Queenstown is one of those places that lives up to the hype. It’s got that rare combo of jaw-dropping views, adrenaline-fuelled adventures, and surprisingly great food – including plenty of gems for gluten-free eaters (and some must-visits regardless of dietary needs).
Accommodation: maybe the best campervan site in the world
So this site was a little bit out of the main town of Queenstown, but it’s a 5km luscious lakeside walk which I think is necessary to do while you’re in Queenstown anyway! We stayed at Driftaway Queenstown and it was the most beautiful campervan site I have ever had the pleasure of staying at.
First of all, it’s literally lakeside and has beautiful sunset views. Which honestly could be enough, but then you add in the fact the the showers and changing rooms are one of the cleanest and most modern bathrooms, equipped with hairdryers and straighteners! And keep adding on that they have a games room with table tennis, a giant kitchen with lots of tables, and even balcony seating available… you just can’t beat it!
🍟 Food Highlights: Fuel Up Before You Fly Down a Mountain
Erik’s Fish and Chips – For fried fabulousness A Queenstown institution and 100% worth the hype. Erik’s is all about fried fabulousness – crispy chips, battered fish, and even GF options, all served from a food truck-style setup. Classic comfort food done right. Perfect after a big hike or a day of lakeside wandering.
Mirch Masala – For a tasty, no fuss Indian meal No-fuss, flavorful Indian food that hits the spot. They do gluten-free options and the service is fast, friendly, and totally relaxed. Not a fancy place, but definitely delicious – the kind of spot you’ll want to go back to after a long day out.
Fergburger – For the gram You can’t really not go to Fergburger when you’re in Queenstown – it’s basically a rite of passage. The line is long, the burgers are huge, and yes, it’s 100% for the ’Gram. They do gluten-free buns and are helpful if you ask about coeliac safety, but I’d double-check during busy times. It’s more about the experience than the safest GF spot – but still worth trying at least once!
The Pier – For the main character Located in the Town Square, it’s giving Emily in Paris to Clio in Queenstown vibes. This is a sweet spot to chill, great for people-watching and soaking in the lakeside vibe. They have solid menu options as can make almost all of the menu gluten free with their separate fryer. I did almost get glutened here though as they made my chips coeliac safe but forgot about the burger bun… so be wary!
Public – For the views A modern, lakeside spot with beautiful views and a pretty eclectic menu. They had some good GF-marked dishes when we visited, and the atmosphere is relaxed but stylish. Ideal for a sunset dinner or a lazy brunch.
🥾 Adventure Time: Hiking Ben Lomond (a.k.a. the Best Hike Ever)
Hands down, Ben Lomond was the coolest hike I’ve ever done – and not just because of the views (though, wow). What makes it unique? It starts with a gondola ride that lifts you 800m up the mountain, which honestly makes the whole thing feel kind of epic right from the get-go. The lift isn’t free (and yep, it makes this probably the most expensive hike I’ve ever done), but it saves your legs for the good stuff and gives you an instant panoramic view.
You can book the tickets to the Skyline here. Or you can choose to walk up! This option will add 1-1.5 hours to your overall hike.
The hike itself? Glorious. You’ll start in shaded forest, which is lovely and cool, but soon emerge into open mountain terrain – full sun, big skies, and expansive views in every direction. Important PSA: there is zero shade once you’re out of the trees, so bring a cap, sunblock, and lots of water.
Even if you don’t hike the whole thing, just walking 1km in gives you unreal views over Queenstown and both sides of the lake. Totally worth it. But if you do want to keep going, it’s split into two sections:
- To the Saddle: about 6km of solid uphill, but manageable – good trail, steady incline, stunning views the entire time.
- To the Summit: another 1km, but it’s steeper and tougher. You’ll definitely slow down here (we did), partly because your legs are feeling it, but also because it’s just so beautiful up there. You’ll want to stop every 5 minutes just to take it all in.
We were very glad we packed snacks and plenty of water. Trust me – a sandwich at the summit hits different.
🪂 Other Epic Queenstown Activities (We Didn’t Get to, but You Should)
There is so much to do in Queenstown that we barely scratched the surface. If you’re staying a few days, consider:
- Paragliding from the top of the gondola
- Mountain biking or BMX trails
- Those fun little luge cars you drive down the slope
- Jet boating, skydiving, or bungee jumping if you’re feeling brave
And the best part? You can use Queenstown as your base and still do day trips to places like Milford Sound, either by coach or short flight – which is ideal if you want to cut down on driving but still pack in the sights.
Final Word on Queenstown
Whether you’re into food, hiking, or full-on adventure, Queenstown is kind of a dream. And if you’re gluten-free, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many good options there are – from takeaway fish and chips to high-end lakeside meals. It’s beautiful, buzzy, and packed with things to do (and eat). If you are also doing some more travel around NZ, check out my other blog posts for recs!
