Top Ten Backpacker Eats for Summer in Queenstown 2024

Queenstown is an unmissable destination if you're backpacking New Zealand, but we all know cheap is not part of the reputation. If you're a local you know that the secret to living the good life in Queenstown is taking advantage of the deals and knowing where to find the best value on a day to day basis.

Here are our top tips for dining out in Queenstown that won't break the budget.

Locker Room. @thelockerroomsportsbarqt

Where: 10 Brecon Street

When: Any day of the week

Locker Room (one of our proud partners) is hands down the cheapest place to eat and drink any day of the week. They have a daily special that takes their already cheap prices to the next level and a bustling quiz night on a Monday. Locker room was voted best sports bar in NZ in 2024, so if the prices don't bring you in be sure to pop in to watch the latest game.

Morrisons Irish Pub @morrisonsirishqt

Where: 24 Beach street

When: Tuesdays

Morrisons is a firm favourite of the QT Call Centre crew. If the quality of your Guinness matters then come down to Morrison's Irish pub on a Tuesday for Free Pool or Wednesday for Poker night where a drink will buy you into a round. If you're feeling competitive head to the most thrilling quiz night of your life for Thursday night's speed quiz.

Pog Mahones @pogmahonesqt

Where:14 Rees Street

When: Monday's and Thursdays

If you're feeling like a steak but don't want to break the bank, Pog Mahone's are offering their delicious stone grill steaks for $30 on Mondays and Thursdays. If you get a chance, make sure you try their Roast on Sunday for $25 accompanied by a traditional Irish music session.

1876 @1876qt

Where: 45 Ballarat Street

When: Everyday from 12pm

Giving locker room a run for it's money as the cheapest watering hole in town. 1876 is the best place to enjoy a beer in the sun. With $15 meal deals every day you can enjoy a meal and drink in the sun without breaking the bank.

Red Rock. @redrockqueenstown

Where: 48 Camp Street

When: Everyday from 10am

Red Rock is home of the $15 cooked breakfast. When you're feeling a bit dusty and need to have the comfort of a cooked breakfast, Red Rock is the place to go. Breakfast is served from 10am til 9pm daily. They have plenty of other meal deals on during the week and very reasonably priced drinks.

Tham Nak Thai. @thamnakthaiqt

Where: 53 Shotover Street

When: Lunchtimes til 4pm Tuesday to Sunday

The Than Nak Thai $15 lunch special is a Queenstown institution. Available until 4pm, do yourself a favour and treat yourself to a Green Curry or Cashew Nut Chicken.

Exchange Bar. @exchangebar.qt

Where:38 Ballarat St

When: Every day from 3pm

New Kid on the block, exchange bar is definitely in the running for cheapest drinks. We love their cocktails, you can grab yourself a fresh Mint Mojito for $12 and happy hour is currently from 3pm til 7pm.

Eat Space: @eatspacenz

Where: O'Connells Mall, 30 Camp St

When: Anytime

With a variety of foods to choose from, the new eat space is a great place to head when the crew can't decide what to eat. With something for everyone at reasonable prices, you can also grab a drink from the bar while you wait. Eat space boast the cheapest morning coffee at $3.50 Monday to Friday from 8am til 11am.

Harry's Pool Bar @harryspoolbar

Where: 8 Brecon Street

When: Tuesdays for half price pizza

If you like a chill vibe and fancy a couple of rounds of pool accompanied by some delicious pizza, head on down to Harry's. $12 pizza's are pretty hard to beat.

FOGO @fogoqueenstown

Where: 28 Ballarat street

When: Lunchtimes

The Fogo $25 lunch special is a dream for the hungry traveler. If the all you can eat evening BBQ isn't in your budget, then try the lunch special. We can recommend, FOGO was voted New Zealand's #1 Casual Dining experience in 2024.