The Best Bars In Queenstown In 2025
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
People flock to Queenstown for the epic scenery and endless adventure, but the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. The town’s nightlife is just as buzzing, with everything from lively pubs with live music to quirky little bars tucked down hidden laneways. Whatever your vibe, Queenstown’s nightlife delivers.
So if you're wondering where to drink in Queenstown, look no further, we've got you. Here’s our guide to the best bars in Queenstown.
The Best Queenstown Bars At A Glance
Jump to:
- The Best Queenstown Bars With Views
- The Best Queenstown Bars With Craft Beer
- The Best Queenstown Cocktail Bars
- The Best Queenstown Wine Bars And Local Vintages
- The Best Queenstown Bars With Live Music
- The Best Queenstown Late Night Party Spots
The Best Queenstown Bars With Views
Nest Kitchen & Bar
139 Fernhill Road, Fernhill, Queenstown
Image credit: Nest Kitchen & Bar | Supplied
Perched high above town, Nest Kitchen & Bar is the perfect spot for a relaxed aperitivo hour, complete with velvet lounges, roaring fireplaces, and standout cocktails. If you're after laid-back sipping and some of the best views in Queenstown, this should be your go-to.
Their menu is seasonally inspired, showcasing local ingredients in either a curated degustation or three-course feast.
Insider intel
- In terms of outlook, it doesn't get much better than panoramic views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.
Little Blackwood
88 Beach Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Little Blackwood | Instagram
Little Blackwood is perfectly perched on Steamer Wharf—so naturally, the view over Lake Wakatipu is to die for. With daily happy hour from 4–6pm, live music, creative cocktails, and artisan platters, it’s a firm local favourite for winding down after a day of adventure.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the heated deck or getting cosy by the fire, this spot delivers the perfect mix of flavour, atmosphere, and lakeside charm.
Insider intel
- Their build-your-own cheeseboards make for an ideal snack and sip—choose from a variety of cheese and deli meat combos, served with Otago honeycomb, freshly picked grapes, house marinated olives, water crackers, apple & fig compote and seasonal jam.
The Sundeck
Top Floor, 4 The Mal, Queenstown
Image credit: The Sundeck | Instagram
For epic sunsets, cocktails and alpine vibes, The Sundeck is a no-brainer. This is one of our fave rooftop bars in Queenstown, boasting panoramic views, fire pits, live DJs and a festive atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Insider intel
- With a covered balcony and unbeatable location, this spot is ideal for après-ski drinks or golden hour in summer.
SODA
2 Rees Street, Queenstown
Image credit: SODA | Facebook
SODA is serving up inventive cocktails in a sleek, modern setting. Another one of the few rooftop bars in Queenstown, it boasts unbeatable views of Lake Wakatipu, making it a top spot for golden hour drinks.
Insider intel
- With an extensive Mediterranean-inspired food menu and regular live music, SODA is a standout in Queenstown’s nightlife scene.
Perky's Floating Bar Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
Image credit: Perky's Floating Bar | Facebook
If you're craving a boat day, Perky's Floating Bar might just be the next best thing. It’s the only floating bar in town, so you get unbeatable views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains while sipping house-made cocktails and listening to live DJ beats. And yes, there's a total of four White Russians on the menu—we can't go past the Gingerbread, with Kahlua, milk and cream.
Insider intel
- There's no dining menu at this spot, but you can BYO food—great for a laid-back hangout with friends.
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The Lodge Bar
2 Rees Street, Queenstown
Image credit: The Lodge Bar | Instagram
The Lodge Bar by Rodd & Gunn is a sophisticated, stylish and ever-so-inviting spot to sit and soak up the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu with a glass of wine or bespoke cocktail in hand. Add in a next-level food menu by Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert, and you’ve got the perfect spot for date night, watching the sunset, or just a well-earned wind-down after a day of adventuring.
Insider intel
- The wine list is curated by Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas—we'd opt for a pairing to make the most of it.
The Best Queenstown Bars With Craft Beer
Atlas Beer Cafe
Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Atlas Beer Cafe | Instagram
Atlas Beer Cafe is a go-to for lovers of craft beer. Tucked away by the lakefront, it’s a laid-back local favourite with epic views, tasty tapas, and a top-notch selection of rotating brews.
Whether you're rolling in from the bike park in summer or warming up after the slopes in winter, we wouldn't go past Atlas as your new pit-stop for a pint.
Insider Intel
- It's good old-fashioned share plates on the menu at this joint, but the tacos steal our heart every time—you can score any 2 for $18, or 3 for $24
Altitude Brewing
827 Frankton Road, Frankton, Queenstown
Image credit: Altitude Brewing | Facebook
If you love a good brewski with an epic view, Altitude Brewing should be top of your Queenstown hit list. Tucked away at Frankton Marina, this laid-back spot serves up some of the best craft beer in Queenstown—think hazies, IPAs, sours and more, all brewed onsite.
Insider intel
- With its lakefront setting, chill vibes, food trucks and rotating taps, it’s hands down one of the best bars in Queenstown to kick back after a ride along the Frankton Track or a day out exploring.
Smith's Craft Beer House
53 Shotover Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Smith's Craft Beer House | Instagram
When it comes to a stellar craft beer lineup, Smith's Craft Beer House has you covered. This industrial-chic spot on Shotover Street boasts 21 rotating taps featuring some of New Zealand's finest brews (from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs), with their expert staff on hand to help you find your perfect pint.
Insider intel
- Pair your beer with their legendary short rib burger or a fresh pretzel, and soak in the laid-back vibe that makes Smith's a local favourite.
The Best Queenstown Cocktail Bars
Ferg’s Bar
44 Shotover Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Ferg's Bar | Instagram
If a six-page cocktail menu is calling your name, Ferg's Bar is a must-visit. Brought to you by the crew behind Fergburger and Mrs Ferg Gelato, this cosy cocktail bar in Queenstown serves up over 40 signature and classic concoctions.
On the menu, you'll find 7 different bloody marys, alongside dessert-style delights like the Bee Nut Butter Cherry Time—stuffed with Skrewball peanut butter whisky, Bemrose Estate mead, reposado tequila, Rose Rabbit cherry liqueur, blackberry balsamic & cherry bitters.
Insider intel
- Our suggestion? Order one of the Mini-Mary shots, served with a fresh-shucked oyster.
Habana Boutique Rum Bar
Corner of Searle Lane & Eureka Arcade, Queenstown
Image credit: Habana | Instagram
Habana Boutique Rum Bar is serving up serious Cuban vibes and a collection of over 70 rums—tucked away down Searle Lane, this cosy spot is known for its epic mojitos, killer daiquiris, and obviously, its rum. Whether you're after a low-key night or a rum-tasting masterclass, Habana is a must-visit on the Queenstown cocktail scene.
Insider intel
- Spoilt for choice? Try one of their rum flights, to narrow down your faves.
Eichardt's Bar
2 Marine Parade, Queenstown
Image credit: Eichardt's Bar | Instagram
Eichardt’s Bar is one of Queenstown's iconic cocktail bars, oozing elegance and history since 1867. With plush sofas, a roaring fireplace, and Champagne Bollinger by the glass, it’s the perfect spot to cosy up with a cocktail and take in those lakefront views.
Insider intel
- Don’t miss the lychee and rose petal martini or the 1871—with whisky, chocolate bitters, brandy soaked cherry and thyme.
Tommy's Margarita Bar
Level 1/4 The Mall, Queenstown
Image credit: Tommy's Margarita Bar | Instagram
If you’re into margaritas (and honestly, who isn’t?), Tommy’s Margarita Bar is a must-visit and easily one of the best bars in Queenstown. This fun little spot knows its way around a cocktail shaker—serving up everything from classic margs to wild, flavour-packed creations. As far as cocktail bars go, Tommy’s is a total vibe for kicking off a night out or just toasting to the good life.
Insider Intel
- If you and tequila are not on speaking terms, they've got a stack of classic cocktails on offer as well.
Le Salon Rouge
8 Duke Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Le Salon Rouge | Instagram
Le Salon Rouge might just be Queenstown’s best-kept secret, tucked inside the Sofitel Hotel. Now open to the public from Thursday to Monday, this hidden gem is all velvet, candlelight and vintage speakeasy vibes, perfect for date night or an intimate catch-up.
With over 70 gins, signature cocktails that tell a story, and some seriously tasty bar snacks, this luxe lounge easily earns its spot on our itinerary every time we visit.
Insider Intel
- They run an apero chic happy hour from 7pm to 8pm, and post-dinner drinks from 9pm until late.
Little Mez
Cow Lane, Queenstown
Image credit: Little Mez | Instagram
If you’ve been to Queenstown, chances are you’ve dined at the ever-so-popular Mexican-inspired restaurant, Margo’s. Beneath this iconic eatery lies its sophisticated sibling, Little Mez— Queenstown’s first dedicated Agaveria.
With over 80 agave-based spirits and epic cocktails, this is one bar in Queenstown you’ll definitely want to stumble upon.
Insider intel
- If you aren't good at making decisions, their "Trust Little Mez" option allows the bartenders to whip up something just for you
The Best Queenstown Wine Bars And Local Vintages
Bardeaux
Eureka Arcade off The Mall, Queenstown
Image credit: Bardeaux | Facebook
Bardeaux is a polished spot for anyone who takes their wine seriously. A huge open fire warms the room, the lighting stays low, and the team behind the bar know their way around everything from local pinots to vintage bottles, champagne and one of Queenstown’s largest whisky collections. It’s an easy choice for a pre-dinner drink or a relaxed end to a day on the mountain.
Insider intel
- Ask the staff for a pour from their more unusual Central Otago pinots—they keep a few quiet standouts on hand.
Fino Wine Bar
Queenstown Marina Shed 8/9/3 Sugar Lane, Frankton, Queenstown
Image credit: Fino Wine Bar | Lauren Sanderson
Fino Wine Bar pairs some of Queenstown’s best lakefront views with a carefully curated wine list. Set right on the marina, it overlooks Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, making it a strong choice for long lunches, sunset pours or a relaxed stop along the Queenstown Cycle Trail.
The list (curated by sommelier Eugene Kliushneu) leans into boutique, family-owned Central Otago producers, with more than 40 hand-picked bottles available by the glass or to take home. A seasonal, European-inspired menu rounds things out, designed for sharing and complemented by the region’s winemaking strengths.
Insider intel
- Ask for Eugene’s current favourite small-batch pinot—he regularly rotates in bottles you won’t find on most menus.
Toast And Oak
15 Shotover Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Toast and Oak | Instagram
Toast & Oak bridges the line between wine bar and restaurant, bringing a European feel to one of Queenstown’s original streets. Inside, the space leans warm and textured—rich tones, layered materials and soft light that nods to the intimate bars found in backstreets across Europe. The wine list is broad and built for discovery, with a team that genuinely encourages questions and trying something you haven’t had before. It’s an inviting stop for a glass, a meal or a meander through new favourites.
Insider intel
- If you’re unsure where to start, ask the team for a pour from their more offbeat European picks—they love introducing people to bottles beyond the usual suspects.
The Best Queenstown Bars With Live Music
The Ballarat
7/9 The Mall, Queenstown
Image credit: The Ballarat | Facebook
The Ballarat sits right in the centre of town and delivers an easygoing mix of good food, solid drinks and nightly live music. The menu leans into Kiwi classics, while the drinks list spans a strong wine selection, plenty of tap beers and a tight cocktail lineup.
With music seven nights a week, a spacious outdoor area overlooking the lake and a kid-friendly menu, it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re dropping in for a casual drink or settling in for the evening.
Insider intel:
- Head in early to snag a spot outside—it's one of the few central spots where you can catch live music with a lake view.
Yonder
14 Church Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Yonder | Instagram
Yonder lives inside a restored 1885 stone cottage, transformed into one of Queenstown’s most playful all-rounders. Mornings come with a bright, conservatory-style feel, while later on the space leans into dinners, drinks and a strong run of live entertainment.
The fit-out blends heritage character with fun details like pastel accents, quirky art, cosy booths and a sun-soaked courtyard, giving you plenty of corners to settle into for whatever brings you in.
Insider intel:
- Keep an eye out for the Bill Murray portrait above the fireplace. It’s one of the venue’s most talked-about Easter eggs and easy to miss if you don’t look up.
The Best Queenstown Late Night Party Spots
Upstairs At The Bunker
14 Cow Lane, Queenstown
Image credit: The Bunker | Instagram
Hidden down Cow Lane behind an unassuming wooden door, The Bunker is one of Queenstown’s longest-running late-night institutions. The upstairs space was once a tiny apartment and now operates as an intimate lounge bar with premium cocktails, top-shelf spirits, a strong wine lineup and a roaring fire to anchor the room.
Earlier in the evening, it’s all about well-made drinks and low-lit comfort, shifting later on into a luxury house-music hotspot with local DJs playing from Thursday through Saturday.
Insider intel:
- If you’re planning a celebration, the upstairs bar can be booked for private groups and fits far more people than you’d expect from the outside.
The World Bar
12 Church Street, Queenstown
Image credit: The World Bar | Facebook
The World Bar has been part of Queenstown’s fabric since 1996, and its comeback after a 2013 fire has only made it stronger. Now on Church Street, it’s the go-to for teapot cocktails, craft beer with 11 taps pouring, solid comfort food and a constant rotation of events that range from skate jams to adventure film premieres.
The space was designed entirely by the team, giving it a warm, lived-in feel with a cosy beer garden, roaring fire and plenty of room for late-night energy. Whether you’re chasing après drinks or a party that keeps going, this spot delivers every time.
Insider intel:
- Check the calendar before you go. The World Bar often runs one-off events and pop-ups that don’t always make it to social feeds.
Queenstown Ice Bar
Upper Village, Queenstown
Image credit: Queenstown Ice Bar | Supplied
For something a little out of the ordinary, you can’t go past Queenstown’s newest and biggest ice bar—a memorable experience to say the least. Queenstown Ice Bar is a Scandinavian-inspired cocktail lounge built from 25 tonnes of hand-carved, glass-like ice architecture, bringing with it an elevated take on the classic ice bar experience we all know and love.
Cosy up in the striking lounge bar with the luxurious winter warmers provided (jackets, hats and boots) and enjoy an expertly curated cocktail or try out the famous ice shot luge for a bit of fun.
Insider intel:
- Don’t skip the Absolut collab cocktails. They’re poured into signature ice glasses and sit alongside a mocktail list that’s been given the same level of attention.
Main image credit: Toast And Oak | Instagram
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