Hi there,

With summer in full swing, Queenstown is calling you to step outside and soak up the sunshine. What better way to celebrate the long, warm days than by filling up a picnic basket with an array of local goodies and finding a scenic spot to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life? Here’s your guide to some of our favorite places to picnic in Queenstown.

Top Picks for Picnics in Queenstown

First up, you’ve got to fill your picnic basket! There's a huge range of local produce to discover, here are some great places to grab yourself some goodies.

• Nestled between Fergburger and Mrs Ferg’s Gelato, Fergbaker is a top stop for fresh bread, sweet treats and their famous pies.
• Raeward Fresh Deli stocks seasonally-inspired salads, sliced meats, antipasto and local wines.
• Frank’s Pantry has a huge range of grab-and-go cabinet food. They also do catering, so you can order a picnic to go.
• Is a picnic spread really complete without cheese? Gibbston Valley Cheese and Deli is the place to stock up on delicious local cheese and chutneys.
• Need something decadent? Patagonia Chocolates have got you covered with their handcrafted chocolates and patisserie.
• The Country Lane artisan village in Frankton is a one stop shop. Buzzstop Honey Centre’s café serves honey-inspired goodies, while the Sugary Patisserie is a treasure trove of takeaway delights.

Pair your tasty food haul with a nice bottle of Central Otago wine and a cosy blanket. Now all you need to do is pick your idyllic Queenstown picnic spot.

Queenstown Bay Beach

Just a short wander from the centre of town, Queenstown Bay Beach offers you incredible views over Lake Whakatipu towards Cecil and Walter Peak.

Find yourself a shady spot under one of the willow trees and settle in for an afternoon of eating, swimming and chilling. If you’re feeling energetic you can hire kayak, paddleboard and Aqua Bike. Or, walk off your picnic with a leisurely stroll in the Queenstown Gardens.

Wilson Bay

Drive the Queenstown-Glenorchy Road and stop at Wilson Bay, about 10km from Queenstown. The small, secluded beach borders the crystal clear lake and is a beautiful spot to linger for a few hours admiring the views and enjoying a picnic.

From here, you can walk or bike the Seven Mile Track along the lakeshore through regenerating native bush and pine forest to Seven Mile Point and Seven Mile Bike Park.

Moke Lake

Venture a little further along the Queenstown-Glenorchy Road and you'll find Moke Lake, a peaceful reserve area surrounded by soaring mountains. It's only 15 minutes from central Queenstown, but feels worlds away. Get closer to nature by hopping on your bike or taking a stroll around the Moke Lake loop track or cooling off in the lake before sitting back with a bite to eat. 

Arrowtown

Named after William Butler, an Irishman who arrived in Arrowtown during the Gold Rush, Butler’s Green is a central spot loved by locals and visitors alike. Browse the cafes for treats before enjoying your picnic on the immaculately groomed grass before shopping Arrowtown’s boutiques.

After checking out the historic Chinese Village, you can take a walk along the Arrow River where there are picnic spots aplenty. Or, try your hand at gold panning, you never know what you might find!

Halfway down Arrowtown's main street lies Buckingham Green, a sunny spot popular with families. Located close to a sweet shop and next to an ice-cream store, you can see why it’s a favourite with the kids.

Kelvin Heights

Kelvin Heights offers many sheltered picnic spots while rewarding you with views overlooking Lake Whakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Getting to Kelvin Heights can be part of the adventure by catching the ferry and getting a unique perspective of Queenstown from the water.

Once you've arrived, follow the signs towards the golf course to find picnic tables on the lakefront or lay out a picnic blanket on the beach. After your picnic, walk the Kelvin Heights Peninsula Trail around the golf course, looking out for the sculptures by New Zealand artists.