We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

“If you don’t like a coffee stop to take 2 hours, don’t go here!”

The Boat Shed Cafe and Bistro
Ranked #1 of 19 Restaurants in Frankton
Cuisines: Contemporary
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Dining options: Breakfast, After-hours, Reservations
Description: The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Cycle or walk along the Frankton Track or arrive by boat to the Frankton Marina. Our seasonal menu features the very best, locally sourced produce and we are fully licensed, offering local wines and beers.
Reviewed 9 March 2024 via mobile

We had heard good things about this place and it was walking distance from where we were staying so we decided to go for brunch. Waited to be seated for 30 minutes, with 15 minutes spent at the front of the queue. Many tables were free and just needed clearing but the manager was too busy distributing coffees and asking her team what she could do rather than seating customers or asking team members to clear the tables. We have never seen such poor time management. Not only was this a frustrating waste of our time, it was painful to watch her significantly slow down the establishment’s revenue. The people right behind us in the queue were seated 15 minutes after us, again when there were tables available for them. We then decided we would just order coffees and a cake instead of food, thinking this would be quicker. My biscoff latte came 25 minutes after it was ordered and was lukewarm despite me having ordered it extra hot. I sent it back and received no apology. I had removed its biscuit and when it returned at a normal heat, this biscuit hadn’t even been replaced - stingy and showing a basic lack of customer service. It also wasn’t very nice (turns out the consistency of biscoff spread doesn’t translate well into a hot drink) and I didn’t even finish it. My partner’s hot drink arrived within that time, about 30 minutes after it was ordered. Despite making clear that we weren’t happy, not once was anyone apologetic and once we had to queue (another 10 minutes) to pay, no one offered any kind of gesture. With only 1.5 days in Queenstown and lots to do, I was upset and in disbelief that a coffee stop had taken up a disproportionately large portion of our time there. I would discourage everyone from going here as there are lots of better options that also have a lovely setting. Only go here if you like your coffee stops to involve an hour of queuing and an hour of waiting! Disappointing and frustrating.

Date of visit: March 2024
1  Thank itstaratime
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.
Reviews (551)
Traveller rating
Traveller type
Time of year
Language
  • More languages

17 - 21 of 551 reviews

Reviewed 25 February 2024 via mobile

About 5km up the Franklin Arm from town this old railway station - boat shed is a great spot to have something to drink and a bite to eat, food was great, service could have been friendlier, very popular so if you have the chance to book, do so.

Date of visit: February 2024
Thank Lesley M
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.
Reviewed 10 January 2024 via mobile

Nice and cozy stop when you are on the Queenstown/Frankton Trail either by bike or on foot. Great coffee and sandwiches. Nice view and good service.

Date of visit: January 2024
Thank thaisfuncia
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.
Reviewed 23 December 2023

Excellent breakfast, enjoyed by all the family in our group of 10.
So much so that we did repeat visits.
The salmon waffles were a big hit.

Date of visit: June 2023
    • Value
    • Atmosphere
    • Service
    • Food
Thank Traveling60plus
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.
Reviewed 21 December 2023 via mobile

Beautiful setting on the water front nestled amongst the trees with lovely staff. Our drinks were hot and our meals were delicious.

Date of visit: December 2023
8  Thank melwilkesnz
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.

Travellers who viewed The Boat Shed Cafe and Bistro also viewed

 
Queenstown, Otago Region
Queenstown, Otago Region
 

Been to The Boat Shed Cafe and Bistro? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos & Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
© 2025 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.