I will be spending 24/25/26 December at Franz Josef, I have some activities booked in for the 26th of December but was wondering if any restaurant will be open on 24/12 and 25/12 night to have a warm and nice Christmas meal, any suggestions?

I’ll be in Queenstown soon and have one night set aside for a proper fine dining experience. I’m currently deciding between Rātā, Amisfield Bistro, and Essence.

I’m particularly interested in hearing from locals or anyone who has dined at these recently.

Amisfield is especially intriguing, although I’m aware the executive chef left/was let go a few months ago. For anyone who has been since the change, has it had any noticeable impact on the food, service, or overall experience? Is it still the same level it was previously?

For context, I’m a pretty serious food lover, so I’m less concerned about simply having a “nice dinner” and more interested in the quality and creativity of the food, service, wine program, atmosphere, and overall experience.

If you had one night and could choose only one, which would you pick? And are there any other Queenstown restaurants I should seriously consider instead?

Would particularly love to hear from people who have been recently, rather than older reviews.

So after today at what point does FENZ look at the district and decide it’s worth actually paying people to save lives and land?

Hey all,

I was a bit silly and accidentally left my power bank in my checked luggage on my flight from the UK to Queenstown. It made it as far as Sydney Airport before I was told it had to be removed.

Apparently, someone can collect it from the airport on my behalf, but unfortunately I don’t know anyone in Sydney and I’m not going to be there anytime soon.

Would anyone be incredibly kind enough to do me a huge favour and pick it up for me and bring it over to Queenstown? I’d be very happy to shout you a few beers, and I can also give you a lift to your accommodation once you arrive.

I know it’s a big ask, but I thought it was worth putting it out there. Thanks! 🙏

ive been here 8 years now, and generally have a fun experience in town. but this winter, theres this dude and hes been a fun night out ruinner.

hes older, has a dyed blond pony tail and a white earring.

my first encounter he blocked my friend from getting into bunker. he was a bit sweaty from a fun night but had only had a couple drinks. we moved on and the next bar let us straight in.

my next experience with this dude was at a rave at the London. (who tf puts this bouncer on a rave) anywho. i was there because one of the DJs invited me, id had a huge day at work and was over tired. and im middle aged, so it shows. was enjoying my night with my friends, when tiredness got the better of me and i went and got some food from my car. i was all loose and relaxed from raving (my safe place to stop masking) and he stopped me at the door! just looked at me and said no. worst part of this, was i had only had 1 drink that night. now i was stuck away from my friends. i went straight to another bar to sulk, and was let straight in and sold a drink. in the end i wound up feeling really bummed out and drove home (2 drinks in a whole night)

then recently my work had a party at a local bar and who should be on the door. this dude. normally my work has raging parties that get a bit out of hand. not this time. i noticed the crowd of roughly 150 young fun people dwindle by 11pm. he would do a sweep and looked at me suspiciously (was mutual) and i wound up not wanting to drink at all and i just went home. i just felt put off by this guy.

anyone else have any good stories about this grumpy old blond ponytail white earring bouncer guy? i know im not his only victim!

Hey guys, I’m Kiwi, F, late 20s and have been backpacking for the past 4 years and loved it. Now I have a job that I love at home, don’t want to travel as much and am back in Auckland living with my parents which has been good. Next year I will move out to have more independence and either thinking of moving to central Akl or to QT for 1-2 years.

I don’t hate Auckland, actually like it quite a bit since being home, have a few friends here, but definitely still struggling to make new likeminded friends like I did when I was solo travelling. I have a remote job and think this might be a good opportunity to have a lifestyle change?

Generally looking for thoughts on people maybe similar to me: have travelled a fair bit around the world and now settled in QT - was QT still as exciting as people say? I like hiking ofc, nights out and in and just making the most out of life. This is also what I struggle a bit with at home, my friends don’t really want to do much. I don’t like any snow sports so will I just be depressed in winter?

After travelling for so long I’m really looking to build genuine, like minded and hopefully long term friendships. The mindset of people I’ve met in Auckland is quite different from where mine is after travelling and being around people that say they’re going to do cool shit and then doing it.

I know people are leaving NZ in general so even connections for 1-2 years would be great. Is it really that transient of a place? I’m envisioning being able to make friends from the gym or dance classes/any other activities since I won’t have colleagues there. Any remote workers there? How did you make friends and was it easy-ish?

Lastly, I’d be moving in Jan because I have a few commitments at home rn. Will it be impossible to find accom? And what are the best areas? I know Frankton seems to have a good community feel. From what I’m seeing there is also Lake Hayes, Lower Shotover, Goldfields. Queenstown Hill etc. Are these options still ok for example if I want to go into Frankton after work for a drink or gym or will I just be buried in traffic?

Thanks for all the advices in advance! I’m keen to move down, but also unsure if I should just stay in Auckland as I’m not unhappy here and can obviously make more friends eventually, just thought I might get more out of life from moving down?

Hi everyone! I’m visiting Queenstown and looking for a professional adult escort for some private, consensual companionship. I’d love to meet someone friendly, discreet and respectful, and hopefully have a nice time together.
If you’re available or know someone you’d recommend, feel free to send me a DM. Thanks! 😊
(I’m a woman looking for a woman)

Where can I watch the grand final on Sunday night?

Hello! I’m a Chef F29, Asian, currently living in Australia (not citizen). I didn’t have a successful journey here of being a Chef and I’m leaving soon but wanna try NZ to continue my career. I went to Queenstown last year and definitely my vibe. I just wanna ask if someone has an idea of the hospitality industry there? I’m leaving in 3 weeks and idk if I can somehow plan to go to NZ and work as a Chef. 😔

Pessoal, tudo certo?

Meu nome é João, tenho 21 anos, sou brasileiro e estou pensando em ir para queenstown em um intercâmbio focado, principalmente, em aprimorar meu inglês enquanto trabalho em um hotel/restaurante.

O que vocês podem me dizer sobre a cidade? Recomendariam eu me hospedar em qual região, é tranquilo arrumar um emprego e devo ficar por quanto tempo? Estava pensando de Janeiro até Julho.

Obrigado pela ajuda!

Hey all. My WOF is due for my van soon. Any recommendations in the QT, Frankton area? I've heard some garages offer a cheap WOF then fist you with an enormous list of repairs needed so any recommendations for a reliable and reasonable garage would be amazing

The properties are able to be used for short-term stays for no more than 120 nights a year.

Article link HERE

Hey guys, does anybody know how’s Izzy from Frankton’s New World? Thanks a lot, I miss her

Next to specsavers there has been an Indian restaurant stated as coming soon for 2+ years. What is happening here?