What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Frankton Arm Tavern
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
Bar, Pub, New Zealand
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
FEATURES
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Takeout
Television
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.3
179 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
50
Average
7
Poor
4
Terrible
12
Belinda D
Ocean Grove34 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
We came here for lunch, it was so good we came back for dinner. I can't reccomend enough the fish (cod) and chips. Our group ordered a range of dishes from the menu and everyone was excited by thier choice. Congratulations on a great atmosphere and fantastic food 👌
Written 4 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Republic Hospitality
Hi Belinda, What a lovely review. We really appreciate you taking the time to write it, and we hope to see you again soon.
Written 6 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trail05939622017
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
A beautiful spot and great food - just a note that the only kid-friendly area is actually inside, as the semi-enclosed patio allows smoking. We were hoping to eat outside and were disappointed by that. But the service and food were great!
Written 22 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Republic Hospitality
Thanks for your feedback and kind words about the food and service—we really appreciate it! Sorry to hear the outdoor setup wasn’t quite what you were hoping for. We’ll keep your comments in mind as we’re always looking to make everyone’s experience better. Hope to see you back soon for another tasty meal, inside or out!
Written 26 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adam H
Busselton32 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
April you made our families evening and added to our already awesome trip. This is the best food and service experience we have had in NZ
We could see the Asian man wearing the Jim Beam hat in the kitchen. The bloke is a wizard in the kitchen you can see his passion and skill and he had a great sense of humour. I get cranky with crap steak but this was outstanding.
April went out of her way to accommodate us and I would say she is an asset to this pub. Cracking sense of humour and super efficient and switched on. The AFL was a nice touch. I am sorry you can't beat Ireland in Rugby!
We will be back😄👍
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly
Richmond7 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
The food was ok pub grub when it finally arrived. We strolled down from our close by accomodation thinking we would have a quick meal. It was busy but we weren’t notified of a wait. Our food arrived at 845pm about 120-130 after we ordered. Management did offer drinks when we complained but the thing that really unimpressed was how they said they couldn’t advise of a wait time as it snuck up on them and how others all around us got food quicker. A group who arrived at least half an hour after us got food at least ten minutes before us. Management said that is because we ordered fried chicken which takes a long time to cook compared to burgers. The couple next to us who arrived after us and got food at least 15 minutes before hand ordered pizza. Their wait was around an hour. I would not return for a meal if there were others customers. Also just to be aware the outdoor area is smoking permitted and lots of people were smoking when we were there.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smile2012
17 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Staff absolutely amazing. Ambience great. Can’t really see much of a view as back windows covered up. Pub staples dismal - avoid the chips and meat. Both awful. Garlic bread great (although you have to butter the hot bread with the garlic butter yourself- I actually liked this).
Written 19 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy Coombs
North Petherton1251 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
Great food and range of drinks in a proper local style pub. Steak was good and the margarita pizza really good too, I had fries with the pizza which I didn’t really need as the pizza was enough in itself. The staff were all really nice and friendly and there was good music playing while we were there. The views over the lake were lovely too.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Republic Hospitality
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your feedback about your visit to the Frankton Arm Tavern. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit.
We hope to see you back again soon.
Th e Frankton Arm Tavern team
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neville T
Wellington5 contributions
Mar 2020 • family
I have been a regular visitor to this place for over 50 years and the meal was just dreadful. I had the blue cod and there were 3 small pieces of fish a scoop of chips and a large amount of salad leaves that looked like it had just been emptied from a supermarket bag. The new owners look as if they are appealing to the local tradies and TAB users but don’t go here if your wanting a good meal in Frankton. I was with Frankton locals and they were also astounded.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mechelle M
Lower Hutt342 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
Was recommended this place by hotel owner in town, went for brunch. Lovely setting with indoor/outdoor areas, great views, very welcoming staff who seemed happy to be there and good background music. We ordered the all day breakfast and BLT , both were excellent. Best of all for me was the latte which was smooth and not burnt or bitter. Good to see dog bowls outside too. Highly recommended
Written 30 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheryl M
Auckland103 contributions
May 2022 • friends
Always a good spot to catch up with friends over a meal and we weren't disappointed as service from friendly staff member was great plus everyones meals were served with a smile plus very enjoyable.
Good choice of meals to suit all tastes plus wines/ drinks at a reasonable price. Views across lake & mountains plus a stunning sunset made for a very pleasant evening
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wattys4
Ashburton44 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
Lacking in everything but the view. Lacking in tables or seats, rude lady behind the bar, food with any flavour, any customer service. With no where to sit inside we were directed outside I. The rain.
Written 26 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Republic Hospitality
We appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback. Unfortunately we are quite limited in what we can do when we are full, and there are no tables or seats available. We would like to think our venue being full of people is a good sign. We are sorry to hear your comments regarding the staff behind the bar, and we will check in with the team to remind them our our expected levels of service.
Thanks,
The Frankton Arm Tavern Team
Written 29 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paddy murph
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • friends
Awesome place and great food, we received outstanding service from a member of staff “Brad” I was pleasantly surprised by his enthusiasm and ability to work a busy bar. He created great atmosphere made made our groups night easy and enjoyable. We will definitely be coming next time we are in town!
Written 4 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy P
Great to hear Paddy and thanks so much for taking the time to let us know. Looking forward to seeing you the next time you're in town!
Written 17 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandra A
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • none
Spent Saturday night at the Arms, it was awesome food, drinks and the best waiter ever. Thankyou Sam, for keeping us warm and feed. Thanks for taking us safely back to our accomodation we will definitely come back again.
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia P
Queenstown20 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
It’s always great to be back at FAT. We went there for some drinks at St. Patrick’s day and even busy, the staff were great, friendly and Anton even made a ☘️in the Guinness.
Pizza was great too! Always recommend this place!
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Republic Hospitality
Hi there,
Thank you so much for visiting and providing feedback about your recent time at The Frankton Arm Tavern.
What an epic day to pop in and see the team and it's awesome to hear that they showed you an amazing time during one of their busiest days of the year! Paddy's day always provides that buzz and atmosphere of fun.
Anton is a gem for adding some flare to your pint of Guinness, it always makes it more appealing to drink! We'll 100% pass on your feedback to him and the amazing team in the kitchen for providing some .
We can't wait to see you again for another Guinness and we look forward to you trying the rest of the menu.
Until next time,
The Frankton Arm Tavern team
Written 18 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rawinia
Auckland32 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
It’s the only pub I know of in Queenstown that is casual and relaxed. Beer prices are excellent for Queenstown, staff are very friendly. It’s more of a sports bar which I like!The food was good and the prices are also just as good. It’s a busy place in a quiet area near the airport with nice views.
When I return to Queenstown I’ll be back for a few. Cheers!
Written 7 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carissa G
7 contributions
Feb 2022 • couples
My husband (dark skinned Maori) and I (pakeha)were staying up the road and wanted to watch the fight. So we headed off to the local pub ‘Frankton Arm Tavern’. I walked in but husband had to go back to car to get his mask. I waited at the bar for him after being greeted by a lovely lady. Not long after my husband walks up to my looking rather up set. I asked him what’s the matter. He replied I have to leave. I ask why, he said because they are to full. I looked around and all pakehas cramped all together having a great time. Not one dark skinned guy. I said ok then let’s leave as he was fuming as more white people were coming in and sitting down and not getting asked to leave. Total discrimination. We only wanted to watch the fight with some locals.
Written 12 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-15 of 176
Related Stories
Best bars and pubs
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing