This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Queenstown – one of the most scenic towns in New Zealand, is also one of the best foodie spots in the country, with an array of awesome eateries to choose from.
In my opinion, breakfast and brunch are the best meals to enjoy in town, with lots of great cafes to drink coffee in Queenstown, and restaurants offering up varied and delicious breakfast and brunch menus. In fact, of the 100+ restaurants in Queenstown, most of them offer some sort of breakfast or brunch menu.
Luckily for you, I’ve done the research by having breakfast and brunch at countless restaurants in Queenstown, so you don’t have to. And, I’ve narrowed it down to a couple of the absolute best places to eat breakfast in Queenstown!
In this blog, I list 10 of the best breakfast and brunch spots in Queenstown. I’ve included a fine dining restaurant set in a historic cottage and even a casual bakery with a very famous next-door neighbor. There’s something for every taste and budget on this list!
10 BEST Restaurants for Breakfast in Queenstown
1. Botswana Butchery
- Location: 17 Marine Parade, Queenstown town center
- Average cost per meal: $20 NZD
- Hours: Open from 12 pm to 11 pm, Wednesday to Sunday
One of the most popular fine-dining restaurants in Queenstown, Botswana Butchery on 17 Marine Parade within the historic Archer’s Cottage, also serves up a substantial breakfast menu starting from 8 am and finishing at 11:30 am.
Their breakfast cocktails are very popular. I especially love the Chai Martini, which has Havana Club Rum with sugar syrup and chai syrup. For food, you can’t go wrong with the triple-stacked buttermilk pancakes, or if you’re looking for something a little more savory, then the Botswana Breakfast, which is served with “the works,” as I like to call it (sausages, bacon, eggs, black pudding, and more!) is an excellent option.
The views overlooking Lake Wakatipu as well as Cecil Peak are a great wake-up call too.
Book this one in advance; it’s incredibly popular! You can check out Botswana Butchery’s menu here.
2. Yonder
- Location: 14 Church Street, Queenstown town center
- Average cost per meal: $25 NZD
- Hours: Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am to 3 pm (and until 2:30am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
A quirky spot serving up food from all over the world, Yonder on 14 Church Street is especially popular with locals. It is home to the self-proclaimed “best coffee in Queenstown,” and I must admit it is very good (and strong!)
Their brunch menu is unique with options like the Passionfruit & Cheesecake French Toast and the Boysenberry & Apple Pancakes (which are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan), but there are also more traditional breakfast dishes like Avocado on Toast and the Full Yonder on offer.
Try to grab a table on the sunny outdoor patio on a fine day, or if you prefer dining indoors, there’s plenty of inside seating too. And the restaurant is spacious, bright, and colorful – so you’ll likely want to stay here longer than necessary.
What’s good too is the plenty of vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options they offer, such as the aforementioned Boysenberry Pancakes and the Miso Eggplant, which are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Brunch at Yonder is served from 8 am to 3 pm Wednesday to Sunday. Take a sneak peek at their delicious brunch menu!
3. Odelay
- Location: 10/5 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
- Average cost per meal: $19 NZD
- Hours: Open from 7 am to 3 pm, 7 days a week (opens at 7:30 on Sunday)
Located in the suburb of Frankton near the airport, Odelay is one of my favorite spots for brunch in all of Queenstown. It’s where the long-term locals like to hang out, and their coffee and pastries are awesome!
When you first walk in, your stomach will rumble at the sight of their cabinet, which is jam-packed with pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. But save one of these to-go if possible because their hot food menu is delicious and has lots of options, such as the Superfood Smoothie Bowl and my go-to order, the Buttermilk Pancakes with maple syrup! There are also plenty of vegetarian options like the Brunch Plate, which is served with greens, free-range poached eggs, and potato croquettes.
There’s a large seating area inside, and it’s bright and spacious, but if it’s a nice day, try to grab one of the picnic benches outside.
What I will say is that Odelay can get very busy between 11 am and 2 pm, so try to get here earlier or later if you can!
Odelay is located at 5 Hawthorne Drive, Remarkables Park – a 15-minute drive from downtown Queenstown or the Number 1 bus will also get you here from town.
4. Ivy & Lola’s Kitchen & Bar
- Location: 88 Beach Street, Queenstown town center on the Steamer Warf
- Average cost per meal: $22 NZD
- Hours: Open 9 am to 8:30 pm Tuesday to Saturday
With a prime waterfront position, Ivy & Lola’s is located on Steamer Wharf, just across from the famed TSS Earnslaw. It’s a popular dinner spot, but its breakfast which is served from 9 am until 2 pm, is excellent too.
Try their Chicken & Waffles served with a spicy jalapeno chutney or the Brioche French Toast – my two personal favorites. But they also serve a variety of other, more unique brunch dishes, including Bao Buns and Pumpkin Bruschetta.
Ivy & Lola’s is known for their specials board, which always has something mouth-wateringly good to offer. I always try to order from this board when I dine here, and I’ve never been disappointed.
This stylish eatery caters to most dietary requirements – just be sure to let your server know of any dietary issues you may have. Check out what’s on the menu at Ivy & Lola’s!
5. Fergbaker
- Location: 40 Shotover Street, Queenstown town center
- Average cost per meal: $8 to $12 NZD
- Hours: Open Monday-Friday, 6 am to 10 pm
Renowned across the world for its decadent burgers. Did you know, the famed Fergburger actually has an awesome bakery next door where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast to-go? Choose from freshly made pastries, pies, and cakes, as well as a decent sandwich menu.
Adding to that the awesome coffee they serve up, it’s a great breakfast option if you’re in a hurry. Fergbaker opens at 6 am, so it’s the perfect stop before you hop on an early-morning tour.
My top tip is to grab a coffee and pastries to go and take them to the lakefront for a very scenic and cheap breakfast. Prices for their sandwiches start from as little as $6.90 NZD, which is very reasonable!
Fergbaker is located at 40 Shotover Street. Just look for the queues for Fergburger next door. Sometimes it can look like the long queue is for the bakery, so be sure to ask the person in front what they’re queuing for to save you wasting time in the wrong queue.
Check out the Fergbaker menu here!
6. Bespoke Kitchen
- Location: 9 Isle Street, just outside of Queenstown town center near Brecon Street
- Average cost per meal: Around $20 NZD
- Hours: Open Monday-Sunday, 7:30 am to 4 pm
Just below the entrance to the famed Skyline Gondola on 9 Isle Street is one of the best brunch spots in Queenstown. Bespoke Kitchen is the best place in town if you have a sweet tooth, like me. Honestly, the cakes in their cabinet are amazing – Orange & Poppyseed and Tunisian Lemon are two of my favorite flavors on offer. They can also bake larger cakes for special occasions.
Bespoke Kitchen is known for using fresh, unprocessed, and local ingredients where possible, and they cater to all dietaries. Their all-day menu is served from 7:30 am to 3 pm, and some of the stand-out items for me are the Golden Smoothie Bowl which contains mango, pineapple, passionfruit, and coconut topped with nut crunch and seasonal fruit, and the Eggs Benedict. They have a great kids’ menu too.
Fun fact: Bespoke Kitchen is brought to you by the same owners of Vudu (more on that below) and has been featured in numerous publications.
There are great views of Queenstown and the lake from their small front patio, but personally, I love their side patio as it’s much more spacious. It even has a cozy open fireplace and blankets on its side patio, which is perfect for those colder days or while visiting Queensland in the winter.
You’ll definitely find something delicious to suit your taste buds on the menu at Bespoke Kitchen!
7. Vudu Café & Larder
- Location: 16 Rees Street, Queenstown town center
- Average cost per meal: $15 to $25 NZD
- Hours: Open 7:30 am to 3 pm, 7 days a week
One of the busiest Cafes in Queenstown, Vudu has been serving local Queenstowners and tourists since 1997. So, it’s definitely doing something right! Their coffee is strong, and their dishes feature local and seasonal produce where possible. Plus, they’ve won heaps of awards for both their food and coffee! It is one of the best cafes in Queenstown, after all.
The selection on offer at the counter is eye-watering, with delicious cakes, pastries, and huge sandwiches freshly made and displayed here daily. These are a great option if you’re in a rush or are not feeling too hungry. From the menu, the Vudu Benedict is a must. It has delicious pulled pork atop the traditional breakfast of Eggs Benedict. If you love sweet things, the Lemon Coconut Pancakes are delicious.
The interior is designed in a vintage style, and although the space is narrow, there’s plenty of seating inside. I recommend trying to nab a seat outside on the waterfront facing Lake Wakatipu if you can. That way, you can take in the epic views as well as listen to the awesome street performers who often perform here.
There are two entrances to Vudu – one on 16 Rees Street and the other via the lakefront. The Breakfast/brunch menu here is served from 7:30 am to 3 pm daily. Take a look at their menu to see all the dishes they have to offer!
8. The Exchange
- Location: 39 Ballarat Street, Queenstown town center
- Average cost per meal: $15 to $25 NZD
- Hours: Open 7:30 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
Occupying a large space on 39 Ballarat Street, The Exchange is a relatively new addition to the cafe scene in Queenstown, having opened its doors in 2014. Here, they offer plenty of great daily specials, as well as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options. They also have a pretty decent kids’ menu, and of course, their breakfast options make it one of the top places for breakie in Queenstown!
Fun fact: this building was once a telephone exchange where workers sat over a large switchboard and connected calls from all over the world.
The Morena Bowl is a great healthy option on the breakfast menu and is served with cranberry nut granola, yogurt, puffed quinoa, and fresh fruits. For something a little more substantial, you can’t go wrong with the Big Breakfast, which comes with streaky bacon, potato rosti, mushroom, sausages, eggs, and more!
They have a large indoor seating space and some outdoor seating – in fact, it’s a great brunch spot in Queenstown for larger groups or families because it’s so spacious.
Breakfast and brunch at The Exchange are served from 7:30 am to 3 pm every day. You can see all their tasty breakfast and brunch dishes on the menu here.
9. Halo
- Location: 9300/1 Earl Street, Queenstown town center
- Average cost per meal: $15 to $25 NZD
- Hours: Open from 7 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
Located at 1 Earl Street, Halo Forbidden Bite is a hidden gem in Queenstown. It’s a popular spot for locals to grab breakfast and brunch, and it tends to get pretty busy at the weekends.
Excellent coffee is served here – I especially love their iced coffee on a warm day. The Breakfast Burrito is my go-to on the breakfast/brunch menu, but the Huevos Rancheros are equally awesome. They’re just a little more filling. For a sweeter option, the Blueberry Pancakes or French Toast is a great shout.
If you’re celebrating, why not try their Breakfast Cocktail, which has gin, orange liquor, and fresh lemon and lime!
Halo Forbidden Bite has a large sunny courtyard and lots of seating inside too, but if you do want a seat outside (there’s space for about 50 people here), be sure to get here before the breakfast and brunch rush.
Halo is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day. Take a look at what Halo has to offer on the menu!
Related Read: While you’re in town, be sure to check out the best adventure activities in Queenstown!
10. Joe’s Garage Queenstown
- Location: Searle Lane, Queenstown town center as well as a location at Five Mile in Frankton
- Average cost per meal: $15 to $25 NZD
- Hours: Open from 7 am to 2 pm Friday to Tuesday
Attracting a younger crowd, Joe’s Garage is a staple on the Queenstown breakfast scene. In fact, it’s always busy here no matter what time of day you come. This popular spot has two locations! It opened on Searle Lane in Queenstown in 2000. It recently opened a second location at Five Mile Retail Park in Frankton which is much larger, and located near many shopping centers and craft breweries in Queenstown.
Simple food done right is the motto here, and breakfast is served all day. I love their Gorgeous George, which is a breakfast bowl served with mashed potatoes, bacon, eggs, and hollandaise sauce. Another great option is The Local (which is huge) and comes with bacon, eggs, mushrooms, sausages, and mashed potatoes! You probably won’t need to eat lunch after consuming this feast!
In fact, their Queenstown location reminds me a lot of a traditional American Cafe – where the service is fast, and the food substantial – the portions at Joe’s are huge!
The interior of this Queenstown breakfast restaurant is dark and cozy, but there are lots of large picnic-style tables outside where you can sit and watch the world go by. Whereas out at Five Mile, the space is bright with large windows and some outdoor high-top tables.
Joe’s Queenstown is located at Searle Lane and is open from 7 am to 2 pm Friday to Tuesday. Joe’s at Five Mile is located at 36 Grant Road, Five Mile, and its opening hours vary daily. Check out their breakfast menu 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! It is one of the best values for money, for $215 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. 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 $249 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 get you started, here are a few places I personally love and that would make an awesome place to stay in Queenstown.
Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – $
The first is for budget travelers and that’s 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 $65 NZD, and private rooms begin around $230 NZD. It is easily one of the top cheap hostels in Queenstown and can be booked on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
La Quinta Queenstown – $$
If you have a little more money to spend, then you should seriously consider La Quinta Queenstown. It’s a beautiful hotel in a quiet but close location and the views are amazing (although you won’t find me recommending a place without great views!). The rooms are all studio or one-bedroom apartments, which is really handy if you want to cook or even just have breakfast in your room. Prices start at $200 NZD and you can book online here.
Kamana Lakehouse – $$$
For a luxurious stay, you can’t pass on Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel is located just on the outskirts of town, far enough that it’s peaceful but close enough to walk to take a short drive into the center of town. 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.
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 is what most budget backpackers get 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! You can easily compare campervans, prices, and book on the website Motorhome Republic. We also have a 5% discount code (DTRAVEL5) with Mad Campers, which you can use at checkout.
- 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. Motorhome Republic is my suggested website for booking a motorhome in New Zealand simply because they are a reliable company and the website is super easy to use! We are also partnered with Kiwi Motorhomes, which is well known as the top motorhome rental company in New Zealand. You can get 5% off using the code Queen5. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
- JUCY – JUCY is one of our favorite rental companies in New Zealand! They have a huge inventory and offer regular cars, small campervans, larger campervans, and even motorhomes! The prices are also super competitive and their multiple offices around NZ make pick-up and drop-off a breeze. You can check availability, prices, and book with JUCY online here.
Travel Insurance Has Your Back!
Life can be unpredictable and when you’re traveling abroad, the last thing you want to worry about is getting sick or injured and having to pay out of pocket for treatment.
If this concerns you, SafetyWing can help! SafetyWing specializes in very affordable and comprehensive medical and travel insurance that is aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. It costs just $45 USD per 4 weeks!
To start coverage, you must purchase it after leaving your home country, so we usually buy it as soon as we land at the airport.
Since using SafetyWing we’ve been reimbursed thousands of dollars when we’ve gotten sick. During the pandemic, they’ve even gone as far as to pay for our last-minute flights back to Canada before the border closed!
Thanks for reading!
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is to relax at a great cafe with an awesome breakfast or brunch (if I’ve had a sleep-in that morning). As you can see in Queenstown, there are plenty of great breakfast and brunch options, and there’s something for everyone! I hope I’ve helped you to find your next favorite brunch/breakfast spot in Queenstown on this list!
If you enjoyed this list of the best breakfast places in Queenstown, check out some of my related posts to find out what else Queenstown has to offer!
Free things to do in Queenstown