10 Best Nightlife in The Southern Alps and Fiordland, New Zealand

In winter, Bardeaux has that upscale mountain-après-ski atmosphere; even in summer there's a fair chance the fire will be roaring. There's a wide selection of whiskey and wine, and they know how to fix you up a cocktail. It's a pleasing bar that's good for a quiet, intimate evening.

This bar's in an iconic spot at the top of Ardmore Street. Sit inside or out and soak up the amazing views of the lake and mountains; if you get hungry they turn out pub-style tapas and lunch, as well as dinner with a separate kids' menu. If you just want a pint in the sun, or after dark, the Lake Bar is a great place for visitors and locals alike.

Ice bars have become popular over the past few years, and it's great fun if you've never tried one---even just for the beautiful ice sculptures. They deck you out in jackets and gloves prior to entering. In summer, it's a good reminder of how close to Antarctica you are, and, in winter, it just adds to the alpine resort experience. It costs NZ$30 to get in, $35 with a cocktail and $40 for two cocktails.

With its roaring fire, good food, and quirky decor, Searle Lane is a popular Queenstown spot. There's plenty of beer on tap and a good selection of wine by the glass. They do a mean cocktail, too. The food is made for sharing with hearty choices; their specialty is rotisserie chicken, which is seriously good.

This bar offers the best range of New Zealand and international beer in town, including the stand-out local beer, Queenstown's own Altitude Brewing. There's a great pub food menu of burgers and sandwiches and a nice balcony from which to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Queenstown.

If you want a late bite and a good bottle of wine, pop into The Cow on Post Office Lane for good garlic bread, pizza, and spaghetti. It's a very comfortable place, modeled in local stone and heavy timber, just like the original Cow in nearby Queenstown. In winter, the open fireplace does an incredible job of warming the bones (and the wine). Feel free to add commentary to their restroom chalkboard walls.

In this cozy historic building there are 20 beers and ciders on tap, a great selection of local Central Otago wine, and a hearty pub-style menu for lunch and dinner. If you're looking for a lively spot to enjoy a beer and share stories after a big day of skiing or sightseeing, this is it. Don't sit too close to the fire if you can help it as it can get very hot.

This is a very popular upscale bar with a deck on the lakefront and an outdoor fire in winter. Head here for late-night entertainment. It has an attractive and hearty food menu, and it often hosts live music acts.