Queenstown | The Party Capital that the City is!

Queenstown Nightlife is buzzing, lively and most of all fun. There’s a decent choice of both dedicated bars and restaurant-bars all easily found within a short distance of each other in the centre of town. Stylish cocktail bars are a great place to relax and soak up the setting. Craft beer specialist pubs will find favour with those looking to combine fine beer with casual dining.

The nightlife in Queenstown caters for any type of night out. There are Irish bars, Ice Bars, waterfront bars, floating bars on the lake, wine bars, live music bars and sports bars to enjoy those big sporting events. There’s also a good choice of late-night bars, so party goers will not be disappointed.

Nightlife in Queenstown is never dull. Many bars, particularly along Shotover Street, are open until the early hours.  The Steamer Wharf and Lake Esplanade area is a little more genteel, with some fantastic restaurants and swish cocktail bars to tempt you.

Kiwi Haka

See a stunning Maori Cultural Show at Skyline Queenstown. There are 4 shows each night which includes traditional song and dance, a poi display and an up close and personal live haka. You could even combine the live haka show with a meal at the Skyline Restaurant and of course a return gondola ride up there.

Fear Factory

If you’re really looking for something a bit different to do why not scare yourself stupid at a haunted house? Over 15,000 people have chickened out so far, will you be brave enough?

Hot Pools Onsen

A spa with a view! Treat yourself to this amazing experience. Open up your spa room doors for the most fabulous views while relaxing in a hot pool! 

Night Bungy

Do the 47m ledge bungy at night! You’ll have to take the gondola up there (unless you fancy a hike), but this just gives you good views on the way there. Night Bungy’s are not always available, so please contact them for more information.

Lake Cruise

Go back in time and dine and cruise on the Lake on a steamship. They have a pianist onboard so feel free to have a singalong.

The World Bar

The World Bar is probably most famous for serving cocktails in teapots but they also serve a variety of craft beers as well as the usual drinks you get in bars. There are DJ’s or live bands every night of the week, you’re pretty much guaranteed a good night here. What you might not be aware of is how good their food is. If you get a chance try their chicken and waffles; sounds disgusting, tastes amazing.

Winnies

A relaxed gourmet pizza place by day, with live music, DJ’s and more at night. Every night of the week there is something fun going on from Old School Tunes to Aussie Nights and “Tight Arse Tuesdays”.

Searle Lane

Searle Lane has a really nice feel to it, probably helped by the cozy, roaring fire. Open until 4am on Saturday nights, Searle Lane is a good place for dancing. It’s also really good for rotisserie chicken and massive pizza!

1876

This is a particularly good bar to visit during summer when you can take advantage of their huge sundeck whilst listening to live music. The views aren’t bad either. 1876 occupies the Old Courthouse building making it one of Queenstown’s most historic buildings. They have great daily specials and it’s the perfect place to start your evening.

Pig & Whistle

More of a local’s pub than a bar, this is the place to come for a few quiet beers. You know, somewhere where you can actually hear your friends speak! If you’re British then this pub will make you feel like you’re back at home, well they do call it Queenstown’s original English pub. A nice relaxed place that offers live music. It’s a really nice building too.

Many of the bars in Queenstown open until late, therefore many of them could probably be described as clubs as well as pubs. Listed below however are the places which only open at night.

Cowboys

If the name of this place hasn’t given it away yet, this is a themed bar, complete with saddles for bar stools and its very own bucking bronco! Get your cowboy boots on and singalong to some quality country music while drinking bourbon or whiskey! This place is fun, but often very busy, so you might have to queue to get in!

Zephyr

Zephyr is awesome for live music. Classic hits are covered in live jam sessions by local bands. Whether you’re into soul, punk, rock or even jazz you’re going to love this bar.

Loco Cantina

Located at Base Queenstown, Loco is a classic backpacker bar. Offering good food and drink deals, DJ’s and live music acoustic sessions as well as the opportunity to win great prizes by taking part in a few silly competitions.

Vinyl Underground

Another great venue with awesome DJ’s spinning tunes late into the night. There’s a great vibe here helped by the fact it’s an underground bar. There are also plenty of drink specials to help get you in the mood for dancing.

Rhino’s Ski Shack

This is a themed bar found hidden away in a basement. The decor has a real alpine ski resort feel, with lots of handcrafted features, logs and even some vintage skis. They do have ski and snowboard storage available so this is a great place to come after a day on the slopes. Also, a great place to meet ski instructors. Make sure to have an eggnog shooter!

Bungalow

It’s very easy to stay at Bungalow from when they open until they close. Start your evening off playing a few classic board games with your mates, or have a meal on their balcony as the sun goes down, or inside by the fire if it’s chilly. As the evening wears on see it transform into an awesome club with DJ’s really getting the party started.

Hopefully we’ve given you many ideas for what to do at night in Queenstown. One thing is for sure, it’s very hard to get bored in this town!