Restaurant
The Boat Shed Cafe
847 Frankton Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Find The Boat Shed Cafe
847 Frankton Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout The Boat Shed Cafe
Claim a lakeside deck table for front-row views of the snow-capped Remarkables, where morning coffee comes with pure alpine calm. Out-of-town brunch seekers make the pilgrimage for a kitchen firing on all cylinders. Inside, original boatshed charm meets historic models of the TSS Earnslaw. Outside, heavy-duty heaters and blankets keep near-freezing chill at bay. The kitchen builds serious plates—spiced Turkish eggs, chorizo scramble tossed with crispy potatoes, and an artful banana bread that quietly upends ordinary cafe fare. Even a quick breakfast buttie or lunch order of spaghetti vongole gets serious craft, paired with a well-pulled flat white. Validated parking eases the trip, while floor staff run the room like an oiled machine.
- Cinematic Alpine Views: Unobstructed waterfront dining right at the edge of Lake Wakatipu facing the snow-capped Remarkables.
- Elevated Brunch Classics: Hearty plates ranging from chorizo scramble with crispy potatoes to Turkish eggs and banana bread.
- Cozy Nautical Charm: Outdoor heaters and blankets let you dine waterside in near-freezing temperatures alongside maritime artifacts inside.
- Easy Logistics: Convenient lakeside parking with merchant validation alongside access from the local bus stop.
What's On at The Boat Shed Cafe
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
Event
The Little Red Door Reopens at The Boat Shed Cafe
The Little Red Door Reopens From Monday, 21 September 2026 After weeks of work, the little red door is reopening with a refreshed space that honours the building’s history and its place in the lake’s story. Book a visit between 21 September and 31...
Why Guests Choose The Boat Shed Cafe
From heated lakeside seating to validated parking and front-row Remarkables views, see why diners choose The Boat Shed Cafe.
Lakeside breakfast framed by the Remarkables
The cafe sits directly on the Frankton lakefront, pairing specialty breakfast dishes like the chorizo scramble and banana bread with unobstructed panoramic views across the water to the snow-capped Remarkables.
Food was delicious, loved it and complimented by the beautiful lake views and snow capped Remarkables in the background.
Jessica Slattery An unhurried waterfront pause to start your trip or rest day
Whether starting a holiday right off a morning flight or unwinding on a rest day, guests enjoy thoughtful coffee drinks and warm hospitality that set an unhurried, welcoming pace.
Such a relaxing spot to slow down, unwind, and enjoy a great cup of coffee. Definitely one of those simple moments that makes your rest day even better.
Eugene EC All-weather outdoor seating with heaters and blankets
The outdoor patio is equipped with robust heaters and warm blankets, allowing diners to comfortably sit outside right by the water even when morning alpine temperatures plummet near freezing.
They also have an outdoor heater which was very helpful given the 1 degree weather haha.
Thisara Warnakumara Agampodige Convenient parking with merchant ticket validation
Arriving by car is seamless even during busy lakeside hours, with ample parking available nearby and full cafe validation provided for paid marina spots.
There is also plenty of parking and even if you have to park in paid parking spots they will validate it for you which is great!
Thisara Warnakumara Agampodige Memorable lakefront setting for dates and special moments
The peaceful lakeside terrace provides an intimate, unpretentious backdrop that makes couple outings and special romantic dates feel peaceful and memorable.
The atmosphere was peaceful, relaxing, and perfect for a special date.
norbe ocañada Effortless gatherings for visiting families and groups
Families and traveling groups find spacious indoor and scenic outdoor tables paired with an extensive menu spanning kids' favorites, brunch plates, and craft drinks that please every generation.
Breakfast with your loved ones and a gorgeous view of the mountains, how could it get better?
Mia Tostevin
Most popular items
Most popular dishes chosen by lakeside brunch diners
chorizo scramble
“This is one of the best breakfast meals I’ve ever had” (ordered the chorizo scramble)
Erin Wilson turkish eggs
I had the Turkish eggs they were delicious and full of flavour
mariah shaw banana bread
I had the banana bread for my meal and to say it was tasty is an understatement, this was spectacular and delicious.
Mia Tostevin French toast
The French toast was gorgeous
Jemma .Ansell
Other favorites
Specialty coffee and drinks to complement your lakeside visit
Biscoff latte
the Biscoff latte was so good too
mariah shaw iced tiramisu latte
The iced tiramisu latte is always lovely
Vy Vy tiramisu cold brew
the tiramisu cold brew was exactly like the dessert in drink form
Jemma .Ansell oat cappuccino
The coffee was smooth, perfectly balanced, and made even better with the beautiful lakeside view.
Eugene EC
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality touches that elevate dining along the Frankton waterfront
Blankets and Outdoor Heaters
Diners can stay warm while sitting outdoors directly on the lakefront during frosty alpine weather with provided warm blankets and outdoor heaters.
Paid Parking Validation
For patrons parking in nearby paid parking spaces, staff validate parking tickets to ease the arrival experience.
Historic Maritime Boat Models
The interior showcases models of historic lake vessels, including the TSS Earnslaw, seamlessly blending the dining space with the building's maritime heritage.
Attentive Medical Dietary Care
Staff demonstrate attentive, personalized dietary accommodations for diners with medical and autoimmune conditions, taking time to listen and provide reassurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I make a reservation before visiting?
Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially on weekends or busy brunch hours when walk-ins may face a wait. You can reserve in advance to secure a lakeside or outdoor table.
Can you sit outside comfortably when it is cold?
Yes. The cafe offers outdoor seating right on the waterfront, equipped with outdoor heaters and blankets to keep diners warm even on cold or near-freezing mornings.
Is parking available at the cafe?
Yes. Parking is available nearby with both free and paid lot options, and the cafe validates parking for paid spots.
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