Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wakatipu Grill
EUROPEAN $$$
$$$
OFFLINE MAP
( 03-450 9400;
www.queenstownhilton.com
;
Hilton Queenstown, Peninsula Rd, Kelvin Heights;
mains $34-52; 4pm-late Wed-Sun)
The Hilton sprawls along the lakeside by the Kawarau
River outlet, and part of the fun of visiting its signature restaurant is the 8km water-taxi
ride. The grill menu stretches to Fred Flintstone-sized Angus T-bones but would-be Wil-
mas can opt for freshly shucked oysters, pasta or French-influenced fish, lamb and duck
dishes.
Gantley's
FRENCH $$$
$$$
( 03-442 8999;
www.gantleys.co.nz
; 172 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point; mains $37-44;
6-10pm)
Gantley's French-influenced menu and highly regarded wine list justify the 7km
journey from Queenstown. The atmospheric dining experience is showcased in a stone-
and-timber building, built in 1863 as a wayside inn. If you feel like splurging, try the six-
course
degustation
($90).
Drinking & Nightlife
Drinking is almost a competitive sport in Queenstown, and there's a good range of op-
tions for after-dark carousing. Live music and clubbing are a nightly affair, and even on
Monday and Tuesday nights you should have no problem finding a bar open until 4am.
A couple of outfits run organised pub crawls, where a wristband buys you a riotous
night of discounted drinks, giveaways and games along the way; look for the ads in hos-
tels and bars around town.
Ballarat Trading Company
PUB
(
www.ballarat.co.nz
;
7-9 The Mall; 11am-late)
Stuffed bears, rampant wall-mounted ducks
and a re-created colonial general store - there's really no competition for the title of
Queenstown's most eclectic decor. Beyond the grab bag of infuences, Ballarat is quite a
traditional spot, with gleaming beer taps, sports on TV, occasional lapses into 1980s mu-
sic and robust meals.
Zephyr
BAR
(1 Searle Lane; 8pm-4am)
Queenstown's coolest indie rock bar is located - as all such
places should be - in a grungy basement off a back lane.
