Café
Bespoke Kitchen
An Isle Street café at the foot of Bob's Peak, known for all-day brunch with strong vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices and organic Allpress coffee.
The Bathhouse
A café and restaurant in an Edwardian bathhouse built in 1911 on the lakeside at Queenstown Gardens, serving British-inspired food from breakfast to early evening.
At a glance
- Type
- Lakeside café and restaurant
- Area
- Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown, New Zealand
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily · 08:00–19:00
- Official site
- bathhouse.co.nz
Good to know
- Lake views
- Breakfast lunch and dinner
- French and local wines
- Weddings and events
Why we recommend it
The Bathhouse is one of the most distinctive buildings on the Queenstown waterfront. It was built in the classic Edwardian style in 1911, a year before the TSS Earnslaw was launched, to mark the coronation of King George V, and it stands on the lakeside at Queenstown Gardens. Today it describes itself as a Queenstown lakefront landmark, and its lakeside position looking across Lake Wakatipu is its great asset.
The kitchen's food harks back to Great British nostalgia, and the menu covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the drinks list includes a selection of French and New Zealand wines, which makes it as suitable for a glass of wine in the late afternoon as for a morning coffee. The tourism board lists it among its recommended places for coffee, and it is a natural place to pause during a walk around the gardens.
Because the TSS Earnslaw sails from the nearby Steamer Wharf, a morning cruise on the 1912 steamer followed by lunch in the 1911 Bathhouse makes a neat pairing of two buildings from the same Edwardian era. The Bathhouse is open every day from 8am to 7pm, which means it is best visited for breakfast, a long lunch or an early dinner rather than a late evening out. Reservations can be made through the website, which is a good idea for groups, and gift vouchers are also sold online. The building is popular for special events and weddings, and the manager handles Christmas bookings, functions and events directly.
The café belongs to the same family of restaurants as Aosta and Little Aosta in Arrowtown, Ahi in Auckland and Origine; Aosta itself holds a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide.
It suits couples, families and anyone wanting a meal with a lake view without leaving the town centre. Children can let off steam in the gardens nearby, which have a playground, open lawns and New Zealand's first permanent disc golf course. Combine a meal here with a loop around the peninsula past the rose garden, the heritage oaks planted in 1866 and the Scott Memorial, or with a walk along Marine Parade and the Steamer Wharf.
The Bathhouse FAQs
Where is The Bathhouse?
The Bathhouse is on the lakeside at Queenstown Gardens, on the Queenstown waterfront.
When was the building built?
It was built in 1911 in the Edwardian style to mark the coronation of King George V.
What are the opening hours?
The Bathhouse is open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 7pm.
What kind of food is served?
The menu harks back to Great British nostalgia and covers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Can I book a table?
Yes. Reservations can be made through the website, or call +64 3 442 5625.
Can The Bathhouse host events?
Yes. It hosts weddings, Christmas functions and other events.
What wines are served?
A selection of French and local wines.