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Are you looking to dive into Queenstown’s culinary scene, but don’t know where to start? I don’t blame you – there are over 100 restaurants to choose from.
As a Queenstown local, I’ve tried more restaurants here than I can remember. Seriously, I’m tempted into a relaxing dinner at least a couple of times per week!
This list showcases the very best 15 best restaurants in Queenstown from a variety of cuisines. That way, you can take the guesswork out of finding the best place to eat out. I hope you enjoy, and that reading this blog doesn’t make you feel too hungry!
- Best Restaurants in Queenstown
- 1. Jervois Steak House
- 2. Blue Kanu
- 3. Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ
- 4. Pedro’s by the Lake
- 5. Ferg's Bar
- 6. The Stratosfare Restaurant
- 7. Nest Kitchen and Bar
- 8. Finz Seafood and Grill
- 9. White and Wong's
- 10. Fogo Brazilian BBQ Experience
- 11. Tanoshi Teppan and Sake Bar
- 12. Yonder
- 13. Farelli's Trattoria
- 14. Bespoke Kitchen
- 15. Fergburger
- Top 3 Food Tours in Queenstown
- Must-Do Activities While in Queenstown
- Thanks for reading!
- Why I Book Tours on Viator
- Where to Stay in Queenstown
- Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Best Restaurants in Queenstown
1. Jervois Steak House
- Location: Jervois Steak House
- Price range: $34 – $90 NZD for a main
- Come here for: The steak
- Takes reservations: Yes
Located conveniently underneath the Sofitel Hotel and just steps away from the Skyline Gondola – this authentic steak restaurant is super-popular. In fact, it is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the Queenstown area. It’s a luxury dining experience with excellent service and booking in advance is definitely recommended.
All of the meat served at Jervois Steak House is of the best quality and sourced (where possible) in the local area. On the varied menu here are dishes like the Signature Prime Rib, 150-day grain-fed Black Angus, and the Jervois cut eye fillet on the bone. Once you choose your meat, you then must decide, which amazing sauce/s should accompany your meal.
Of course, if you’re not a red meat fan, there are some other great options on the menu like red king crab, calamari, chicken, and much more!
If you want to experience the very best Jervois has to offer, you can opt for the 6-course degustation menu which is priced at $125 NZD per person and, if you add the wine pairings, $210 NZD. The steaks here range in price from $49 up to $87 NZD for the 300g Scotch Wagyu cut from Central Otago, NZ. Non-steak dishes range from $34 – $39 NZD.
Jervois Steak House is not the cheapest place to eat in Queenstown, but for a good quality steak, you should expect to pay a little more. This is certainly a bucket list restaurant in Queenstown for meat lovers!
Note: Tipping in New Zealand is not common, however, if you do receive exceptional service a tip is always appreciated!
2. Blue Kanu
- Location: Blue Kanu
- Price range: $15 to $75 NZD
- Come here for: The seafood and unique cuisine
- Takes reservations: Yes
Blue Kanu is a restaurant where I take all my friends and family who come to visit. When people visit Queenstown I want them to taste something unique and Blue Kanu, in my opinion, is the most unique restaurant in Queenstown.
Blue Kanu specializes in Polynesian/Asian food with lots of seafood. Some of my favorites include the golden shrimp and whole fish. Both are delicious! For those who are not a fan of seafood, they have plenty more including ribs (these are so good!) and my favorite dish on the entire menu is the duck nachos. Seriously, all the food here is good and it comes with its own unique twist so don’t expect anything boring!
Blue Kanu is a laid-back restaurant and the staff wears floral shirts for that cool Polynesian vibe.
The menu is set up so a group can order multiple dishes and share kind of like tapas except the portions are larger. I like to come and order around 6 to 7 dishes between four people and try a bit of everything. Each share dish is around $20 NZD but they also have mains for around $30-$50 NZD.
They also have a “trust the wok” set menu for $75 NZD a person, and they’ll cook you a range of dishes so you can try it all.
Overall, I’d say Blue Kanu is my top choice for those who don’t mind trying food with a fancy twist!
3. Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ
- Location: Walter Peak High Country Farm
- Price range: $175 -$189 NZD
- Come here for: BBQ buffet
- Takes reservations: Yes
This dining option is a 2-for-1 experience because you need to ride on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu to get to the restaurant where you’ll then get an incredible meal! Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ is part of a half-day tour that takes you to the Walter Peak High Country Farm via the TSS Ernslaw steamship, but honestly, the food is so good that I felt it was a necessary addition to the best restaurants in Queenstown list!
Taking the dinner cruise tour is the best experience, as you get incredible sunset views, cocktails, a farm tour, and an incredible dinner. The 45-minute boat ride gives great views of Walter Peak and Lake Wakatipu, and you can get a drink on board!
Once you arrive on the other side of the lake at the restaurant, you’ll be treated to a gourmet BBQ Buffet, comprised of locally sourced NZ meats and seafood, as well as antipasto salads and fresh veggies, delicious desserts, and drinks! The dinner experience is more than just the food (although it’s pretty delicious in itself) since you’ll get a farm tour afterward too. It can be booked in advance here for $189 NZD per person.
Book this iconic Queenstown dinner cruise HERE before it sells out!
You can also taste the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ on a lunch experience if you have more time during the day. Plus, if you take this lunch cruise, it will leave more time to try other restaurants on this list. Perfect if you’re on a limited timeline – you have to maximize your tasting abilities! This is also one of the highest-rated tours in Queenstown with 700 5-star reviews, so you know it’s a good time!
Check out the HUNDREDS of reviews and book this lunch cruise here!
4. Pedro’s by the Lake
- Location: Pedro’s by the Lake
- Price range: $16 – $30 NZD for a tapas dish
- Come here for: The best lamb dishes in New Zealand
- Takes reservations: Yes
This newly opened restaurant is the second Pedro’s restaurant in New Zealand. The first restaurant was unfortunately devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes of 2011. Pedros by the Lake serves up authentic Spanish fare with an emphasis on lamb dishes (the meat so beloved by New Zealanders).
Seeing as it’s a Spanish restaurant, the tapas dishes and paella are very popular. If you want to truly get a feel of the Spanish cuisine here, you may wish to order a Spanish Degustation of tapas for $62 NZD per person. Otherwise, individual tapas dishes range in price from $16 – $30 NZD. Popular main dishes like the Pulled Lamb ($39 NZD) or the amazing Lamb Shoulder which must be shared between 3 people ($109 NZD).
The views from their location on Beach Street are truly stunning and look across to Lake Wakatipu and Cecil Peak. The best time to visit Queenstown is in the summer if you want to sit out on the patio here!
Their sister takeaway restaurant, Pedro’s House of Lamb on Gorge Road, is a Queenstown staple. If you want a lamb dinner to-go then this is your place.
5. Ferg’s Bar
- Location: Ferg’s Bar
- Price range: $15 – $40 NZD for a shared dish
- Come here for: Share dishes & oysters
- Takes reservations: No
Ferg’s Bar is the newest restaurant from the famous Ferg brand. You are likely already familiar with the name from the famed Fergburger (which is right next door).
Ferg’s Bar is a great spot for breakfast in Queenstown! My personal favorite is the Huevos Rancheros for $27.50 NZD, and the Smoked Bacon Hash is another popular choice for $24.50 NZD. You can also get a “Morning Pick Me Up” with a Ferg’s Bloody Mary or a Breakfast Martini!
Available from 11:30 am is a selection of share plates such as Lamb Shoulder Sliders, Duck and Ginger Dumplings, and Pacific Oysters. These share plates start around $15 NZD. If there are two of you I recommend choosing 3 dishes between you.
It’s a great spot too for pre-dinner drinks with a great selection of cocktails on offer. I love the Perfect Pear which has spiced rum, fresh pear and lime juice, and homemade vanilla bean syrup. I come here a lot when it’s raining to lighten the mood with a delicious cocktail.
The interior is small with a kind of industrial-chic vibe. The best seats are the high stools facing onto Shotover Street where you can watch the world go by and count the people queuing for its famous big brother Fergurger next door.
Fergs Bar is open 7 am – 1 am every day (until 2 am on Saturday and Sunday) – yep, you read that right – it’s only closed for 5 hours every day!
Related Read: After trying all of these Queenstown restaurants, you’ll need to work it off! Check out the 15 best hikes in Queenstown to get some activity in as you continue trying all the yummy food!
6. The Stratosfare Restaurant
- Location: Skyline Queenstown
- Price range: $109 to $139 NZD for buffet dinner including the gondola
- Come here for: The huge buffet
- Takes reservations: Yes
One of the most romantic things to do in Queenstown is to have dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant overlooking Queenstown. Not only are the views from the restaurant some of the best in Queenstown, but the huge buffet is about quality and not quantity (although you can eat as much as you like).
The Stratosfare serves a lunch and dinner menu, which are both buffets. Tickets are booked in advance and include your gondola ride up (and down) to the restaurant. The lunch buffet is cheaper than dinner but in my opinion, it’s that beautiful sunset over Queenstown that makes this restaurant so special! I have only done the dinner buffet.
Now I must be honest, I am normally against buffets. I simply would rather eat a small high-quality meal, however, the Stratosfare serves amazing food including plenty of roast meats (cut off the bone in front of you), seafood, sushi, soups, desserts and so much more. It’s one buffet that I can personally recommend!
On top of that, eating at the Stratosfare is about the views and experience as well as the food. Before eating you could head out to try the Luge. This cool gravity-fed go-kart track is one of the best adventure activities in town. The excitement is sure to work up your appetite!
7. Nest Kitchen and Bar
- Location: Nest Kitchen and Bar
- Price range: $39 – $48 NZD for a main course
- Come here for: The views
- Takes reservations: Yes
High up above Queenstown in the neighborhood of Fernhill – Nest Kitchen and Bar at Kamana Lakehouse boasts some of the best views in Queenstown! From its prime location, you can see Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak. If you don’t fancy walking up the steep hill to get here, you can catch the number 1 bus from the center of town.
The inside is like something from an interior design magazine with floor-to-ceiling windows and an art-deco vibe.
The menu at Nest Kitchen and Bar uses mostly local ingredients and popular items on their dinner menu include the slow-cooked lamb as well as the scotch fillet. A good value for money is the 3 Course Tasting Menu for $99 NZD per person which includes a starter, main course, and dessert of your choice. Start the day with the spectacular views and have breakfast here and choose a continental or hot food breakfast.
Fancy a cocktail or three? Their daily drink specials run from 5 – 6 pm. In fact, Nest is a great place for drinks and has a large bar seating area. If you’re enjoying a romantic getaway then The Nest should be on your list of places to visit.
8. Finz Seafood and Grill
- Location: Finz Seafood and Grill
- Price range: $37 – $46 NZD for a seafood main
- Come here for: Fresh seafood
- Takes reservations: Yes
Finz Seafood & Grill is in a prime location on Steamer Wharf overlooking Lake Wakatipu – you may even spot the historic TSS Earnslaw (the famous cruise in Queenstown) from your table. Finz Seafood & Grill has been serving fresh seafood for the past 15 years. In fact, it is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in Queenstown.
Finz has a relaxed vibe and a light and airy interior. Ask for a table by the window so that you can admire the gorgeous scenery outside.
From the main menu, you must try the Green Lipped Mussels or the Seared Tuna Loin served with Soba Noodles, which are exquisite too. If you’re not a seafood fan then there’s a variety of options available such as Lamb Chops and Beef Short Ribs, as well as vegetarian dishes!
Top Tip – if you really want to try the best of seafood, the Seafood Platter for Two priced at $160 NZD is a great option. It includes mussels, prawns, clams, oysters as well as Southland blue cod and squid.
9. White and Wong’s
- Location: White and Wong’s
- Price range: $19 to $42 NZD
- Come here for: The Asian cuisine
- Takes reservations: Yes
White and Wong’s is a relatively new restaurant in Queenstown and it actually took me a while to try this place. After I finally did I thought to myself, “What a waste!”- all this time some of the best Asian food I’d found in New Zealand was minutes from my house and I had never been!
Luckily for you, I’ve tried and tested White and Wong’s and love it! The food here is the perfect mix of Asian cuisines. I love all the meals from the wok, especially the Shaking Beef. Or, if I’m feeling like something light the Rainbow Glass Noodle Salad is amazing! For a starter, it’s dumplings of course and there are lots of delicious flavors to choose from. My partner loves the Char siu pork bun too!
What I love about the food at Wong’s is that it’s not heavy or greasy. It’s fresh, full of flavor, and colorful.
The restaurant is located in the heart of Queenstown and the inside is really modern and full of life. It really takes me back to Asia, where food is enjoyed in large groups and the restaurant is filled with laughter.
10. Fogo Brazilian BBQ Experience
- Location: Fogo Brazilian BBQ Experience
- Price range: $76.95 NZD for the all-you-can-eat-experience; $36.95 NZD for a main course
- Come here for: All-you-can-eat meat
- Takes reservations: Yes
Fogo Brazilian BBQ Experience is the place to come for meat, and lots of it, in Queenstown! Fogo is especially popular with locals, as Queenstown has a large Brazilian community! I’ve been to Brazil and love the food, culture, and atmosphere, and coming to Fogo gives me a small taste of that.
Without a doubt, the most popular option on the menu at Fogo Brazilian BBQ is the all-you-can-eat barbecue experience, which includes unlimited helpings of steaks, chicken, sausage, lamb leg, and more! Also included are some Brazilian sides like Brazilian rice, beans (my favorite!), and potato salad. Seriously, you’ll leave stuffed after this!
If you want something lighter, then the pan-friend salmon or the Fogo vegetarian pasta is a great option for you. If you have room for dessert after their large portions, then there are daily dessert specials – just ask your server.
The restaurant is large and spacious, and there’s a small selection of tables on the balcony to watch the hustle and bustle on Ballarat Street below.
11. Tanoshi Teppan and Sake Bar
- Location: Tanoshi Teppan and Sake Bar
- Price range: $18 – $22 NZD for a tapas dish
- Come here for: The sushi
- Takes reservations: Yes
Tanoshi Teppan and Sake Bar are easily one of the best options for sushi in Queenstown and even the South Island. They specialize in tapas style and shared Japanese dishes. Sit at the Teppan Grill and watch head Chef Sasakura in action. The restaurant is small, cozy, and welcoming and is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Queenstown.
At Tanoshi Teppan and Sake Bar ramen noodle dishes, like the one with pork belly, are a popular option on the lunch menu. As well as the Don Buri options – traditional rice dishes served with miso soup. For dinner, the Japanese Tapas dishes are a great way to try a variety of things.
I suggest the Salmon Tuna Scallop Mixed Sashimi and the Crispy Fried Pork. If there are a few of you, I recommend getting a few of these tapas-style dishes for the table. The prices for the Japanese tapas range from $18 – $22 NZD.
In a hurry? Then their sister restaurant Tanoshi Iko between Searle Lane and Church Street. Here you’ll find takeaway dishes including ramen noodles, dumplings, and bento boxes.
12. Yonder
- Location: Yonder
- Price range: $23 – $36 NZD for a main dish
- Come here for: Vegan and vegetarian dishes
- Takes reservations: Yes
Offering brunch, dinner, and drinks, Yonder is one of the trendiest places to eat in Queenstown. The menu is inspired by food from across the world. The inside is bright and spacious, and there’s a large outdoor seating area that’s especially busy on a sunny day. There are good vibes all around here – fresh food and good tunes!
Catering to most dietary requirements, Yonder specializes in vegan and vegetarian dishes. The vegan Blueberry and Lemon Pancakes are amazing as well as the dairy-free Summer Hash with kumara, capsicum (bell pepper), and crispy potatoes. For dinner, the main dishes range from $23 – $35 NZD and the Pork Belly Burger or the Beef Brisket are both excellent options.
Yonder was voted in the top 10 brunch spots in all of New Zealand by Culture Trip and is considered one of the best cafes in Queenstown by many. The coffee is great here, and a lot of locals will tell you it’s the best coffee in all of Queenstown. From the dinner menu, I love their homemade bao buns!
Most evenings they have live music acts playing, so be sure to check out their Facebook page for more information. Yonder also has the best happy hour in Queenstown which runs from 3-6 pm and 9:30-11 pm every night of the week – the specials change daily.
13. Farelli’s Trattoria
- Location: Farelli’s Trattoria
- Price range: $26 – $45 NZD
- Come here for: Fresh pasta
- Takes reservations: Yes
I’m a sucker for good pasta, and Farelli’s Trattoria in Queenstown is my go-to place! The pasta here is fresh and homemade, giving it a beautiful texture. On top of that, the sauces that accompany the pasta are to die for, and I can never get enough.
My two favorite dishes are the Prawn Linguine and Gnocchi Carbonara. Both are delicious and lucky for me they are also my partner’s favorites so we share them both every time we go. Pizza lovers can also rejoice and enjoy a slice with the Mediterranean being my favorite (minus the anchovies of course!) However, there are more to choose from.
The menu at Farelli’s Trattoria is relatively small but what they do, they do well! In my opinion, I’d rather that than a huge menu that doesn’t specialize in any particular cuisine.
14. Bespoke Kitchen
- Location: Bespoke Kitchen
- Price range: $10 – $30 NZD
- Come here for: Breakfast and vegan options
- Takes reservations: No
A few steps away from the Skyline Gondola, Bespoke Kitchen is popular at all times of the day thanks to its yummy freshly baked goods and excellent coffee. It’s one of my favorite places to grab a coffee in Queenstown. Bespoke prides itself on using fresh and local produce where possible.
From the menu, the Eggs Benedict is well worth a try. The all-day menu is served from 7:30 am – 2 pm and includes some more interesting options like the Beef & Parsley Burger and the Strawberry Floss Pancakes which are vegan. Bespoke specializes in catering to dietaries and has three vegan options as well as dairy-free and gluten-free options!
The interior is bright and sunny and there’s a large outdoor area that is a bit of a suntrap on a sunny day.
Bespoke is a local favorite and its location means many visitors miss it. However, if you should listen to anyone, it’s the locals so head here for a local treat!
Related Read: For more great coffee, head over to Arrowtown. There are many cute cafes in Arrowtown that are worth a stop!
15. Fergburger
- Location: Fergburger
- Price range: $14 to $24 NZD
- Come here for: The burgers
- Takes reservations: No
Last but certainly not least is a small burger joint that’s more famous than Queenstown itself. Fergburger is the “it place” to visit if you want to eat Queenstown’s best burger. In fact, every visitor should try one of their delicious burgers!
I personally love the Classic Fergburger with blue cheese. It’s my go-to bedtime snack after a night out (partly because late at night is the only time you can get Fergburger without having to wait in line for ages!).
Fergburger is open from 8 am to 5 am, so you can pretty much get a burger at any time of the day – they even have breakfast burgers! There is almost no seating at the restaurant so take your burger down to the waterfront or Queenstown Gardens and enjoy it in the sun!
Top 3 Food Tours in Queenstown
If you’re a food enthusiast looking to explore Queenstown’s culinary scene, there are some great food tours to check out! Not only do they highlight Queenstown’s diverse food culture, but they also boast its craft beverage scene and gorgeous landscape.
If you love craft beer as much as I do, you’ll love this brewery tour that also pairs brews with lunch! I’ve done a food and beer pairing a few times before, and I’m always so amazed at how certain foods bring out even more flavors in the beer; they are made to complement each other! This half-day tour takes you to 3 breweries for 13 beer tastings and your lunch pairings for $185 NZD.
Dates are limited – book this brewery and lunch pairing here before it sells out.
I also love this progressive dinner tour, because it lets you experience three restaurants in one night! A progressive dinner changes locations for each course. You’ll have starters at Cargo at Gantley’s, mains at the Gin Garden Distillery, and dessert at Eichardt’s Hotel, all food and drinks are included! You can reserve this 3-hour progressive dinner for $339 NZD.
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!
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! t It is one of the best values for money, for $144 NZD 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. You can also add on a jet boat ride for $217 NZD to add some thrill to your wine tasting adventure – book it in advance here!
- 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. Check availability and book this cruise here!
- 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 – reserve this thrilling experience here!
- 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 $249 NZD a person, and I think it’s a really great value for a more personalized experience. Book it in advance here before spots fill up!
- 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 – book it here!
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 – $$$
For a luxurious stay, I highly recommend Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel is located just on the outskirts of town. Although it’s super peaceful, it’s just a 5-minute drive into the center of town. The place overlooks both the lake and the mountains, and the onsite restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest meals. To top it off, many of the rooms boast lake views, and some even have outdoor baths!
The trick will be snagging this for your dates (it’s a popular place!). Rooms start around the $400 NZD mark, and you can check availability and book online here.
La Quinta Queenstown – $$
If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, then you should seriously consider La Quinta Queenstown. This beautiful hotel is right by the airport but still very quiet. Plus, the views are amazing (although you won’t find me recommending a place without great views!). The rooms are all studio or one-bedroom apartments, which is really handy if you want to cook or even just have breakfast in your room.
Prices start at $200 NZD and you can 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!
As you can see from the list of restaurants above, you’re spoiled for choice in Queenstown. There are so many amazing places to get a bite to eat that the hardest thing to do is narrow it down to the favorites you want to try. Good luck and I really hope you enjoy the restaurants you pick off this list!
Thanks so much for reading! I really hope you loved this blog! If you did, be sure to browse around some more. Seriously, I have so many great articles to help plan your upcoming visit to Queenstown and even New Zealand! Check out these few below to get started:
9 BEST Wineries in Queenstown that You Have to Visit
The BEST time to visit Queenstown – Comparing the Four Seasons
Where to go Skiing in Queenstown: Comparing Queenstown’s Ski Fields
Joel Sommer
Monday 24th of April 2023
Thank you Bailey. We are visiting Queenstown this October on a Tauck tour. So most of our days are planned but we do have some free time to explore and some dinners on our own.
Lou
Sunday 3rd of July 2022
Great info, we are visiting next week and loving reading through all your recommendations.
Bailey
Saturday 16th of July 2022
Hey Lou,
Glad you like the blog!
Bailey