Food & Drink

The Best Bars In Queenstown

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A bartender expertly makes a drink at The Bunker, one of the best bars in Queenstown.

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.

Bars With The Best Views

Nest Kitchen & Bar 

139 Fernhill Road, Fernhill, Queenstown | $$

The stunning dining room at the Nest Bar and Kitchen.
Image credit: Nest Kitchen & Bar | Supplied 

Nest Kitchen & Bar is easily one of the best bars in Queenstown with incredible views. Perched high above town, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed aperitivo hour, complete with velvet lounges, roaring fireplaces, and standout cocktails. If you're after laid-back vibes and some of the best bar views in Queenstown, this is your go-to.

Little Blackwood

88 Beach Street, Queenstown | $$

People enjoy a drink outside Little Blackwood, one of the best bars in Queenstown.
Image credit: Little Blackwood | Supplied 

Little Blackwood is one of the best bars in Queenstown, perfectly perched on Steamer Wharf with some of the best bar views in Queenstown, overlooking Lake Wakatipu. 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.

The Sundeck 

Top Floor, 4 The Mal, Queenstown | $$

A view from The Sundeck bar looks out over water with the mountains in the background.
Image credit: The Sundeck | Supplied 

For epic sunsets, cocktails and alpine vibes, The Sundeck is hands down one of the best bars in Queenstown. As one of the top rooftop bars Queenstown has to offer, it boasts panoramic views, fire pits, live DJs and a festive atmosphere that’s hard to beat. With its covered balcony and unbeatable location, it also earns its place among the best bars in Queenstown with views, perfect for après-ski drinks or golden hour in summer.

SODA

2 Rees Street, Queenstown | $$

best bars in queenstown
Image credit: SODA | Facebook 

SODA is one of the best bars in Queenstown, serving up inventive cocktails in a sleek, modern setting. As one of the few rooftop bars in Queenstown, it boasts unbeatable lake and mountain views, making it a top spot for golden hour drinks. 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 | $

perky's floating bar, best bars queenstown
Image credit: Perky's Floating Bar | Facebook

Perky's Floating Bar is Queenstown’s ultimate spot for a drink with a view! It’s the only floating bar in town, so you get unbeatable views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains while you sip away. Plus, you can BYO food, making it the perfect place for a laid-back hangout with friends. If you’re looking for one of the best bars with views in Queenstown, this is definitely the place to be!

The Lodge Bar 

2 Rees Street, Queenstown | $$$

Best bars in queenstown with a view
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.

Craft Beer Havens

Atlas Beer Cafe

Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown | $

Burgers and beers at Atlas beer cafe in Queenstown
Image credit: Atlas Beer Cafe | Facebook

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, Atlas is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the best craft beer Queenstown has to offer.

Altitude Brewing 

827 Frankton Road, Frankton, Queenstown | $

best bars in queenstown for craft beer
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. 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 | $

Smiths craft beer house queenstown
Image credit: Smith's Craft Beer House | Facebook 

If you're on the hunt for the best bars in Queenstown with a stellar craft beer lineup, Smith's Craft Beer House should be at the top of your list. This industrial-chic spot on Shotover Street boasts 21 rotating taps featuring some of New Zealand's finest brews, with friendly staff ready to help you find your perfect pint. 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.

Cocktail Bars

Ferg’s Bar 

44 Shotover Street, Queenstown | $$

Best cocktail bars in queenstown
Image credit: Ferg's Bar | Facebook 

If you're wondering where to drink in Queenstown and love a good cocktail, 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, from bold Bloody Sours to dessert-style delights like the Cookies and Cream. With a killer drinks list, prime people-watching, and tasty snacks like fried chicken and oysters, it’s easily one of the best cocktail bars Queenstown has to offer.

Habana Boutique Rum Bar

Corner of Searle Lane & Eureka Arcade, Queenstown | $

The best bars in queenstown
Image credit: Habana Boutique Rum Bar | Facebook 

Habana Boutique Rum Bar is one of the top cocktail bars Queenstown has tucked away, serving up serious Cuban vibes and a collection of over 70 rums. Tucked down Searle Lane, this cosy little spot is known for its epic mojitos, killer daiquiris, and rum flights that’ll help you discover your new favourite. Whether you're after a low-key night or a fun rum-tasting masterclass, Habana is a must-visit on the Queenstown cocktail scene.

Eichardt's Bar

2 Marine Parade, Queenstown | $$

best cocktail bars queenstown
Image credit: Eichardt's Bar | Facebook 

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. Don’t miss the Lady Violette or the spiced espresso martini—both are as delicious as they are beautifully crafted.

Tommy's Margarita Bar

Level 1/4 The Mall, Queenstown | $$

Tommy's Margarita Bar Queenstown
Image credit: Tommy's Margarita Bar | Facebook 

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 in Queenstown go, Tommy’s is a total vibe for kicking off a night out or just toasting to the good life.

Le Salon Rouge

8 Duke Street, Queenstown | $$$

A sumptuous red room at Le Salon Rouge, one of the best bars in Queenstown.

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 among the top cocktail bars Queenstown has to offer.

Little Mez

Cow Lane, Queenstown | $$

Someone reaches for a bottle at Little Mez, Queenstown's coolest new bar.
Image credit: Little Mez | Supplied

If you’ve been to Queenstown, chances are you’ve dined at the ever-so-popular Mexican-inspired restaurant, Margo’s. Tucked beneath this iconic eatery, lies its sophisticated sibling, Little Mez— Queenstown’s first dedicated Agaveria. With over 80 agave-based spirits, epic cocktails, and a "Trust Little Mez" option where the bartenders whip up something just for you, this is one cocktail bar in Queenstown you’ll definitely want to stumble upon.

Wine Bars And Local Vintages

Bardeaux 

Eureka Arcade off The Mall, Queenstown | $$

best wine bar in queenstown
Image credit: Bardeaux | Facebook 

If you're wondering where to drink in Queenstown and love a good glass of vino, Bardeaux is the spot. With a roaring fireplace, moody lighting, and a wine list packed with local pinots, vintage bottles, and top-shelf champagnes, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to settle in for the night. It’s perfect for a pre-dinner wine, an après-ski catch-up or just an excuse to work your way through one of the best wine lists in Queenstown.

Fino Wine Bar

Queenstown Marina Shed 8/9/3 Sugar Lane, Frankton, Queenstown | $$

Beautiful sunset at fino wine bar queenstown
Image credit: Fino Wine Bar | Lauren Sanderson 

If you're looking for wine bars in Queenstown with unreal views, Fino Wine Bar at the marina should be at the top of your list. This dreamy spot has it all—think stunning lake view, epic mountain backdrops, and sunsets galore. With plenty of outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to sip a glass of local Pinot and watch the world go by.

Toast And Oak 

15 Shotover Street, Queenstown | $$

Best bars in queenstown
Image credit: Toast and Oak | Facebook 

Toast and Oak is known as both a wine bar and restaurant, so this hidden gem guarantees great food and top-notch wine. The wine list is extensive, but the goal is simple: ask questions, explore, and leave having tasted something completely new. Speaking of trying new things, why not explore some of the best restaurants Queenstown has to offer?

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Best Bars With Live Music

The Ballarat 

7/9 The Mall, Queenstown | $

the best bars with live music queenstown
Image credit: The Ballarat | Facebook 

If you’re into good tunes, tasty pub food, and quirky charm, The Ballarat is a must-visit bar in Queenstown. It’s one of the best bars with live music in Queenstown, and the vibe is pure gold—think cosy booths, a buzzing courtyard, and all the nostalgic feels of an old-school trading post. Grab a glass of local vino and settle in for a fun night.

Yonder

14 Church Street, Queenstown | $

Someone carries two delicious looking drinks at Yonder in Queenstown.
Image credit: Yonder | Supplied 

If you’re wondering what to do in Queenstown at night, Yonder should be top of your list. This all-day hangout shifts into party mode after dark, with global-inspired bites, quirky cocktails, and an epic drinks list to match. Stick around for live music and late-night dancing—chances are you’ll be cutting shapes well past your bedtime.

Late Night Party Spots

Upstairs At The Bunker 

14 Cow Lane, Queenstown | $$ 

The entrance to The Bunker in Queenstown shows a staircase framed by greenery.
Image credit: The Bunker | Supplied

Tucked away on Cow Lane, Upstairs at The Bunker has been one of the best bars in Queenstown for 25 years—and it knows how to throw a party. By day, it’s all about hand-shaken cocktails, crackling log fires, and cosy vibes; by night (especially after 11pm), it transforms into a full-blown house music haven. If you're after a cocktail and a big night out, this is where the wild things are.

The World Bar

12 Church Street, Queenstown | $

worldstock festival at the world bar queenstown
Image credit: The World Bar | Facebook 

Home of the teapot cocktail, The World Bar is a popular spot for afternoon drinks, good honest food, craft beer and all kinds of quirky events. It’s a favourite late-night party spot for locals and tourists alike, so if you're looking to party it up into the early hours, The World Bar is where you want to be. 

Unique Bars

Queenstown Ice Bar 

Upper Village, Queenstown | $

Someone takes a bottle from the ice wall at Queenstown Ice Bar, one of the best bars in 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.

Soak up some of that good booze at Queenstown's Best Restaurants.

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