Steamer Wharf Tours and Activities

Steamer Wharf which includes mountains, general coastal views and a marina
Steamer Wharf
Steamer Wharf
Steamer Wharf showing a coastal town
Steamer Wharf featuring signage, café scenes and interior views


A popular entertainment precinct in Queenstown, on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and home of TSS Earnslaw, Steamer Wharf is a popular and picturesque spot. Visitors come here for its diverse restaurants as well as to try their luck at the casino and enjoy its rich and entertaining nightlife.

Come here during the daytime and enjoy a stroll along the promenade, looking out across the wharf to see the boats arriving and departing, from the fashionable yachts to the leisure cruises. The historic steamboat, the TSS Earnslaw, has been docked here for more than a century too, and is what gives this spot its name.

The restaurants here offer something for everyone, with many offering you the chance to dine out in the open air whilst gazing out across the lake. In the bars meanwhile, you can sample the famous wines of New Zealand. Check out the Minus 5 Ice Bar for a unique drinking experience: the bar is made entirely out of ice.

Then head on next door to Lasseters Wharf Casino. Whether you want to play a game of poker or simply sit back and enjoy a relaxed drink as the sun sets over the lake, this is the ideal spot.

Many visitors choose Steamer Wharf as their base when they stay in the city, as it has a wide variety of accommodation, as well as being close to Lake Wakatipu and the central parts of Queenstown itself.

Only a minute’s walk from the centre of Queenstown, you can easily reach Steamer Wharf on foot. If you’re driving however, car parking is available – some spaces are free, some aren’t. The wharf is open every day, but the bars and restaurants have their own opening hours.

Plan a trip to see Steamer Wharf

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Reviews of Steamer Wharf

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
310
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
319
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
23
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Heaps of options for dinning with inside and outside options. Wide range of food choice etc

5/5 - Excellent

GailNicholls

not so busy due to not season for skiiers.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Pick up a Ferg Burger and head to Perky's the boat permanently tied top the wharf. You can eat any takeaways inside or on the top deck if it is warm, and order a drink from their bar.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The Earnslaw trip excellent particularly if you are into the history of old boats and steam engines!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Go up the wharf a little beyond the buildings and lean on the railing watching the varied shipping go past. From the Earnslaw to the Shark two seaters, there is always something happening.

Popular places to visit


Top Steamer Wharf Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
Kamana Lakehouse
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG

4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG
Crowne Plaza Hotel Queenstown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Hotel Queenstown by IHG

4.5 out of 5
93 Beach Street, Queenstown, Otago
Crowne Plaza Hotel Queenstown by IHG
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

4 out of 5
Corner of Earl and Marine Parade, Queenstown
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

4.5 out of 5
32 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Pinewood Queenstown

Pinewood Queenstown

3 out of 5
48 Hamilton Road, Queenstown
Pinewood Queenstown
Mi-pad Queenstown

Mi-pad Queenstown

4 out of 5
4 Henry Street, Queenstown, Otago
Mi-pad Queenstown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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