Hidden away upstairs on Ballarat Street, owner and chef Naoya Higuchi has been slicing sashimi and rolling sushi in the kitchen of Kappa since the early 2000s \u2013 and it\u2019s remained a popular foodie destination to this day. Pull up a chair, and you\u2019ll be dining amongst chefs on their days off and loyal locals who have been coming since their childhood. <\/p>\n
Dine with renowned chefs at Kappa. Photo \/ Neat Places<\/p>\n
The Lab Kitchen<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s no secret which burger has a line down the street, ask any local and they may be kind enough to whisper the location of the other best burger in town. Owned by chef Brad McWhirter, The Lab Kitchen\u2019s<\/a> burgers are focused on tasty flavour combos and high-quality ingredients, with vegan and vegetarian options available. You have to be following their socials to find out where they\u2019ll be popping up next (they\u2019ve even been known to out-do the sausage sizzles outside Bunnings). Order in advance to avoid intense disappointment.<\/p>\n Where Locals Drink<\/p>\n There\u2019s more to a great bar than what\u2019s pouring from its taps. While you can get a good pint at most drinking holes down the main drag, there\u2019s a few key spots with plenty of heart that draw in the locals. At The World Bar<\/a>, friends gather and raise their pinkies over a cuppa from one of the many famous cocktail teapots (the burgers here are also supremely good). Atlas Beer Cafe<\/a> is a low-key lakeside bar humming with locals and their dogs, with plenty of beers from nearby breweries on tap. A few steps over, Little Blackwood<\/a> arguably shakes up some of the best cocktails \u2013 any place that has a dedicated espresso martini menu instantly wins in our books.<\/p>\n Takeaways on Perky\u2019s Floating Bar<\/p>\n Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown<\/p>\n While at first it may seem like a bit of a novelty attraction, don\u2019t be fooled into thinking that Perky\u2019s<\/a> is just a one-time place to tick off your list. Residents return to this floating bar as much as visitors, never tiring of local beers, wine and great cocktails paired with uninterrupted views. The best part, though? You can pick up your favourite takeaways on the way, and enjoy them onboard.<\/p>\n Community Event Calendars<\/p>\n With establishments cramming their calendars with community-focused events, there\u2019s never a dull moment to be living in Queenstown. The Beech Tree<\/a> hosts a quiz night every Wednesday, but it\u2019s also a popular local haunt to get competitive over board games and sip on some tasty craft beers. Over at Yonder<\/a>, the stage comes alive throughout the week with local and international musicians, comedians, DJs and even silent disco nights. Moving away from the strobe lights and into tranquility, Sherwood<\/a> offers a range of curated events, gigs and workshops, including Songwriter Society on the last Thursday of every month \u2013 an open mic night for writers of original songs and poetry.<\/p>\n Remarkables Market<\/p>\n 23 Hawthorne Dr, Frankton, Queenstown<\/p>\n Every Saturday, Queenstown wakes up early to wander down to The Red Barn in Frankton for the weekly Remarkables Market<\/a>. The barn hosts over 60 local stalls, trading everything from seasonal fruit and veggies, artisan goods and freshly baked goods, to handmade jewellery, knitwear, art and more. The Saturday ritual is made extra memorable with live music, picnic tables and playgrounds inviting visitors to linger a little longer. Plus, the market has prioritised eco-friendly practices from day one \u2013 there\u2019s not a single disposable plate, cup or utensil in sight. While the regular Saturday market only runs from October to April, keep an eye out for special winter markets popping up throughout the chilly months.<\/p>\n Get Creative at Te Atamira<\/p>\n Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Dr, Frankton, Queenstown<\/p>\n Just around the corner from the airport, Te Atamira<\/a> is a multi-purpose cultural and arts hub that inspires the community to embrace everyday acts of creativity. Thanks to their jam-packed calendar full of free events as well as artist-led workshops and classes, you\u2019ll find your new favourite hobby in no time. Learn to dance, pick up a musical instrument, try your hand at life drawing or meet some new mates at community sing-a-long sessions. Alternatively, book a two-hour freestyle hand-building pottery session at The Clay Station<\/a> (all materials provided) or pop into The Bead Shop<\/a> in town for a mindful hour or so of crafting your own jewellery.<\/p>\n Country Lane<\/p>\n 26 Hansen Rd, Frankton, Queenstown<\/p>\nGet a bite of The Lab Kitchen\u2019s juicy burger. Photo \/ Neat Places<\/p>\n
The World Bar is where the locals at, anytime of the week. Photo \/ Neat Places<\/p>\n
Perky’s is not just a one-time tourist attraction. It’s an institution. Photo \/ Neat Places<\/p>\n
Meet local and international entertainers at Yonder. Photo \/ Neat Places<\/p>\n
Grab the best of local produce, from fresh food to artisan trinkets at the Remarkables Market. Photo \/ Destination Queenstown<\/p>\n
Join one of the many free activities at Te Atamira. Photo \/ Neat Places<\/p>\n