Queenstown Trip: A guide to your first visit
Some suggestions for where to eat, drink and have fun in Queenstown, based on my personal experience visiting regularly over the years.
Queenstown is stunningly beautiful, surrounded by mountains and sitting on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. I’m a regular visitor and have put together this guide for anyone planning a short visit - especially if it’s your first trip.
Ferg Deluxe @ Fergburger
Sorry, not sorry. I have to start here and I know there are some people who say it’s overrated but I think it’s worth the hype. The burgers are genuinely excellent - massive, well-balanced and full of flavour. The queue can be long but you can often phone ahead and pick up without waiting. I always recommend trying the Ferg Deluxe first - I’m pretty sure it’s their most popular burger and there’s a reason for that. I’m also a big fan of the Southern Swine burger - basically any of the burgers with the tomato relish are going to be good.
Go at lunch time and head straight to Perky’s Floating Bar to eat your burger with a view of the lake. They let you bring in food from outside as long as you buy a drink (I recommend the Altitude Sled Dog session hazy or the Canyon Tussock Basher pale ale - both from local breweries).
Venison Pie @ Fergbaker
While I’m on the subject of Ferg, next door to Fergburger is Fergbaker, which is a bakery and cafe that serves up some delicious pastries, pies and breads. I particularly like the venison pie. Grab one for a walk!
Wine tastings @ Mount Edward, Kinross & Chard Farm
Central Otago Pinot Noir is one of my favourite wines! I’ve been to countless wineries around the region but these are three tastings that I’ve done recently that I really enjoyed - and all relatively close to Queenstown. Mount Edward is expensive but worth it for the quality and the setting. Kinross represents multiple wineries (including Valli, which is one of my favourite pinot noir producers). Chard Farm is a bit further off the main road but they have some great wines.
Lunch @ Mt Difficulty
It’s not cheap but the food and wine are both excellent at Mt Difficulty. The restaurant is set in a beautiful location with views of the vineyards and mountains. You’ll probably need to book but I definitely recommend it!
Mt Difficulty on Food Guide NZ →
Craft Beer @ Atlas, Searchlight or Altitude
There’s a few great little craft beer breweries in and around Queenstown. Atlas Beer Cafe has a good selection of local beers on tap next to the lake. Searchlight Brewery is a bit further out brews some tasty beers. Altitude Brewing Tap Room is another local brewery on the road into Queenstown.
Ice cream @ Patagonia, Duck Island or Mrs Ferg
On a sunny day, enjoy an ice cream by the lake! Patagonia is by far the most popular spot for ice cream in Queenstown - they’re right next to the lake and have a delicious selection of flavours (along with great hot chocolate, chocolates and desserts). Duck Island is new to Queenstown, so there were no queues when I visited but their ice cream is amazing - I’m a regular vistor to their Wellington store! I haven’t had Mrs Ferg recently so I can’t comment on the quality but it’s another popular Ferg spot!
Visited personally, most recently in April 2026. All recommendations were paid for out of my own pocket.