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Searching for the very best coffee in Queenstown? Well, I might just be able to help you with that!
When I first moved here, one of the things that instantly connected me to the locals was my love of coffee – I didn’t realize just how much New Zealanders love the stuff! So, you can bet that coffee culture is super important here.
You really can find all kinds of cafés here, from the hip and trendy to the quiet and relaxed. No matter what café ambience you prefer, I bet I’ve got a café for you on this list! So pull up a chair and grab yourself a cup of Joe as we go through the 7 best cafés here in Queenstown.
1. Patagonia Chocolates
Located smack-bang in central Queenstown is the super-popular Patagonia Chocolates, a staple in the coffee world in the Queenstown area. There’s a total of four Patagonia Cafés in Queenstown – one in central Queenstown, one in Wanaka, one in Arrowtown, and the last at Queenstown Airport.
Patagonia Chocolates was established in 2005 by Argentinian-born owners Alex Gimenez and Lorena Giallonardo, who felt Queenstown was seriously missing out on the awesome chocolate so famous in their homeland.
If I’m honest, Patagonia Chocolates are most famous for their amazing chocolates and homemade ice cream, but their coffee is great too. They roast their own beans and you can even buy a bag of their ground beans to take home if you fancy. Be prepared to queue here during Queenstown’s busy summer months or on weekends.
There’s plenty of seating upstairs and downstairs inside the café. I simply love to get a takeaway coffee (and truffle) and sit on the wall outside overlooking Lake Wakatipu with my partner.
If you’re not a coffee lover, then be sure to try out their hot chocolate to warm you up on one of Queenstown’s cold winter days, you can literally see the melted chocolate being stirred around in vats at the counter. I assure you, it is phenomenal! Also worth trying is their chocolate truffles, my personal favorite flavors being raspberry and passionfruit.
It’s hard to find as delicious of a paring as high-quality chocolate and coffee!
2. Odelay
Very popular with locals is Odelay Café located in the Remarkables Park shopping district (just beyond the Airport). Their cabinet is filled to the brim with freshly made sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. They also have some of the best brunch in Queenstown – I especially love their buttermilk pancakes from the breakfast menu. And for lunch, you can’t go wrong with the Odelay burger.
But of course, their coffee paired with any of their dishes take the flavor to the next level!
Odelay has a warm cozy atmosphere and it’s busy pretty much all of the time. So be sure to arrive before the breakfast and lunch rush to grab a seat. There are picnic-style benches outside if you fancy sitting in the sun on a nice day. But the majority of the seats are indoors and there’s a large shared table in the center and some booths along the sides.
Odelay is a regular haunt with Queenstown locals so it is doing something right! After spending a few years in the area, I’ve come to realize the locals can be hard to please, and rightly so, it’s said that only the best survive on the Queenstown café scene.
The staff are always very friendly, and it has a relaxed vibe. That combined with their delicious food and coffee makes Odelay one of the best cafés in Queenstown.
Related Read: Sipping on a coffee with mountain views at Odelay is one of the most relaxing things to do in Queenstown. It is the perfect day off from all of your adventuring while on holiday!
3. The Boatshed
The Boatshed definitely has the best view out of all the cafés in Queenstown! Located right on the lakefront on the Frankton walking track, you can sit with your coffee and look out across Lake Wakatipu to Kelvin Heights and down to Frankton Beach.
The building itself dates as far back as 1869 and was previously used as a store. As the years passed, the building fell into disrepair, then, in 2011 a group of locals took it upon themselves to restore it to its current glory. It’s fair to say this café is steeped in history and you can see photos of The Boatshed throughout the years inside.
I love the Boatshed’s seasonal french toast (ordered it numerous times!!) The flavor changes every few months, my personal favorite is the apple crumble french toast.
On a sunny day, grab a seat outside and watch the activity on Lake Wakatipu – the ferry going back and forth or one of Queenstown’s scenic lake cruise boats whizzing by. This beautiful location is really what sets The Boatshed apart from other cafes around Queenstown and is its claim to fame.
Why not make a day of it and cycle or walk the Frankton Walking Track from the Queenstown Gardens to get here, it should take about an hour to 90 minutes each way. If you don’t fancy walking the entire way, you can take a segway tour that spends 2 hours exploring this area! Plus, how fun is a segway tour!?
You can spend time rolling around and taking in the sights, then stop for coffee at the Boatshed to finish off your day of fun.
Don’t forget to check the details of this segway tour here and add it to your Queenstown itinerary!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
4. Vudu
The best coffee in Queenstown is found at Vudu on 16 Rees Street. Deceivingly larger than it first looks, there is ample seating both inside and outside.
In the cabinet, they serve a ton of freshly baked goodies and even have a fantastic selection of gluten-free products. I personally love their chocolate brownies, they sometimes also have a raspberry chocolate brownie which is to die for!
From their breakfast menu, I urge you to try their grilled halloumi and poached eggs or their French toast pudding. If you’re here for lunch, then their flatbread with pulled pork is extremely yummy.
Not forgetting their coffee – Vudu serves up Allpress coffee beans, which are extremely popular across New Zealand.
Vudu is always busy, so if you plan on dining here for their busy lunch service, show up early to snag a seat. You could always grab a takeaway and walk through nearby Queenstown Gardens.
5. Bean Around the World
A quirky, lesser-known addition to the best coffee shops in Queenstown is the award-winning Bean Around the World on Athol Street (next to Four Square Alpine). Little known to tourists and hidden away from the hustle and bustle is Bean Around the World which is my kind of place to sit and read on a dark and rainy day.
There are very limited seats inside, maybe 10 seats max, but I think that’s what makes it so special. Grab a stool by the window and people-watch.
They roast their own coffee here and have won numerous awards for their beans at the New Zealand Coffee Awards. Established in 1995, they’ve been selling their awesome coffee to businesses and locals for over 25 years! You can buy their coffee beans here for a great price – we found it to be cheaper than some of the coffee beans at the supermarkets! It’s also a family-run business.
When you visit, be sure to look behind the counter to see their very beautiful, vintage coffee machine.
Also, worth noting is that they don’t serve food at Bean Around the World. With that said, their coffee alone makes them one of the best cafés in Queenstown. And if you don’t believe me, you will once you taste it for yourself!
6. Provisions
Located in the picturesque old mining town of Arrowtown is this restored old miner’s cottage turned into a café. The building itself dates as far back as the 1870s and was restored and re-opened as a café in 2010. You’ll want to visit Arrowtown from Queenstown anyway, so make it a whole day activity!
Provisions of Arrowtown is all about fresh food with a modern twist and offers both a daily specials menu as well as yummy counter food. Provisions is extremely popular with tourists because it’s so cute to look at, but, thankfully their food and coffee are great too.
There’s a gorgeous garden seating area outside, particularly beautiful in the spring and summer because of the gorgeous flowers blooming in the garden. Be sure to try their lemon meringue donut or their sticky buns (which they’re famous for in the Queenstown area).
If you’re feeling up for some adventure, you can make a whole day out of visiting Arrowtown by taking this bike tour from Queenstown! I personally love this tour because they provide a shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown, a bike, helmet, and a route map with recommended stops, then you can take as long as you want exploring!
Once they drop you off in Arrowtown, you can spend time exploring the city and stop off at Provisions for coffee. Then head out on the 30-kilometer (18-mile) route back to Queenstown and make stops at scenic viewpoints, LOTR film locations, or in Frankton for another coffee or pint of craft beer!
This is not only a fun activity, but a great way to explore Arrowtown and Queenstown’s gorgeous scenery. You can book a mountain bike for $90 NZD or an e-bike for $140 NZD and keep it all day. The best part is you can move at your own pace, so make as many stops as you want!
7. Fergbaker
Ferbaker’s sister business is the infamous Fergburger. Trying one of their famous burgers is one of the most popular cheap things to do in Queenstown with everyone from Ed Sheeran to Johnny Depp gracing its store on Shotover Street! But locals know that the pies from Fergbaker are just as good as the burgers next door. Of course, their coffee is very good too.
As well as pies, Fergbaker also serves cakes, donuts, bread, and lots of other freshly baked goods. You must try their pork belly pie! And their Boston cream donut! Yum, my mouth is watering just thinking of both!
Also highly recommended is the gelato from Mrs. Ferg next door.
The staff at Fergbaker needs to wake up early, with the store opening daily at 6 am (which luckily for you means you can grab that all-important coffee before you go off on your day trip to Milford Sound or the likes). Grab some food to go too, it is one of the best places for breakfast in all of Queenstown serving delicious croissants and sandwiches.
There’s no seating available at Fergbaker so you must get a takeaway but with Lake Wakatipu just around the corner, grab your coffee and sweet goodies and sit on the lakefront and enjoy the views.
Must-Do Activities While in Queenstown
While in Queenstown, there are plenty of other activities that will keep you busy… Honestly, there are so many it’ll be hard to choose which ones to do! Below are some of my favorites.
- Central Otago Wine Tour and Tasting – This is my personal favorite wine tour in Queenstown! It is one of the best values for money, for $239NZD your tour bus will stop at 4 different boutique wineries in the Otago region that include a wide range of wine samples and a provided gourmet lunch platter. As you hop between wineries you’ll gaze out the window at spectacular views.
- TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise – This scenic and relaxing cruise in Queenstown is an activity great for any afternoon. The ship you will be cruising on is the Historic TSS Earnslaw and you will get to watch crew members add coal to the flames that power the vessel. Take in the mountain ranges and lush green valleys of Otago. You can also upgrade this tour here to include dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
- Queenstown Canyoning Adventure – Climb and jump off waterfalls, rappel, swim, and trek your way down a part of a Queenstown canyon with a qualified guide. This thrilling full-day activity is perfect for those who love adventure and exploration! As long as you aren’t afraid of heights and have a basic swimming ability you won’t need any other skills.
- Day Trip to Milford Sound With Picnic Lunch – This tour will give you the ultimate ability to explore the beauty of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. Not only will your guide stop at several impressive viewpoints on the way from Queenstown but there is also a cruise in Milford Sound included. This small-group tour goes for $289 NZD a person and I think it’s a really great value for a more personalized experience.
- Extreme Jet Boating – Looking for a thrill? Jet Boating is one of New Zealand’s most unique activities. On the tour out of Queenstown, you’ll be able to zoom up the Shotover River through narrow canyons at high speeds and make 360-degree spins. Trust, me it’s epic!
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Finding the right place to stay in Queenstown can be hard. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of awesome choices, but things book up fast! For that reason, I highly suggest booking your accommodation well in advance.
Honestly, during peak times, any of the best hotels in Queenstown will be fully booked several weeks in advance…you have been warned! To help you plan ahead, here are a few places I personally love and that would make an awesome place to stay in Queenstown.
Kamana Lakehouse – $$$
For a luxurious stay, I highly recommend Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel is located on the outskirts of town, just a quick 5-minute drive into Queenstown’s center. It overlooks both the lake and the mountains, and the onsite restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest meals. To top it off, many of the rooms boast lake views, and some even have outdoor baths!
The trick will be snagging this for your dates (it’s a popular place!). Rooms start around the $400 NZD mark, and you can check availability and book online here.
mi-pad Queenstown – $$
If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, then you should seriously consider mi-pad Queenstown. It’s a modern and eco-friendly stay right in the heart of town that features compact yet stylish rooms with app-controlled lighting and temperature. Plus it also boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning lake and mountain views!
Prices vary depending on the season but usually start around $200 NZD per night. You can check availability and book online here.
Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – $
My top choice for budget travelers is the Absoloot Hostel Queenstown. This small hostel has dorm rooms and budget private rooms, and it’s really clean and comfortable. The location is in the heart of Queenstown – the window from the kitchen looks out over Lake Wakatipu!
Dorms are around $55 NZD, and private rooms begin around $210 NZD. The Absoloot Hostel is easily one of the top cheap hostels in Queenstown and can be booked on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
It’s fair to say coffee is almost a religion in New Zealand, and I’ve had some of the best cups of coffee of my life here. Drinking coffee in Queenstown has become a favorite pastime of mine – there are so many awesome cafés to choose from. I hope you’ll find your next favorite café in Queenstown on this list!
Thanks so much for reading! If you loved this blog, then feel free to browse around for more great tips and tricks to visiting Queenstown and the surrounding areas! I’ve also included a few guides to get you started here:
10 BEST Tours in Wanaka that You Don’t Want to Miss
18 Things to Know Before Visiting Queenstown
25 Most BEAUTIFUL Places to Visit in New Zealand (That You Can’t Miss!)