Luxury Lifestyle: How to Live Like a Local in Queenstown

The Local Side of Luxury

Queenstown may be world-famous for its adventure tourism and five-star dining, but locals know the best way to enjoy this alpine town is through a balance of indulgence and everyday charm. True luxury isn’t just champagne at sunset; sometimes it’s finding the perfect pub lunch, treating yourself to homemade ice cream, or settling into a bar where everyone feels like family.

Here’s your guide to experiencing Queenstown’s local lifestyle — in style.

Relaxed Dining & Bar Culture

If you want to eat and drink like a local, start with the places that have stood the test of time:

• 1876 Bar & Food — Located in Queenstown’s historic old courthouse, this casual spot is known for its sunny deck, daily specials, and live music. It’s the perfect mix of heritage and modern local vibe.
  Link: https://www.1876.co.nz/

• Speight’s Ale House Queenstown — A true Southern classic, this gastropub serves hearty Kiwi fare alongside the famous Speight’s beer range. The rustic setting and generous meals make it a favourite with locals after work.
  Link: https://www.speightsalehousequeenstown.co.nz/bar-and-restaurant

• SODA Queenstown — Sitting right on the waterfront, SODA brings a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired menu to the heart of town. Their Friday-to-Sunday lunch specials (12–3pm) are a hit with locals who want something light, stylish, and social.
  Link: https://www.restaurants10.com/NZ/Queenstown/113032201773309/SODA-Queenstown

Sweet Treats with a Local Twist

Luxury in Queenstown isn’t just about wine and fine dining — sometimes it’s the sweeter side of life:

• Patagonia Chocolates — A Queenstown institution, Patagonia offers handmade chocolates, decadent desserts, and artisan ice cream. Their Rees Street café has lake views, making it a perfect afternoon stop.
  Link: https://www.patagoniachocolates.co.nz/pages/queenstown

• The Remarkable Sweet Shop — With stores in Queenstown and Arrowtown, this family-friendly favourite is known for free fudge tastings, handmade sweets, and nostalgic treats. Locals pop in just as often as visitors.
  Link: https://www.remarkablesweetshop.co.nz/

Why Locals Love These Spots

What makes these venues truly luxurious isn’t just their menus — it’s the sense of ease and belonging they create. Whether you’re on the sunny deck at 1876, enjoying the lake views with a cocktail at SODA, or indulging in a scoop of Patagonia ice cream, you’ll feel less like a visitor and more like a local.

Seamless Local Living

Of course, living like a local also means moving with ease. Queenstown’s winding roads, busy nightlife, and lakeside escapes are best enjoyed when you don’t have to think about parking, navigation, or timing. Private transfers ensure you can experience these gems — from casual lunches to late-night music — without a second thought.

Experience Queenstown Beyond the Tourist Trail

Queenstown is more than bucket-list adventures; it’s a place where locals embrace a balance of indulgence, community, and comfort. By seeking out these gems — the laid-back bars, sweet shops, and lakefront cafés — you’ll discover that true luxury lies in the lifestyle itself.