An Insider’s Guide to Queenstown’s Nightlife

Queenstown is renowned for its stunning landscape, renowned adventure activities and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out, a romantic evening or just want to explore the local culture, Queenstown’s nightlife scene has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best places to go for a night out in Queenstown.

1. Where to go for a great evening out

If you’re looking for a great night out in Queenstown, head to the bustling bars and clubs of the town centre. From the iconic and lively Cow Lane to the buzzing World Bar, you’ll find plenty of lively venues to enjoy a drink and dance the night away. The Skyline Gondola is also a great spot for a drink, with an incredible view of the city lights and the lake. Don’t forget to check out the nearby bars on Shotover Street, too.

For something a bit more relaxed, head to the waterfront. The area is filled with a range of pubs, restaurants and bars with a fantastic view of Lake Wakatipu. Or, if you’re looking for something more intimate, there are plenty of cosy bars and cocktail lounges to explore. The Speight’s Ale House and Blue Door Bar are two of the more popular venues.

For a truly unique experience, head to the iconic Devil’s Staircase. This quirky bar is tucked away in the heart of Queenstown and serves up some of the best cocktails in the city. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the drinks are top-notch. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the signature ‘Devil’s Staircase’ shot – a blend of vodka, tequila and lime.

2. Live music venues

Queenstown is home to a thriving live music scene. From traditional pubs to modern bars, you’ll find plenty of venues to enjoy a night out and experience some of the best local and international acts. The Dux Live is one of the most popular live music venues in the city, with regular shows from up-and-coming local and international acts. The Ballarat Trading Company is another great spot for live music, with a range of local and international acts each week.

If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate, make sure to check out the Willows Bar. This cosy bar is tucked away in a quiet corner of Queenstown and hosts regular live music nights. The bar also serves up some of the best craft beers in town, so you can enjoy a cold one while you listen to some great tunes.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, head to the Backyard Bar. This quirky bar is tucked away in an alleyway in the heart of Queenstown and hosts regular live music nights. The bar also serves up a range of craft beers and cocktails, so you can enjoy a night of music and a few drinks.

3. Local festivals

Queenstown is home to some of the best festivals in the country. From the annual Queenstown Winter Festival to the much-loved Rhythm and Alps, there are plenty of events to enjoy. The Queenstown Winter Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the region, with live music, comedy acts, and an array of delicious food and drinks. The Rhythm and Alps is another popular event, with more than 40 live acts over three days.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, check out the Queenstown Jazz Festival. This intimate festival is held each year in the town centre and features some of the best local and international jazz acts. The Queenstown Garden Festival is also a great event, with a range of food, wine and craft stalls.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the Queenstown Beer Festival. This annual event takes place in the centre of Queenstown and features more than 100 craft beers and ales from local and international breweries. There are also plenty of food stalls and live music acts to enjoy.

4. Late-night eateries

When the bars close, there are plenty of late-night eateries to enjoy in Queenstown. From the classic Fish and Chips to the more adventurous Japanese and Indian cuisine, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. The Fergburger is a great spot for a late-night bite, with a range of burgers, fries and shakes to choose from. For something a bit more exotic, head to the India Express, which serves up some of the best Indian food in the city.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, head to the Queenstown Night Market. This lively night market is held every Thursday and Friday evening and features a range of local produce, crafts, and food stalls. You’ll also find plenty of live music and entertainment, so you can enjoy a night of fun and relaxation.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the local pubs. The Queenstown Pub crawl is a great way to explore the town’s bars and pubs, with a range of drinks and entertainment on offer. The pub crawl usually takes around four hours, and you’ll get to sample some of the best beer and cider in Queenstown.

5. Nightclubs

Queenstown is home to a range of vibrant nightclubs, from the iconic World Bar to the more low-key Subculture. The World Bar is one of the most popular clubs in the city, with a range of DJs and live acts performing each night. The club also serves up some of the best cocktails in town, so you can enjoy a few drinks while you dance the night away.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, head to the Subculture. This small club is tucked away in an alleyway and features regular DJs and live music. The club also serves up a range of craft beers and cocktails, so you can enjoy a night of music and drinks.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the local bars. The Ballarat Trading Company is a great spot to enjoy a few drinks and listen to some live music. The bar also serves up some of the best craft beers in town, so you can enjoy a cold one while you relax and listen to some tunes.

6. Where to find live comedy

Queenstown is home to a thriving comedy scene. From stand-up comedy to improv shows, you’ll find plenty of venues to enjoy a night of laughs. The Laughter Lounge is one of the most popular venues, with regular shows from local and international comics. The comedy club also serves up a range of craft beers and cocktails, so you can enjoy a night of laughs and drinks.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, make sure to check out the local pubs. The Willows Bar hosts regular comedy nights, with a range of local and international acts. The bar also serves up some of the best craft beers in town, so you can enjoy a cold one while you laugh the night away.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the Queenstown Comedy Festival. This annual event takes place in the centre of Queenstown and features some of the best local and international acts. The festival also features a range of food, drinks and entertainment, so you can enjoy a night of laughs and music.

7. Entertainment venues

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, Queenstown has plenty of venues to explore. The Queenstown Arts Centre is a great spot to catch a film or show, with regular performances from local and international acts. The centre also serves up some of the best craft beers and cocktails, so you can enjoy a night of entertainment and drinks.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, head to the Queenstown Ice Arena. This unique venue is tucked away in an alleyway in the town centre and features a range of ice sports and activities. You can also enjoy a few drinks at the bar while you watch the action on the ice.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more interactive, check out the local escape rooms. The Escape Room NZ is a great spot to test your skills and have a bit of fun. The rooms feature a range of puzzles and games, so you can challenge yourself and your friends.

8. What to wear

Queenstown’s nightlife scene is relatively relaxed, so you don’t need to worry too much about what to wear. However, if you’re heading to a bar or club, it’s best to dress smartly. Smart casual clothing is usually the way to go – think jeans and a nice shirt or dress.

If you’re heading to a live music venue, you can usually get away with a more casual look. Sneakers, t-shirts and jeans are usually fine, but it’s always best to check the venue’s dress code before you go.

Finally, if you’re heading to a comedy club or an entertainment venue, it’s best to dress comfortable. Jeans, t-shirts and sneakers are usually a safe option.

9. Safety tips

It’s important to stay safe when you’re out and about in Queenstown’s nightlife scene. Always make sure to stay in well-lit and populated areas, and never leave your drink unattended. It’s also a good idea to make sure you have a way to get home, either by taxi or public transport.

It’s also important to stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night and never leave drinks unattended. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, make sure to tell someone and get help immediately.

Finally, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the night to stay safe and healthy.

10. How to save money

Queenstown’s nightlife scene can be expensive, so it’s important to know how to save money. One of the best ways to save money is to take advantage of happy hour deals. Many of the bars and clubs in Queenstown offer discounted drinks during happy hour, so make sure to take advantage of these deals.

Another great way to save money is to look for special deals and discounts. Many of the bars and clubs in Queenstown offer discounts for students, seniors and members of the armed forces. Make sure to check the venue’s website or social media pages for more information.

Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of public transport. Queenstown has a great public transport system, so make sure to take advantage of it when you’re heading out for the night.

11. Where to find accommodation

If you’re planning a night out in Queenstown, it’s important to know where to stay. Queenstown has a range of hotels, motels and hostels, so you’ll be able to find something to suit your budget. The YHA Queenstown Central is a great spot for budget travellers, with a range of dorms and private rooms.

If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, head to the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park. This popular holiday park is located right on the lake and features a range of accommodation options, from camping and caravanning to cabins and apartments.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, check out the Skyline Gondola. The gondola offers stunning views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, and is a great spot to stay for a night or two.

12. Where to find the best views

Queenstown is renowned for its stunning landscape, so it’s no surprise that the city is home to some of the best views in the country. The Skyline Gondola is a great spot for panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, and is a popular spot for sunset views. The gondola also has a restaurant and bar, so you can enjoy a few drinks while you take in the views.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, make sure to check out the Ben Lomond Track. This scenic track is located just outside of Queenstown and features stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The track is also a great spot for hiking and biking, so you can explore the area and take in some of the best views in the city.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the Queenstown Hill. This popular spot is located in the centre of Queenstown and offers sweeping views of the city and the nearby mountains. The hill is also a great spot for a picnic or an evening stroll, so you can enjoy the views in peace.

Conclusion

Queenstown is renowned for its stunning landscape and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a great night out, a romantic evening or just want to explore the local culture, Queenstown’s nightlife scene has something for everyone. From lively bars and clubs to intimate pubs, live music venues and late-night eateries, there’s something to suit all tastes. So, make sure to take advantage of all Queenstown has to offer and explore the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.