While there are many amazing places to enjoy across Queenstown, there’s something about heading out into nature for a shared meal that makes a trip extra special. So, why not put a few picnic spots on your itinerary?
From Milford Sound scenic flights to stunning al fresco dining in the heart of Queenstown, read on for our full breakdown of the best picnic spots in the area.
Take in the Sights & Enjoy a Bite
- Queenstown Gardens
Pic Credit- Wikimedia Commons
First, we can’t have a list of outdoor eating areas in Queenstown without paying homage to the iconic Gardens. Stunning every single season, the Queenstown Gardens provide ample space for you and your family and friends to enjoy the outdoors while enjoying some of your favourite portable snacks.
The gardens sit on an outcropping, which gives parts of them incredible views across the water. That’s what makes this such a beautiful space to choose for a spot of outdoor dining: you can eat surrounded by flowers, look out over the water, or people-watch near the park’s pathways.
This is a great spot to enjoy a quick picnic before heading out on one of Queenstown’s many activities, such as a trip to Shotover Canyon or, for the ultimate experience, a Milford Sound scenic flight.
- The Public Kitchen & Bar
Pic Credit- Queenstown NZ
Right on the borders of Lake Wakatipu sits the Public Kitchen & Bar, a stunning outdoor dining spot with gorgeous outdoor seating that overlooks the water. But this place isn’t just appealing for the views.
The relaxed vibe, excellent drink menu, and delicious food make this a win-win venue. Don’t worry; no matter what time of year you choose to frequent this part of Queenstown, you can enjoy a warm and cosy time thanks to the free blankets and the plentiful outdoor heating.
- Twelve Mile Delta
Pic Credit: NZ Frenzy South Island New Zealand
This one goes out to all of the Lord of the Rings fans! Much like the scenery you might see on a Milford Sound scenic flight, this particular Queenstown delta houses a particular film site well-known for being the location of Ithilien Camp in the movies. But even if you aren’t familiar with this piece of New Zealand’s lore, there’s plenty to love about Twelve Mile Delta.
This gorgeous piece of the world is on the way to Glenorchy, about twenty kilometres outside of Queenstown proper. So, you can enjoy the lovely drive on the way to your destination or even enjoy the picnic as a stop on your road trip to Glenorchy.
There’s plenty of greenery speckling the scenery, a delta carving its way through the landscape, and the Alps decorating the horizon for an unforgettable view. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed picnic with the family.
- Nest Kitchen + Bar
Pic Credit: Best Restaurants NZ
Looking for an upscale venue that still promises incredible views? The Nest Kitchen + Bar is located inside Kamana Lakehouse, a small and exclusive spot overlooking Lake Wakatipu. This seductively-lit alfresco dining spot offers a unique selection of gin cocktails, as well as plenty of local wines curated to suit your choice of meal.
If you’re planning on pulling up to the Nest cocktail lounge, make sure that you make a reservation beforehand to ensure you’ll have the perfect spot for an evening out. The dress code is upscale, offering you and everyone you take along the chance to dress up for an evening of outdoor dining. Does it get better than that?
Take a Milford Sound Scenic Flight
Finally, no list of picnic spots in Queenstown is complete without mentioning Milford Sound. We might be a little biased, but Milford Sound is truly the jewel of the South Island.
The drive to Milford Sound is dotted with incredible pit stops, each one an appealing option for your next picnic. The Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, and even the icy mountain streams you can find dotting the roadside are all spots with amazing scenery.
But perhaps the best picnic waiting to be had is the one you’ll have on the Milford Sound cruise. There’s nothing better than enjoying a small bite to eat from the middle of the Sound itself (which isn’t technically a sound, by the way!).
With the mountains rising around you, the chill of the air, and the sound of trickling waterfalls echoing off the rocks, nothing is stopping you from believing that you’ve been transported to another world altogether.
While the weather in this part of the world, as well as the number of people on the cruise, might prevent you from laying out a blanket and a basket, that won’t put a stop to the picnic. Simply grab a spot with a few chairs on the cruise’s deck, pull out your backpack, and get to snacking. And what better way to arrive at your cruise than a Milford Sound scenic flight?
Explore one of the best picnic spots in Queenstown – Milford Sound – by air.
At True South Scenic Flights, we have a variety of Milford Sound scenic flights on offer. Experience the jewel of the South Island purely from the air, or see the sheer scale of the place from the sea or land.
You might even consider an overnight package, which would allow you to enjoy your favourite bites while surrounded by scenery or the calls of Keas, Tui, and Korimako.
Explore our scenic flight packages and book your adventure today.
