A Queenstown hotelier believes the resort's overseas visitors have eyes bigger than their livers - and it's getting them into trouble.

Anne Henley, manager of the Glebe Hotel, believes the duty-free alcohol limit is too high and people bringing themselves into the country are trying to drink too much to take advantage of it.

Currently four litres can be purchased at our borders, compared to two litres in Australia.

So for a week long visit, that equates to around 20 standard drinks a night.

Ms Henley says four litres is excessive.

"I don't think they realise just how much it is, because as I say we have cupboards and cupboards of it that people just can't take back and can't drink."