Sip, Wander & Explore Even More of Queenstown this Summer

Sip Your Way Through Queenstown’s Craft Beer Scene

Queenstown’s craft beer scene is perfect for a relaxed summer afternoon. Visit Searchlight Brewery for a laid-back, local atmosphere and a sunny courtyard ideal for warm days, or head to Canyon Brewing, where you can enjoy small-batch beers with sweeping views over the Shotover River and the historic Edith Cavell Bridge. It’s an easy, enjoyable way to soak up Queenstown’s summer vibe.

Savour the Flavours of Queenstown’s Wine Country

If wine is more your pace, there’s plenty to explore. Start at Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen near Lake Hayes, where you can enjoy Central Otago varietals in a peaceful garden setting or pair a tasting with a long, leisurely lunch. Continue into Gibbston, the Valley of the Vines, where cellar doors line the river gorge and tasting your way through them by bike or on foot is a sun-soaked, scenic experience from start to finish.

Discover the Region’s Creative Soul

If you want to slow down and soak up something more cultural, the region's thriving art scene is a hidden gem. Drop by galleries such as Artbay Gallery, already featured in our Lakehouse or wander through Milford Galleries Queenstown, Central Art Gallery, or Thomas L. Brown Gallery for contemporary paintings, sculptures, and pieces inspired by the mountains and lakes.

For a deeper dive into regional history and heritage, plan a visit to Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery in nearby Arrowtown. It tells the story of early Māori settlement, the gold-rush era, and the multicultural roots of the region. Together, the galleries and museum offer a slower, thoughtful way to experience the area’s soul.

Dine Your Way Through the Queenstown’s Flavours

From hidden laneways to lakeside favourites, the dining scene here is full of character and variety. Tuck into comforting classics at The Cow, a long-loved pizza and pasta spot on Cow Lane, or enjoy refined world class dining at three hatted Amisfield Winery, where Chef Vaughan Mabee and his team take you on a dining experience crafted with local ingredients and quiet sophistication. 

Another rising star on the Queenstown landscape is Toast & Oak gaining its first hat this year in the recent American Express Cuisine Magazine Awards. Or visit Soda for a relaxed Mediterranean dining experience located on the lake front in Queenstown.

Botswana Butchery offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in town, set inside a historic cottage overlooking the lake. Known for premium cuts, fresh local produce, and warm, elegant interiors, it’s a perfect spot for a special evening out. Whether you’re craving slow-cooked lamb, oysters, or a beautifully paired glass of Central Otago wine, this is dining done with style and comfort.

A Summer Full of Flavour, Creativity & Easy Adventure

From lazy afternoons in sunny courtyards to drifting through vineyards, browsing local art, and discovering new favourite places to eat, summer here is all about enjoying life at a gentler pace. Every corner offers something different, a new taste, a fresh view, a story worth lingering over and all of it comes together to create a season that feels both vibrant and effortlessly relaxing. 

However you choose to spend your days, you’ll leave with memories of warm evenings, good food, and the simple pleasure of exploring a place that has something for everyone.