Pier

About Pier

Pier Restaurant & Bar is a premier waterfront dining destination situated on historic Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown, offering spectacular views across Lake Wakatipu. The restaurant blends contemporary flavours with classic dishes, creating a unique dining experience for both relaxed alfresco dining and intimate indoor meals. The setting captures the essence of Queenstown's lakefront lifestyle—whether you're arriving for a sunny morning or an evening meal, the water views remain the focal point. The venue accommodates 56 guests inside and 150 outside, making it suitable for everything from intimate dinners to larger gatherings. With a fully licensed bar and an impressive wine list, Pier delivers a complete dining and drinking experience. The restaurant operates seasonally adjusted hours, remains open Christmas Day for walk-ins, and welcomes private functions and events throughout the year.

Pier Restaurant Queenstown: Waterfront Dining on Lake Wakatipu at Steamer Wharf

Pier Restaurant & Bar sits on historic Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown, claiming one of the region's most coveted locations—directly on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. The venue represents more than just a restaurant; it's a destination defined by its waterfront setting and the experience of dining with the lake as your backdrop.

The Setting

The restaurant accommodates 56 guests inside and 150 outside, giving diners a choice: intimate interior warmth or expansive alfresco views. In warmer months, the outdoor space becomes the natural gathering place—the water stretches before you, Queenstown's mountains visible beyond. Winter brings a shift indoors, where intimate seating and the fully licensed bar offer refuge with views still preserved.

The Dining Philosophy

Pier blends contemporary flavours with classics, a balancing act that requires confidence. The seasonal menus suggest a kitchen responsive to what's available and what the market offers. Breakfast and brunch feature barista coffee and iconic morning dishes—a traditional lakeside morning start. Lunch and dinner expand to full menus, with dedicated offerings for vegetarian and vegan diners, plus a family-friendly kids' selection.

For Families

Kids' meals keep things simple and satisfying: beer-battered fish and chips, cheeseburgers made with grass-fed beef, grilled chicken, and buttered pasta. These aren't afterthoughts—they're crafted with the same care as adult offerings. Desserts offer choices: warm chocolate brownie with ice cream or vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

Beyond Food

The fully licensed bar holds an impressive wine list, making Pier as much a drink destination as a dinner one. The restaurant welcomes private functions and events, leveraging its unique waterfront location and capacity to host larger gatherings. Open Christmas Day (walk-ins only), it remains a consistently accessible Queenstown landmark.

Signature items

• Lake Wakatipu Waterfront Setting
• Beer Battered Fish & Chips
• Cheeseburger & Chips
• Contemporary Cuisine
• Alfresco & Indoor Seating
• Fully Licensed Bar

Menu

Kids Desserts

• Warm Chocolate Brownie — Vanilla ice cream
• Vanilla Ice Cream — Two scoops with chocolate sauce

Dining Options

• Breakfast & Brunch — Barista coffee and iconic morning dishes on the water
• Lunch & Dinner — Contemporary flavours with classics, seasonal menu
• Vegan & Vegetarian Menu — Dedicated plant-based options
• Desserts Menu — Full dessert selection

Kids Lunch & Dinner

• Fish & Chips — Beer battered blue cod with tomato sauce
• Cheeseburger & Chips — Grass-fed beef patty, american cheddar, tomato sauce
• Grilled Chicken — Grilled chicken breast, carrots, mash
• Buttered Linguine — Shaved parmesan

Frequently asked questions

What are your opening hours?

Open 9am till late, 7 days a week. Open Christmas Day for walk-ins only. Hours may vary seasonally.

Can I make a reservation?

Yes. Reservations are available. The restaurant seats 56 inside and 150 outside, accommodating various group sizes.

Can you host private functions?

Yes. Pier is available for private functions and events. Contact the restaurant for specific arrangements.

Do you have a kids menu?

Yes. We offer a family-friendly kids menu with dishes like fish & chips, cheeseburger & chips, grilled chicken and pasta options, plus kid desserts.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes. With 150 seats outside, we offer expansive alfresco dining with Lake Wakatipu views. Inside seating for 56 is available for cooler months.

What kind of wine selection do you have?

We have a fully licensed bar with an impressive wine list to complement our seasonal menu offerings.

Is the restaurant family-friendly?

Yes. We welcome families with a dedicated kids menu and spacious outdoor seating perfect for family gatherings.

Tips

• {"body":"Reservations recommended, especially for outdoor seating with the best Lake Wakatipu views.","title":"Book ahead for best seating"}
• {"body":"Indoor seating for intimate meals or outdoor alfresco for the full waterfront experience with 150 seats.","title":"Choose your atmosphere"}
• {"body":"The kitchen rotates seasonal menus—ask staff for current specials and what's fresh.","title":"Try seasonal menus"}
• {"body":"Open 7 days a week from 9am—perfect for lakeside breakfast, lunch, or dinner any time of year.","title":"Visit year-round"}
• {"body":"With an impressive wine selection and fully licensed bar, it's worth spending time on beverage pairings.","title":"Explore the wine list"}

Good to know

• {"wifi":"Contact restaurant for details","family":"Kids menu available; seats 56 inside, 150 outside; excellent for families and groups","dietary":"Dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu available","parking":"Located at Steamer Wharf, central Queenstown; check local parking options","payments":"Contact restaurant for reservation and payment details","accessibility":"Contact restaurant for specific accessibility requirements"}