r/queenstown

Hi all

We are planning a small wedding for approximately 20ppl in 2027 and I’m unsure what to do and where to go for our reception dinner with our guests.

We want something special (it is a wedding after all!) and I’m overwhelmed with options. Fireplace or moody comfy interior where we can relax for the rest of the evening is a plus.

Doesn’t help that I’m planning it from Australia and I can’t go see the venues…

Has anyone recently had a special event at any of the following venues, or have any idea if these would be lovely:

- Botswana Butchery (Garden Room)
- Eichardt’s (Parlour Room)
- The Bunker
- The Pavilion (Green Room)
- Rata
- The Nest

Any places that I’m missing?

Hi guys!

I am NZ born but raised in Aus and a lifelong dream of mine has been to reconnect with my culture in NZ.

I am taking a leap of faith and will be moving to NZ in the next few weeks.

I will have a little bit of savings but defo not enough for NZ’s economy.

I will be unemployed and living in a hostel or doing workaway gigs until I find employment.

Tbh, I don’t really care what the job is, whether it is hospo, retail, cleaning etc. I have experience in those industries and not afraid of hard work.

Any tips for moving to Queenstown?

Is this publicly accessible? The official government website seems to suggest so, but AllTrails marked it as private property so I’m very confused

Hey there, My gf and I will be in Queenstown after a hike in 2 weeks and it will be her birthday then. What are some nice restaurants that I could take her to for a fancy birthday dinner, that Ideally doesnt cost an arm and a leg (a bit pricey is fine)

I was considering booking boardwalk but idk if thats nice birthday dinner spot, also was considering: the bunker, sherwood, the nest and/or woolshed? Any other recommendations, maybe something just as nice but a tad bit cheaper (I dont mind spending about 120-150ish for the night unless I could get just as good an experience and food for cheaper)

Anyone else feel awkward when paying for a meal out and selecting the "no tip" option? I feel like we are already paying a premium for meals and drinks, and the reason NZ has a minimum wage is to ensure employees don't have to rely on tips. Also, where does the tip money even go when it is by eftpos/card? Do the staff get the tip, or is it retained by management? Even got asked to tip this weekend at a bar when I went up to get drinks (no table service and no food ordered). Are kiwis expected to tip or is this a way to make more money off certain tourists who come from places where tipping is normal? I really feel as though the resturant scene here is trying to normalise tipping and it is becoming increasingly offputting to eat out. Is the rest of NZ the same, or is it a Qtown thing? Do staff get offended when you don't tip? Starting to feel a little guilty for never tipping but I just don't think it's a NZ thing. Thoughts and opinions?

I know someone already made a post about this, but it really is quite ludicrous in a place as expensive as the lakes district. Being asked to tip after paying 8 bucks for a coffee is crazy stuff. They know NZ doesn't have a tipping culture but still try and prey on tourists that probably assume tipping is normal in NZ too. F*arkkk offf

Queenstown-based tech entrepreneur Brian Cartmell donating hundreds of thousands to political parties

Whose everyone thinking of voting for?

Hello! I’m in Queenstown for just a few days and keen to do the gondola but I saw that the skyline centre up the top is undergoing some redevelopments. Does anyone know if it’s impacting much up there? Is it still worth doing the gondola?

I’ll be in Queenstown, Glenorchy, Arrowtown and Christchurch soon. Any recs for good steak and oyster places?

Also open to other meats if there’s somewhere that does them really well. I don’t eat raw fish, but oysters are fine!

Happy to splurge if it’s worth it. Would love to hear your favourites!

The Headwaters Eco Lodge? Potential Change of Hands?

Hey folks, i'm coming up to Queenstown from Winton for a few days and trying to keep costs down, what are some things you can do around town or nearby that are basically free but still fun?

Cheers.