The Queenstown Marina is a bit of a best-kept secret among locals, and it’s the kind of place where you can eat, drink, explore, and unwind with uninterrupted mountain and lake views. Whether you’re after a leisurely brunch, a cold brew post-bike ride, a wine tasting, or the start of an adventure on the water, the marina is the perfect stop to slow down and savour a relaxed slice of Queenstown life.
Eat & Drink Lakeside
The marina is a pocket-sized paradise for foodies. From lakeside brunches and craft brews to fresh pastries and handmade pizza, every bite comes with a backdrop of glittering water and mountain peaks.
Boat Shed Cafe
A local favourite for lakeside brunches, great coffee, convivial vibes, and unbeatable views, Boat Shed Cafe’s storied setting is the restored 1869 New Zealand Railways Shipping Office. Once located in central Queenstown, the building was moved to its current location in 1936. Grab a seat on the deck with its delightful outlook across the water, or head indoors to the characterful space with its patchwork wooden walls and the old New Zealand Railways sign.
The menu is classics with a twist. Think brunch dishes like chorizo scramble, blueberry French toast, and pear crumble granola. Lunch options include the cilbir eggs and Boat Shed benedict. They also serve cakes, scones, and excellent coffee.
After brunch or lunch, wander a few steps along the waterfront for a cold pint.
Altitude Brewing
Come for the brews, stay for the tasty food, good vibes, and epic views. This small, cosy lakeside craft brewery is all relaxed ski chalet chic. It’s a great spot for a cold drink after a bike or hike along the lakeshore trail. Altitude have 12 taps pouring their craft beers and ciders. They also serve up seasonal sangrias, mulled meads, and mulled wine.
BYO food from the food trucks parked up outside. The Smoke and Pickle serve up smash burgers and tasty sandwiches, while the Grub Club does filled flatbreads and yummy sides like nachos and kumara fries. There’s also often a woodfired pizza truck.
Craving something sweet instead? Just next door, the bakery’s almond croissants are the stuff of local legend.
Italian Way
Italian Way is now firing up pizzas on Wednesday - Sunday from their new spot at the Queenstown Marina. Hand-stretched signature dough, wood-fired goodness, and served with cold beers + lake views – this is pizza, the Italian Way.
Norka’s Kai Café
Norka’s Kai Café is a hidden gem for coffee, fresh juice and smoothies, and a cabinet packed with acai bowls, tasty sandwiches, pies, and cakes. They do great gluten-free and vegan options. Norka and her friendly team take looking after people seriously. You can borrow cards or a board game to play with your coffee, and not only do they provide cosy blankets, but if you’re particularly chilly they’ll fill you a hot water bottle to warm you up.
Boat Shed Bakery
Boat Shed Bakery is housed in a cute blue and orange shed. Stop by for a locally roasted Wolf coffee and a fresh pastry – their almond croissants have a local fan club in their own right, and the ham and cheese croissants and dulce de leche choux buns also fly out the door. They also do a terrific bacon butty, so save enough room for both sweet and savoury snacks.
