| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
entertainment
Be prepared to be entertained when you visit Queenstown because the fun and entertainment never stops in this holiday resort. As big as a world famous ski festival, or as small as a local fete - whatever your entertainment dreams, this is the place to find it!
Central Queenstown has a huge selection of bars and nightclubs, these include luxury hotel and boutique bars boasting an opulent ambience combined with top shelf liquors and fine wines for intimate or relaxing evenings. However, if you prefer a more bustling and down-to-earth atmosphere, there are plenty of pubs and bars that are frequented by locals and tourists alike, including sports bars where you can enjoy a pint of beer while watching a game of rugby on the ‘big screen’ or play a game of pool or darts. Does Queenstown ever sleep? Not likely! With so many tourists in the district (either working or playing), many of the bars have an international feel to them and the dance floor can be described as a great big international melting pot. There are a few bars that are popular with the young, backpacker crowd, offering cheap drinks and very loud music to the small hours of the morning, however there is more to Queenstown then rowdy tourist nightclubs! Sophisticated wine bars, upmarket clubs featuring top DJ’s, stylish cocktail bars with lounge music and licensed cafes are all easy to find and within easy walking distance from each other.
One bar that I think deserves a mention is Minus 5, simply because it is so unique. This is the place where you walk in the door with a huge winter jacket on provided by management and then enjoy a frosty drink or two in minus temperature conditions! That’s right! Everything in this bar is made of ice, including the glass you drink out of, the table you put your glass on, the sculptures, the seats and the bar you order your drink from. Of course there is more to Queenstown’s entertainment then just bars and clubs.
The biggest, brightest and most famous festival entertainment is most definitely the annual Queenstown Winter Festival. Running for over 33 years now, this week long festival brings visitors from around the world to enjoy over 60 crazy events! From celebrity ski races, to comedy shows, fireworks, concerts, markets, bands, masquerade ball, variety shows, sporting competitions and much more. Each winter Queenstown bursts at the seams with visitors and entertainers during the excitement that is the Queenstown Winter Festival. Other events on offer throughout the year include major New Zealand golf tournament, outdoor concerts, jazz festivals, sporting events, major snow events hosted by the top ski fields (including the Southern Hemisphere's biggest snowboarding event), film festivals, mardi gras, cocktail making world cup, Gay Ski Week and so much more! |
From a relaxing glass of Central Otago wine by a roaring open fire to the pumping sounds at one of the many late night clubs, there is plenty of evening entertainment to be found in the Southern Lakes District.
During winter experience après ski in front of a roaring log fire and on those long summer nights relax in one of the outdoor garden bars with a locally brewed beer while listening to a top Kiwi or international live band.
Queenstown hosts some of the biggest and best festivals and events to be seen in New Zealand and perhaps the world!