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The Buzz — stories from town

Reviews, room checks, history lessons and the occasional head-first river swim — written by people who actually live here.

Where to go when you need to go: Queenstown’s public toiletsFeatureLocal Life

Where to go when you need to go: Queenstown’s public toilets

Find public toilets around Queenstown, Frankton, Arrowtown and Glenorchy, including accessible and baby-change facilities.

By the EQ crew · 7 min read
Friends sharing dinner at Soda on the Queenstown lakefront
Local Life

How First Table went from one Queenstown window table to four countries

A small French restaurant in Queenstown used to halve the food bill for whoever took its downstairs window table at six. Mat Weir turned that into First Table — now more than 4,500 restaurants across four countries, taking bookings for one to six diners up to a fortnight ahead, and still run from Queenstown.

30 Aug 2026 · 6 min read
Dinner service at Aosta in Arrowtown, a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide
Dining

Guide to MICHELIN dining in Queenstown

The first MICHELIN Guide to New Zealand recognised nineteen restaurants around Queenstown and Arrowtown, including the only Two Star restaurant in the country. Here is the full list, and how to plan around it.

13 Aug 2026 · 4 min read
Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu
Local Life

Queenstown on screen: the film locations you can actually visit

There is a Netflix crew in town until October. Here is where everyone else pointed their cameras first, and how to get to each spot.

8 Aug 2026 · 4 min read
coffee cup working happy
Café Culture

What kind of coffee lover are you?

A guide to where you should drink coffee in Queenstown

5 Mar 2018 · 3 min read
back shot
Adventure

Serious Fun River Boarding: a seriously fun way to experience Queenstown

River surfing the Kawarau rapids in a 5mm wetsuit, with a 5-metre cliff jump partway down and two runs before the van takes you back.

30 Jan 2018 · 3 min read
Booze n’ Brown
Bars & Nightlife

Booze n’ Brown

Where to find Queenstown’s best beer gardens

24 Jan 2018 · 2 min read
hilton
Where to Stay

Room Check: Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

A night in a Deluxe Lakeview room at Kawarau Village: the 15-minute water taxi into town, honey at Wakatipu Grill and half-price Sunday pizza at Stacks.

13 Jan 2018 · 3 min read
outside gantleys queenstown
Dining

Gantley's: Is this New Zealand's most romantic restaurant?

A six-course degustation for $95 in an 1860s stone inn at Arthur's Point, with 250 wines in the cellar and a shuttle from town so you can drink them.

24 Oct 2017 · 4 min read
running shoes
Great Outdoors

The best places to go running in Queenstown

Jog On! Five must-do running trails in Queenstown.

11 Oct 2017 · 3 min read
cocktails in Queenstown2
Bars & Nightlife

Cocktails and Sunsets at Reds Bar Queenstown

All cocktails are $15 between 8 and 10pm daily on level six at 38-54 Lake Esplanade, in time for the sun going down behind the Remarkables.

11 Oct 2017 · 1 min read
A Short History of Queenstown
Where to Stay

A Short History of Queenstown

A SHORT HISTORY OF QUEENSTOWN

2 Sept 2017 · 3 min read
coffee pour
Dining

This is the Best Way to Start Your Day...

Top breakfast spots in Queenstown, New Zealand

19 Aug 2017 · 3 min read
EcoScapes Kinloch Accommodation
Where to Stay

Weird and Wonderful Places to Stay in Queenstown

Five options beyond the hotel room: eco-rooms at Kinloch, a heli-access hut on Mt Larkins, an 80-foot yacht on the lake and a hut at 1,500 metres.

6 Jul 2017 · 4 min read
How to Start Your New Life in Queenstown 2017
Adventure

How to Start Your New Life in Queenstown 2017

Getting a job, a house and a bank account in Queenstown, New Zealand

4 Jul 2017 · 4 min read
5 star hotel cheaper than Queenstown rental2
Where to Stay

Top Notch Hotels Cheaper Than Your Queenstown Home

Live like a rock star… for less than the weekly rent of your Queenstown home

28 Jun 2017 · 3 min read
Urzila comes to Queenstown
Events & Festivals

Two Minutes with Urzila Carlson

The stand-up comic plays the Memorial Centre on 15 June, and talks toilet research, advice for new comedians and her plan for the Fergburger queue.

10 Jun 2017 · 2 min read
Where the Hell Can I Park in Queenstown?
Great Outdoors

Where the Hell Can I Park in Queenstown?

Free all day on Park Street, $2.50 at Boundary Street, or $18 for the day underground on Man Street, where 500 spaces mean it is rarely full.

26 May 2017 · 3 min read
Where to shop in Queenstown for unique and fabulous clothes
Café Culture

Where to shop in Queenstown for unique and fabulous clothes

If you’re one of those kids who’s always doin’ their own thing, then we'll assume you like your fashion the same way.

21 May 2017 · 3 min read
Queenstown high school students cook up a storm with a fundraising ‘first’
Dining

Queenstown high school students cook up a storm with a fundraising ‘first’

Nineteen Wakatipu High students will cook 6,000 meals over 40 hours in Coronet Peak's kitchen, for the City Missions and Queenstown's Happiness House.

18 May 2017 · 4 min read
Caffeine and Cocktails: In search of Queenstown's best Espresso Martini
Café Culture

Caffeine and Cocktails: In search of Queenstown's best Espresso Martini

Where to find the best espresso martinis in Queenstown, New Zealand

17 May 2017 · 3 min read
Getting off the beaten track: Secret walks and waterfalls of the Wakatipu
Great Outdoors

Getting off the beaten track: Secret walks and waterfalls of the Wakatipu

Stunning waterfalls in and around Queenstown you didn't know were there

12 May 2017 · 4 min read
Get your Zen on: Where to find yoga, spas, and hot pools in Queenstown
On the Snow

Get your Zen on: Where to find yoga, spas, and hot pools in Queenstown

Get your Zen on: Where to find yoga, spas, and hot pools in Queenstown, New Zealand

3 May 2017 · 3 min read
Mothers Day 2017
Dining

The Best Treats for Mum this Mother’s Day 2017

Psst… Mother’s Day is 14 th May 2017, have you planned something special for Mum yet?

2 May 2017 · 2 min read
View from Bazaar Restaurant
Dining

Bazaar: It’s interactive dining and you’re going to love it

On the sixth floor at Rydges, you pick from the seafood cabinet, wok station and grill yourself, then watch the chefs cook it. Red's bar is next door.

31 Mar 2017 · 5 min read
Five Mile Centre Manager Eric Nauta welcomes The Warehouse store manager Mark Dooley to the centre in Queenstown
Local Life

Queenstown has a new Warehouse

The Five Mile store opened at 8.30am, 25 percent larger than the old premises, with a garden centre and 12 new full-time roles.

30 Mar 2017 · 2 min read
New World Bar venture taking over the historic McNeills Cottage in Qu...
Café Culture

The World Bar's Latest Venture

Steve Ward and Gary Livesey take over McNeill's Cottage on Church Street from April 2017, turning the 1882 stone building into a cafe, restaurant and bar.

30 Mar 2017 · 2 min read
Hero image v2
Local Life

A School Lunch Revolution is coming to Queenstown

Rehab's Richard Docherty is launching Munchly, an online pre-order for school lunches made fresh and delivered, starting with Queenstown Primary.

28 Mar 2017 · 2 min read
wine and food destival queenstown
Wine & Vine

Gibbston Food and Wine Festival 2017

Here's what you missed - Great wine, great food and sunshine in the Queenstown Gardens

22 Mar 2017 · 3 min read
Jewel of milford 31.12.2016 2
Great Outdoors

The silence of Milford Sound: My unforgettable overnight experience on the Fiordland Jewel

A night aboard the Fiordland Jewel with 20 guests: lobster pulled from the pots for the entree, and the fiord to yourself once the day boats leave.

16 Mar 2017 · 5 min read
Amercian Express Opening Party and Fireworks 2015 2
Events & Festivals

One Hundred Days Until Queenstown Winter Festival

The 43rd festival runs 22 to 25 June 2017 in a new four-day format, with the fireworks on Friday 23 June and the full programme out in May.

13 Mar 2017 · 2 min read
24 hours in Glenorchy
Great Outdoors

24 hours in Glenorchy

What to do in Glenorchy

1 Mar 2017 · 5 min read
Biking in Queenstown: How to find your perfect match
On Two Wheels

Biking in Queenstown: How to find your perfect match

Trail rides, downhill, mountain biking and relaxed bike riding in Queenstown, New Zealand

1 Mar 2017 · 3 min read
7 of the best free activities in Queenstown
Great Outdoors

7 of the best free activities in Queenstown

Free activities in Queenstown, New Zealand

1 Mar 2017 · 4 min read
Keeping the kids happy: Queenstown’s best playgrounds
Café Culture

Keeping the kids happy: Queenstown’s best playgrounds

The best playgrounds for your children in Queenstown, New Zealand

1 Mar 2017 · 4 min read
IMG 6815
Where to Stay

The Hottest Things to Do Valentine’s Day 2017

Cycle speed dating from Earl Street at $28, a $10 gig at Sherwood, Skyline's luge lift of love, or a $70 three-course dinner at Wakatipu Grill.

13 Feb 2017 · 3 min read
Getting off the beaten track: Secret walks and waterfalls of the Wakatipu
Great Outdoors

Getting off the beaten track: Secret walks and waterfalls of the Wakatipu

Quieter routes and waterfalls, from the 90-minute climb to Lake Alta to the 8-metre falls on the Sunshine Bay walk and Sawpit Gully at Arrowtown.

26 Jan 2017 · 4 min read
Southern Discoveries invests millions in new high-speed catamaran
Great Outdoors

Southern Discoveries invests millions in new high-speed catamaran

The 26-metre Spirit of Queenstown will carry 150 passengers across Lake Wakatipu to Mt Nicholas Station from the 2013/14 summer season.

5 Feb 2013 · 2 min read
Queenstown Winter Festival Fireworks
Events & Festivals

Ten coolest days in New Zealand to kick off in Queenstown

The free opening party in Earnslaw Park starts at 5.30pm, fireworks after the 7pm mayoral opening, then ten days on to the Mardi Gras on 1 July.

22 Jun 2012 · 3 min read
Ice Age 4: Continental Drift Pirate Ship
Events & Festivals

‘Ice Age 4: Continental Drift’ New Zealand movie premiere at Queenstown Winter Festival

Reading Cinemas hosts the New Zealand premiere on Saturday 23 June, with all 279 seats given away through competitions rather than sold.

23 Mar 2012 · 2 min read
The view from the top of the 15th tee at The Hills golf course, Queenstown
Great Outdoors

Spectators to experience ‘exclusive’ view at The Hills

Guided walks open the usually closed 15th tee to spectators at the NZ PGA Pro-Am, 29 March to 1 April. Tickets are $20 a day or $55 for all four.

21 Mar 2012 · 3 min read
Arrowtown Golf Course
Wine & Vine

Escape to the true colours of autumn in Queenstown

March and April bring the Motatapu, the Gibbston Harvest Festival, the NZ PGA Pro-Am at The Hills and Arrowtown's Autumn Festival from 20 April.

6 Mar 2012 · 3 min read
Topping off a busy year at Queenstown Motor Group
The Buzz

New car dealership launches ‘showcase’ site in Queenstown

Queenstown Motor Group opens its new showroom on Monday 19 December, carrying Audi, Volkswagen and Subaru plus near-new and used cars.

15 Dec 2011 · 1 min read
Queenstown Heli-Biking
Wine & Vine

Queenstown’s cycle tourism cranks up for summer

Load your bike onto the Skyline Gondola for 30km of park trails, or cross to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw and ride the 55km to Mavora Lakes.

25 Nov 2011 · 3 min read
Hiking Around Queenstown
Great Outdoors

Take a hike and explore Queenstown this summer

New this season: the 8.5km Gibbston River Trail beside the Kawarau, the Manse Road trail into Arrowtown, and the 8km loop around Lake Hayes.

21 Nov 2011 · 2 min read
Surrounded by mountains Millbrook Resort is a golfers dream
Where to Stay

Millbrook named New Zealand and Australasia’s leading golf resort

The five-star resort took the Asia and Australasia golf title at the 2011 World Travel Awards in Bangkok, on the strength of its new 27-hole course.

30 Sept 2011 · 2 min read
Coronet Peak Snowgun getting the M1 ready for tomorrow's opening day.
On the Snow

Coronet Peak stays open for another week!

Spring snow keeps the ski area running until Sunday 9 October, with The Remarkables closing early and under-17s riding free on the final weekend.

30 Sept 2011 · 2 min read
Float Planes in Queenstown
Adventure

Float Planes to add to Queenstown Bay attractions

Brent Collins wants to moor a 1950s De Havilland Beaver off the Gardens for flightseeing; submissions on the application close 28 September.

15 Sept 2011 · 3 min read
Mascot Spike entertains snowboarders at Coronet Peak, Queenstown, New Zealand
On the Snow

Coronet and Remarkables in Glorious Springtime

Fresh snow topped up the trails and new ice bars are open, with Coronet Peak closing on 2 October and The Remarkables running to 9 October.

5 Sept 2011 · 2 min read
Wakatipu Grill
Dining

Time to eat at Kawarau Village

Two courses and a glass of wine for $29.50 at the Wakatipu Grill, dim sum from $5 at Me & Mee, and a water taxi across from town.

26 Aug 2011 · 2 min read
Local Life

Huge RWC Welcome Planned for Ireland

Ireland's squad arrives at Queenstown Airport on 1 September for a 3.15pm welcome with iwi formalities and 200 school pupils. The public can attend.

23 Aug 2011 · 2 min read
Coronet Peak
On the Snow

Coronet Peak: Missing snowboarder found by helicopter at 11pm

A 30-year-old who lost his group at Greengates was found at 11pm in Dirty Four Creek by a helicopter with night vision, cold but otherwise well.

17 Aug 2011 · 1 min read
Matt Soundy busting his moves at last year's event
On the Snow

Parklife Invitational brings freestylers from mountain to town

Thirty invited skiers and riders take on a rail jam at Earnslaw Park on 12 August, free to watch from 5.30pm, with a $5000 prize pool.

8 Aug 2011 · 2 min read
A boarder gets air before safely landing in the AirBag at The Remarkables
On the Snow

Learn New Snowboarding + Skiing Tricks with AirBag at Remarks

The AirBag sits near the Sugar Bowl chairlift most weekends, 10am to 4pm, at $15 an hour or $10 for three hits, cash only and helmets required.

20 Jul 2011 · 1 min read
Cardrona Alpine Resort looking towards Captains Pizzeria
On the Snow

Queenstown Ski Fields are Go!

A week of storms left 0.9m at Coronet Peak, 1.15m at Cardrona and about two metres at Treble Cone, with blue skies due for the school holidays.

15 Jul 2011 · 2 min read
On the Snow

100% Pure Winter Games NZ 2011

New Zealand hosts the Winter Games in August, billed as the biggest winter sports event outside the Winter Olympics.

15 Jul 2011 · 1 min read
Cardrona staff celebrate the snowfall
On the Snow

Queenstown revels in new snow

Coronet Peak and The Remarkables picked up 10cm by morning with more forecast, and Cardrona opens for the season on Friday 8 July.

7 Jul 2011 · 2 min read
Coronet Peak Snowgun getting the M1 ready for tomorrow's opening day.
On the Snow

Coronet Peak opening Thursday too!

Lifts turn at 9am on 30 June with the M1 trail, Big Easy and the beginners' area open, and T-shirts for the first four onto the Express Chair.

29 Jun 2011 · 1 min read
Snow Park NZ
On the Snow

Snow Park NZ to Open

The first Southern Lakes field open for 2011 turns its lifts on 30 June with the box run, plus night skiing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

29 Jun 2011 · 2 min read
Ariel Nadas & Grant Howie, Snr Pairs National Champs 2010 finish with a lift
Events & Festivals

Stars on Ice ‘dazzle’ in Queenstown

National champion figure skaters and Southern Stampede players took to the Wonderland Ice Rink, led by pairs champions Ariel Nadas and Grant Howie.

28 Jun 2011 · 2 min read