Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations, offering an incredible blend of world-class dining, unforgettable experiences, breathtaking scenery and exceptional hospitality.
Drawing on our travel team’s first hand experience and trusted local connections, we’ve curated this guide to help you discover the very best of the region. From where to stay, standout restaurants and bars to premium activity providers, wineries, wellness experiences and must-see attractions, these are the places and people we confidently recommend to our clients.
Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or a special occasion, consider this your insider’s guide to Queenstown – designed to help you make the most of every moment.
Stay
Roki Collection
One of Queenstown’s newest luxury properties, Roki offers an ultra-exclusive experience with just a small collection of spacious suites overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Combining the privacy of a luxury lodge with the convenience of a central hotel, it is ideal for travellers seeking personalised service, exceptional dining and complete discretion. Guests enjoy curated experiences, private transfers, concierge-led itineraries and uninterrupted lake and mountain views, all within a short walk of the town centre.
Why we love it: Contemporary luxury, unrivalled service and an intimate, boutique feel that makes every stay feel bespoke.
Eichardt’s
An icon of Queenstown hospitality, Eichardt’s has welcomed guests since 1861 and remains one of New Zealand’s most prestigious luxury hotels. Positioned directly on the waterfront in the heart of town, the property seamlessly blends rich heritage with refined modern luxury. Its elegant suites, renowned bar and lakeside dining experiences make it a favourite for discerning travellers seeking both convenience and sophistication.
Why we love it: Historic charm, absolute lakefront positioning and a timeless sense of luxury that feels uniquely Queenstown.
The Rees Hotel
Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Rees offers spacious accommodation with panoramic views across the lake to The Remarkables. The property is particularly well suited to families, groups and longer stays, with a range of hotel rooms, apartments and private residences available. Located just outside the town centre, it provides a quieter retreat while still offering easy access to Queenstown’s restaurants, wineries and adventure experiences
Why we love it: Generous apartment-style accommodation, spectacular views and a peaceful lakeside setting perfect for unwinding after a day exploring Central Otago.
Rosewood Matakauri
Perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu just minutes from Queenstown, Rosewood Matakauri is one of New Zealand’s most exclusive luxury lodges. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery with uninterrupted views of The Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak, the property offers a collection of beautifully appointed suites and private villas designed for complete privacy. With exceptional dining, a world-class spa and highly personalised service, it provides an elegant retreat for guests seeking tranquillity while remaining close to Queenstown’s renowned experiences.
Why we love it: Offering complete privacy, breathtaking lake and mountain views, and impeccable personalised service, it’s one of Queenstown’s most luxurious retreats.
QT Queenstown
Perfectly positioned on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, QT Queenstown combines bold boutique design with breathtaking views of The Remarkables. Just a short stroll from the town centre, the hotel offers stylish rooms, exceptional dining at Bazaar Interactive Marketplace, and modern event spaces, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and conference stays.
Why we love it: The unbeatable lakefront location, contemporary design and incredible mountain views make QT one of Queenstown’s most stylish places to stay. Its excellent conference facilities and proximity to the town centre make it ideal for both corporate groups and leisure travellers.
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu in Kawarau Village, Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa offers luxurious lakeside accommodation just five minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from central Queenstown. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, the award-winning eforea Spa, an indoor heated pool, Wakatipu Grill, and a range of premium facilities. With multiple flexible event spaces, it’s also an excellent choice for conferences, incentives and corporate retreats.
Why we love it: The peaceful waterfront setting, premium facilities and exceptional conference spaces make Hilton Queenstown the perfect option for both business and leisure travellers looking to unwind while staying close to the action.
Dine
Woolshed, Ayrburn
Set within the beautifully restored Ayrburn precinct, Woolshed offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the region’s rich heritage. The menu showcases premium local produce, expertly prepared over an open fire, creating a dining experience that feels both refined and distinctly Central Otago. Perfect for long lunches, group dinners and special celebrations.
Why we love it: Exceptional food, stunning surroundings and one of the most unique dining settings in Queenstown.
SODA
A long-standing local favourite, Soda combines a vibrant atmosphere with a creative menu designed for sharing. Expect bold flavours, seasonal ingredients and an extensive drinks list featuring local wines and craft cocktails. Located in the heart of town, it’s an excellent choice for a lively evening with friends or colleagues.
Why we love it: Relaxed dining, consistently excellent food and a buzzing atmosphere.
Billy’s, Ayrburn
Billy’s brings a more relaxed and social dining experience to the Ayrburn precinct. Perfect for casual dinners and drinks, the venue offers a welcoming atmosphere, quality food and a carefully curated beverage list. It’s an ideal spot to gather with friends and enjoy the vibrant energy that Ayrburn has become known for.
Why we love it: Casual, welcoming and effortlessly stylish.
Roki Collection
Located within the luxurious Roki Collection, this intimate dining experience focuses on exceptional local produce, thoughtful service and beautifully presented dishes. The menu highlights the best of the region while offering a sophisticated and contemporary dining experience in an elegant setting.
Why we love it: Refined dining with a boutique, exclusive feel.
Botswana Butchery
Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the beautifully restored historic Archer’s Cottage, Botswana Butchery is one of Queenstown’s most iconic dining destinations. Renowned for its premium cuts of meat, fresh local seafood, extensive wine list and warm, sophisticated atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for a memorable lunch or dinner.
Why we love it: The stunning lakefront location, exceptional service and premium New Zealand produce make Botswana Butchery a must-visit for a special dining experience in Queenstown.
The Lodge Bar and Dining by Rodd & Gunn
Located on Queenstown’s waterfront, The Lodge Bar & Dining by Rodd & Gunn showcases the very best of New Zealand food, wine and hospitality. Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, the beautifully designed space combines warm timber interiors, leather furnishings and open fireplaces with a menu celebrating premium local produce and an exceptional selection of Central Otago wines. Whether you’re stopping in for cocktails by the fire or settling in for a leisurely dinner, The Lodge offers an elevated yet welcoming dining experience in the heart of town.
Why we love it: Outstanding lakefront views, beautifully curated interiors and a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly captures Queenstown’s alpine charm.
The Grille, by Eichardt’s
Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Grille offers one of Queenstown’s most iconic dining experiences. Specialising in premium meats, fresh seafood and local produce, the menu is complemented by spectacular waterfront views and an extensive wine list featuring some of New Zealand’s finest drops.
Why we love it: Waterfront dining at its finest, with impeccable service and breath taking views.
Madam Woo
Bringing the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia to Queenstown, Madam Woo is known for its fresh, share-style menu and energetic atmosphere. Signature dishes, flavour-packed curries and legendary hawker rolls make it a fantastic option for casual group dining in the centre of town.
Why we love it: Fun, flavourful dining that never disappoints.
Wine Tours & Tastings
Chard Farm
Nestled above the dramatic Kawarau River Gorge, Chard Farm is one of Central Otago’s most iconic boutique wineries, renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir and breathtaking setting. Accessed via a winding historic track, the family-owned estate offers an intimate cellar door experience where guests can enjoy guided tastings while taking in spectacular vineyard and mountain views. Just a short drive from Queenstown, it’s a must-visit for wine lovers looking to experience the region’s renowned cool-climate wines.
Why we love it: A truly unforgettable setting, outstanding Pinot Noir and one of the most scenic cellar door experiences in Central Otago.
Kinross
Located in the heart of Gibbston, Central Otago’s renowned wine region, Kinross is much more than a cellar door. As the official tasting home for five boutique wineries, it offers guests the rare opportunity to compare some of the region’s finest wines in one location. Alongside its award-winning wine experiences, Kinross features a seasonal bistro showcasing local produce and boutique vineyard cottages for those wanting to immerse themselves in wine country. Just a 25-minute drive from Queenstown, it’s the perfect destination for a leisurely lunch, wine tasting or overnight escape.
Why we love it: The chance to discover multiple boutique Central Otago wineries in one stunning location, paired with exceptional food, warm hospitality and beautiful vineyard views.
Mt Rosa
A family-owned winery in the heart of the Gibbston wine region, Mt Rosa Wines offers a relaxed and authentic Central Otago wine experience. Set within a charming historic woolshed, the boutique cellar door is known for its welcoming hospitality, award-winning Pinot Noir and small-batch wines crafted from estate-grown fruit. Away from the larger commercial wineries, Mt Rosa provides an intimate tasting experience where guests can enjoy exceptional wines while soaking up the surrounding vineyard and mountain scenery.
Why we love it: A genuine family-run winery with a relaxed atmosphere, outstanding boutique wines and one of Gibbston’s most welcoming cellar door experiences.
Cardrona Distillery
Nestled in the picturesque Cardrona Valley between Queenstown and Wānaka, Cardrona Distillery is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artisan distilleries. Renowned for its handcrafted single malt whisky, gin, vodka and liqueurs, visitors can enjoy guided distillery tours, tutored tastings and exceptional dining at the award-winning restaurant, all set amongst stunning alpine scenery.
Why we love it: It’s more than just a distillery visit. Enjoy award-winning spirits, exceptional food and stunning alpine scenery, with the opportunity to taste whisky straight from the cask and hand-fill your own bottle.
Te Kano Estate
Perched above the Kawarau River on the iconic Felton Road, Te Kano Estate is one of Central Otago’s most impressive cellar doors. Combining award-winning architecture, exceptional Pinot Noir and panoramic vineyard views, it’s the perfect place to slow down and experience the region’s renowned wine country. Guests can enjoy self-guided wine flights, wines by the glass and build-your-own grazing platters in a spectacular setting.
Why we love it: The stunning architecture and breathtaking views make Te Kano one of the most memorable winery experiences in Central Otago, perfectly paired with outstanding wines and a relaxed atmosphere.
Mt Difficulty
Set high above the Bannockburn vineyards, Mt Difficulty Winery is one of Central Otago’s most celebrated wine destinations, renowned for its award-winning Pinot Noir and breathtaking views across the Cromwell Basin. The estate combines a beautifully designed cellar door with an acclaimed restaurant, where seasonal menus showcase the region’s finest local produce alongside exceptional wines. Around an hour from Queenstown, it offers a memorable day out for those wanting to experience the very best of Central Otago’s wine country.
Why we love it: Sweeping vineyard views, outstanding Pinot Noir and a long, leisurely lunch on one of the region’s most spectacular restaurant terraces.
Spa Treatments
Rosewood Matakauri
Just minutes from Queenstown, Rosewood Matakauri offers a luxurious wellness retreat overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Relax with personalised spa treatments, a heated outdoor pool, cedar sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, all set against breathtaking alpine views.
Our recommendation: Book the A Day of Pure Luxury experience, which includes a three-course lunch, full access to the wellness facilities, and time to explore the picturesque lakeside walking track.
Bathhouse Spa Queenstown
Located in the heart of Queenstown, The Bathhouse is a luxurious European-inspired wellness sanctuary designed to help you unwind after a day of exploring. Enjoy a self-guided circuit of hot and cold pools, a Finnish sauna, infrared saunas, steam room and tranquil relaxation lounges in a calming, phone-free environment.
Our recommendation: Book the 90-minute session to fully experience the contrast therapy circuit and leave feeling completely refreshed and restored.
Onsen Hot Pools and Spa
Perched above the Shotover River, Onsen Hot Pools is one of Queenstown’s most iconic wellness experiences. Relax in a private cedar-lined hot pool with panoramic alpine views, or elevate your visit with a luxurious massage or facial in the award-winning day spa.
Our recommendation: Book the Original Onsen & Treatment experience to combine a private hot pool soak with a personalised spa treatment. For an unforgettable experience, choose a late afternoon session and soak as the sun sets over the mountains.
Aluume Wellness Experiences
Located just moments from the heart of Queenstown, Bathe by Aluume offers a contemporary wellness experience inspired by traditional onsen culture. Choose from private or communal magnesium-rich hot pools, designed with natural materials and surrounded by peaceful alpine scenery for the ultimate post-adventure reset.
Our recommendation: Book a private hot pool and enjoy a 60-minute soak after a day exploring Queenstown or the slopes. The mountain views, calming atmosphere and thoughtfully designed spaces make it one of the town’s newest must-visit wellness experiences.
The ‘Must’ Activities
Helicopter Experiences with Over The Top
Experience Queenstown from above with Over The Top Helicopters, offering unforgettable scenic flights, alpine landings and bespoke heli experiences. From snow-covered mountain peaks to remote picnic locations and vineyard lunches, every flight showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Alps.
Our recommendation: Fly to Milford Sound by helicopter, landing high in the mountains to enjoy a glass of champagne while taking in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that perfectly captures the magic of the region.
Adrenaline Experiences with AJ Hackett
As the home of commercial bungy jumping, Queenstown is the perfect place to push your limits with AJ Hackett. Choose from iconic bungy jumps, giant swings, ziprides and high-speed experiences, all set against incredible scenery.
Our recommendation: Take on the iconic Kawarau Bungy or Nevis Swing for an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
Hikes & Bikes
Whether you prefer exploring on foot or by e-bike, Queenstown offers some of New Zealand’s most spectacular trails. Walk the peaceful tracks at Moke Lake, Bob’s Cove or the Lake Hayes Loop, or hire an e-bike with Ride to the Sky to discover Arrowtown, wineries and the region’s stunning alpine landscapes at your own pace.
Our recommendation: Ride from Arthur’s Point to Arrowtown before stopping for lunch and exploring one of the nearby walking trails.
Visiting Arrowtown
A charming historic gold mining village just 20 minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown is the perfect destination for a relaxed day trip. Wander the boutique shops, galleries and heritage streets before settling in for lunch at Little Aosta or enjoying a cocktail at the hidden Blue Door bar.
Our recommendation: Spend the afternoon exploring Arrowtown before enjoying a long lunch at Little Aosta and finishing with drinks at Blue Door.
Golf at Millbrook Resort or Jack’s Point
Queenstown is home to two of New Zealand’s most spectacular championship golf courses. Millbrook Resort, host of the New Zealand Open, features two immaculate 18-hole courses set amongst rolling fairways and alpine peaks, while Jack’s Point offers a dramatic lakeside course framed by The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Both deliver an unforgettable golfing experience, whether you’re a seasoned player or simply looking to enjoy one of the world’s most scenic rounds.
Our recommendation: If you’re visiting Queenstown for the first time, play Jack’s Point for its stunning mountain and lake views. If you have time for two rounds, don’t miss Millbrook Resort for its world-class course, exceptional facilities and post-game lunch overlooking the fairways.
