ever-changing menu. The interior is up-cycled and vintage with bike chains-turned-lamp shades, books for table legs and tea cups like your nanna has. If you’re making a visit, be sure to try the café’s sweet specialty, a take on the traditional Kiwi dish of Southland Sushi – a slice of French toast spread with peanut butter and jam, rolled up, deep fried and then dusted in sugar. A perfect accompaniment for cup of their boutique 8.30am coffee.
W: New to the mall in Central Queenstown is this fabulous place serving up Malaysian and Chinese hawker food, fusion cocktails and beeeeeer on tap. This is right up our alley – we loved pretty much everything on the menu, and trust us when we say we gave it a good workout. You should too because it’s good cheap fun.
W: This is one of those places that is consistently safe according to the locals of Queenstown. Fresh, local fish cooked to perfection. That’s all you want from a seafood eatery, right?
