Vudu Café & Larder

Set on Queenstown’s lakefront, this all-day café balances a relaxed pace with accomplished cooking. The space is warm and functional, framed by wood panelling and indoor greenery, with a steady flow of both locals and visitors.

The menu favours seasonal ingredients and well-made café standards—bright salads, toasted sandwiches and house-baked cakes rotate regularly. Vegan and gluten-free options are built in, not bolted on. Coffee is made with beans from a local roaster and tends to the smooth and strong.

It’s busiest mid-morning to early afternoon, but service holds steady and queues move fast. We’d save a seat by the window for views of Lake Wakatipu.