Little Blackwood

Little Blackwood is a cocktail and wine bar in the historic Steamer Wharf on Queenstown's waterfront, and its heated deck overlooking Lake Wakatipu, with views across to the Remarkables, is one of the best places in town for a drink with a view. It is a polished but relaxed venue that works equally well for pre-dinner cocktails, a long afternoon with a board of cheese and a glass of wine, or a celebration.

The cocktail list is described as shaken and stirred, with classics such as an Old Fashioned alongside house creations like Dance with the Devil, and the bar regularly develops new drinks. The wine list features Gibbston Valley wines from the nearby Gibbston Valley, and there is New Zealand craft beer on tap.

Food is designed for sharing. The signature is the artisan meat and cheese board, made with Gibbston Valley cheeses and Zamora meats from an Argentinian producer, and there are other share plates and pizzas. Boards come with two or three cheeses and meats, from Wakatipu White Brie made with Jersey milk and an aged Glenroy Cheddar to Fiordland venison salami and air-dried pork loin with fennel, served with Otago honeycomb, grapes, olives, crackers and an apple and fig compote. Pizzas include a margherita with yuzu oil and Thai basil and a mushroom and truffle version, with gluten-free and vegan bases available, and share plates such as karaage chicken and slow-roasted pork belly.

The tourism board features Little Blackwood in its guide to cosy bars, with open fires, mulled wine and hearty menus in winter, so it is as appealing on a cold evening as on a sunny one. The heated deck means you can sit outside on cooler days too, and the setting within the historic Steamer Wharf adds to its character.

The venue is also popular for events, conferences, functions and weddings, so it is worth checking that it is open to the public on the day you plan to visit, especially at weekends. The office phone line operates during weekday business hours, and event enquiries can be made by email.

Little Blackwood suits couples, friends meeting for drinks, wine lovers and anyone wanting a lakeside setting. Steamer Wharf also houses Atlas Beer Cafe and is the departure point for the TSS Earnslaw, so it is easy to combine a drink here with a lake cruise or a casual dinner nearby.