Nightclubs in Queenstown
Who doesn’t like to go wild to the sound of blaring music? If you have one desire, and that desire is to dance, then you should head to these bars and nightclubs in Queenstown. The South Island town has been dubbed a party town after all.
The nightlife is pretty variable so any traveller can find something to suit their tastes, from hip hop to rock. Look out for dedicated events, such as Latino nights! Additionally, Queenstown comes alive in winter with the Queenstown Winter Festival.
Remember, in Queenstown especially, you are likely to be check for valid ID when purchasing alcohol. Check out What ID is Valid for Buying Alcohol in New Zealand? for more information.
And once/if you get tired of dancing, here are some generally awesome bars in Queenstown or some bars for a quiet pint. Plus, have somewhere to stay at the end of the night by checking out The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown.
1. Loco Cantina
This small venue is where you will find the hostel crowds, as it is Nomads‘ and Base‘s partner bar. A mix of Mexican food, nightly entertainment and crowd-pleaser tunes makes Loco Cantina a fun place to party in Queenstown. Check out some of their ridiculously affordable food deals at Cheap Eats in Queenstown.
Location: 48 Shotover Street
2. Rhinos Ski Shack
Hidden in a basement on Cow Lane, Rhinos is the place to be for apres ski! The ski shack is open all year round, with food, drinks, games and hip-hop music late into the night.
Location: 6 Cow Lane
3. Vinyl Underground
The hidden gem of Queenstown’s nightlife, Vinyl Underground is off the main streets and an awesome place to end your night. The club features local live music, DJs and open mic nights. Drink cocktails, play pool and dance until 4am.
Location: 12B Church Street
4. Winnies
Winnies is a gourmet pizza spot by day and a hub for crazy dance moves by night. It is a bigger venue so there tends to be space to pull some dangerous shapes. It’s open late-night so is definitely a good go-to for the end of a big night out.
Location: 7-9 The Mall
5. Searle Lane
Another bigger venue compared to the usual small bars in Queenstown. Searle Lane plays hits for everyone to live entertainment. Don’t miss some of their super cheap pizzas on Thursdays. More details can be found at Cheap Eats in Queenstown.
Location: 15 Church Street
More Things to Do in Queenstown
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
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About The Author
Laura S.
This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.