Where to Go for a Drink in Queenstown
We get it, sometimes you just want to go for a quiet non-nonsense drink in Queenstown! Well, there are more than enough nice places for a couple of beers in Queenstown.
A combination of good drink and good company in a beautiful place is all you need after a day on the slopes or tramping, or bungy jumping, or anything in Queenstown!
There are a lot of cool places to hang out with fellow travellers, especially as Queenstown is a multi-cultural town. But if you are more into partying or just spending time in awesome bars, then be sure to look at 5 Nightclubs to Dance at in Queenstown and 5 Awesome Bars in Queenstown.
So let’s get to it! Here are our favourites…
Table of Contents
1. Walter’s Tavern
Whether you’re after a quiet pint after work or a spot to settle in for the evening, Walter’s Tavern is a Queenstown staple that strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and lively.
Upstairs, you’ll find a more relaxed dining area serving elevated pub classics alongside regional wines, ideal if you’re after something quieter. Downstairs brings a bit more buzz with high tables and classic Kiwi hospitality, but it never gets too rowdy.
We’re big fans of the daily happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm, with select beers and wines at cheaper prices. There’s also a late-night happy hour from 9 pm to 11 pm featuring discounted spritzes, martinis and vodka Jägerbombs.
The menu keeps things simple and satisfying, think crispy fish and chips, juicy burgers and loaded plates made for sharing. You can even order straight from your phone and have it brought to your table.
Location: 41 Ballarat Street
© Walter's Tavern2. 1876
Next door to Walter’s Tavern is 1876. This is classed as a “quiet pint” up until 8 pm where things start to liven up majorly.
Housed in a gorgeous historic building, a former Magistrate’s Court, no less, this relaxed bar provides a welcoming atmosphere with fantastic service and remains very well-priced even when it isn’t happy hour.
In fact, it still holds the title of having the cheapest handle of beer in town! The sun deck and garden bar make it a perfect spot for an afternoon drink before the evening energy kicks in.
Find out more in our Guide to Queenstown Nightlife.
Location: 45 Ballarat Street
© BackpackerGuiide.NZ3. Red Rock Bar Cafe
Situated on a street corner with plenty of outdoor seating, Red Rock Bar Cafe is the best place to people-watch whilst having a pint! With its old wooden beams, vintage signs and cosy atmosphere, it’s a favourite amongst both visitors and locals looking for a quiet drink.
The friendly staff and warm fire make it the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes, whilst enjoying one of ten beers on tap or a glass of wine.
When we last visited, we appreciated the relaxed vibe and honest pub grub (all reasonably priced), plus there’s live music, a pool table and a large heated beer garden for those warmer evenings.
Location: 48 Camp Street
© Pexels4. Harry’s Pool Bar
Not only does Harry’s have seven pool tables, but it also has budget-friendly tap beer, house spirits and wine. Entertainment AND easy on the backpacker budget: we like! So consider mixing your drink in Queenstown with a game of pool.
Located at the bottom of the Brecon Street stairs, this cosy spot is perfect for unwinding with a quiet pint. You’ll find a relaxing lounge area complete with a large open fire, wide-screen TVs for catching live sports, and classic tunes setting the mood.
Whether you’re flying solo or meeting mates, Harry’s offers an extensive range of top-shelf spirits and a classic selection of beers. Plus, you can refuel with their amazing pizzas while you play.
Location: 8 Brecon Street
© Pixabay5. Hamill’s
It’s not all going on in Queenstown centre, you know. Hamills is a popular bar and restaurant in the Remarkables Park. While it’s known as a bustling family restaurant during the day, come evening it transforms into a spot where you can enjoy a quiet pint alongside quality food.
Their full dinner menu runs from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, featuring standout dishes like pizza, steak and venison that keep diners coming back. The real draw for a peaceful drink? Those stunning views of The Remarkables towering overhead, best enjoyed from their outdoor dining area with a refreshing beverage in hand.
The regular drinks offers and happy hour make it an ideal retreat after a day of shopping or adventure activities, offering both great service and a more relaxed atmosphere than the busy town centre.
Location: Remarkables Park Shopping Centre 1 Hawthorne Drive
© HamillsMore About Queenstown
After a quiet pint, you might want to go crazy at one of Queenstown’s nightclubs? Or just check out some of the awesome bars in the town. And here are more ways to make the most of your time in Queenstown:
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
