5 Must-Try Food and Drinks in Queenstown After a Long Day Up on the Ski Mountains

There's nothing like replenishing your energy with good food after a long skiing session up in the South Island mountains. Luckily, Queenstown is full of delicious food, all within convenient walking distance from the heart of the city centre. So, on your next visit to one of Queenstown's four ski fields with an Omega rental car, don't forget to grab a bite from this list of must-try food in Queenstown.

1. Fergburger: Famous in New Zealand

Fergburger is the most iconic burger place – not just in the Queenstown area, but in all of New Zealand! This world-renowned joint has a huge selection of different delicious burger options to eat, including chicken, fish, venison, lamb, pork, vegetarian options, minis for the kids, and the most iconic beef burger, all made with local ingredients.

Fergburger is located on the main street of Queenstown and is open 8-2 am Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, Fergburger is open 8-4:30 am (yes… you heard that right). No matter when you're craving one of these burgers, you'll likely have the chance to dig in. 

Just remember, this awesome place is incredibly popular, so there can be big lines waiting outside. But don't worry, the taste is worth the wait! This is the perfect spot to go to if you're pining for a delicious filling meal that will satisfy you after a long day of exercising. If you can't find anywhere to sit inside, there are plenty of park benches all over Central Queenstown. You can't leave the town without trying Fergburger, knowing it’s the most iconic burger place in New Zealand!

Right next door to Fergburger sits Ferg's Bar, its sister restaurant which offers specialised cocktails, craft beer, and other alcoholic beverages – plus bites to share over the night. Enjoy the best coffee and hot chocolate at the nearby Fergbaker when morning comes. Top it all off with a delicious dessert from Mrs Ferg Gelateria.

2. Blue Kanu: Unforgettable Atmosphere

Blue Kanu's unique interior decor of cool-toned exotic patterns with tropical colours decor creates an unforgettable dinner experience for customers. Its main dish menu features fresh oysters, Glory Bay salmon, tempura golden shrimp, market fish kokoda, fried chicken, slow-cooked pork ribs, and more. Not only do they serve the best food made with locally sourced ingredients, but they also have an amazing beer and cocktail selection.

This Queenstown restaurant offers a warm, buzzy atmosphere and great service from the staff. If you're lucky enough, they'll even sing and play the guitar for you. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, or you may choose to come along early to sit at the bar and enjoy a quick drink before your reservation. Please remember to make reservations in advance, as this popular spot gets incredibly busy.

Blue Kanu welcomes guests from 5-11 pm Monday through Thursday and serves lunch from 11:30 am on Fridays through Sundays. Don't miss the chance to savour the distinctive fusion of Pacific and Asian cuisine at one of the most amazing places to eat in Queenstown.

3. Botswana Butchery: Fine Dining

Imagine walking along the most iconic strip of Queenstown after a long day up on the ski mountains and ending up in a cosy steakhouse for a delicious dinner. Botswana Butchery offers an upscale dining experience with a heartwarming atmosphere. The menu features many flavours that will satisfy your taste buds, complemented by a glass of wine that showcases the great specialities from the world's southernmost wine region and beyond. There is also a great selection of amazing house and classic cocktails to sip on. 

Botswana Butchery offers a lunch menu and dinner menu followed by scrumptious desserts, satisfying every craving. The restaurant takes great pride in its exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail. 

Experience a premium fine dining experience by booking a private room or lounge for up to 25 guests. For those who truly adore Botswana Butchery, you also have the option to host a function in one of the elegant function rooms.

This venue provides a warm and inviting ambience, perfect for all, with crackling fires and traditional menus. Botswana Butchery's location along Queenstown's Marine Parade gives it stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and makes it one of the best fine dining restaurants in the town.

4. Margo's Queenstown: Vegan Delights

Another iconic place to eat in Queenstown is Margo's Mexican restaurant, full of flavorful spices and delicious vegan dishes made with fresh produce! If you've had a long, exhausting day and are looking for something to cheer you up, an exploration of the tastes, smells, and sights at Margo's Mexican food is for you. 

Margo's offers crumbled Cheetos fried chicken, crispy shell crab, blackened courgette, carne asada steak, hippie or cowboy nachos, and most iconically, a great selection of delicious tacos. 

This restaurant provides a fun, vibrant atmosphere and food that draws inspiration from the many mouth-watering flavours of Mexico. The drinks menu also has a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Enjoy sipping on a refreshing, citrusy margarita with a salted rim or a cold beer. 

Margo's is ranked as one of the best restaurants in town. The Mexican cuisine here is infused with a blend of spices that will delight your taste buds – how delicious! This is the perfect dinner spot and is a great experience for anyone visiting Queenstown.

5. Patagonia Chocolates - Ice Creamery & Chocolaterie: Sweet Treats

If you have a sweet tooth or are craving something creamy after dinner, then Patagonia Chocolates should be your go-to place. This dessert shop is located right in the centre of the Marine Parade, with a beautiful scenic lookout to the lake. Patagonia offers a wide range of smooth ice cream, sorbet, and berry-delicious frozen yoghurt! It has received many awards for its high-quality, indulgent taste. 

With 20 flavours to choose from, we're confident you'll find one that will captivate your taste buds and melt in your mouth. Patagonia crafts flavours from South American and Italian recipes, and each batch is handmade with care in its Queenstown home. 

Patagonia also offers a delightfully rich range of chocolates, including dark, milk, and white chocolate in a selection of flavours. Feel like eating something hot? Enjoy a fresh churro or sip on some excellent coffee roasted in-store. 

Patagonia is iconic in Queenstown, and it's hard to miss. If you walk along the waterfront, you'll no doubt spot people enjoying their sweets! After a long exhausting day of skiing or snowboarding, it's essential to treat yourself to a delicious, smooth, and creamy ice cream.

Discover Queenstown restaurants, sights, and attractions the right way with Omega Rental Cars 

Amazing food is waiting for you everywhere you go in Queenstown. By hiring a rental car, you can travel around the local attractions at your own pace and make it back in time to experience all the best Queenstown restaurants. So, start your journey in the adventure capital with a hire car from Omega Queenstown today!