About Bungalow
Bungalow is a unique hybrid venue – part cosy mountain-style gastropub, part late-night nightclub – located at 26 Camp Street in Queenstown’s central Village Green complex. It features rustic, alpine-chalet décor with wood accents, warm amber lighting and vintage furnishings, creating a welcoming, bohemian atmosphere reminiscent of a ski lodge. Outdoor touches like potted plants and a furnished rooftop balcony add a sunny terrace vibe with views towards Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. The vibe is intentionally laid-back during dinner hours, but after dark the space transforms into one of Queenstown’s liveliest dance clubs, with DJs spinning until 4 AM. Bungalow is notable as one of the few venues in Queenstown that stays open past midnight (closed around 4 AM on weekends), making it a favourite late-night gathering spot. It’s a local institution for both travellers and residents, appreciated for its generous opening hours, friendly service and its blend of hearty pub food, board games and cocktail culture by day, and a full-on party scene by night. While it’s not a heritage building or landmark, its location in the Village Green – a mixed-use complex of bars, apartments and courtyards – makes it a community hub. In short, Bungalow matters to the local scene as the go-to “third place” for good food and drinks earlier on, and the de facto last stop for fun later on, with a distinctly Kiwi flair in both service and style.
Events and Programming
Bungalow operates on a bar-and-club model rather than a fixed performance schedule. From about 5 PM to 10 PM each day it functions as a casual gastropub with background music and pub trivia/board games. After 10 PM, the lights drop, DJs arrive and the dance floor fills. Music programming covers a range of electronic styles – house, hip-hop, R&B and aux-heavy top 40 remixes are common on peak nights – and local or touring DJs spin most evenings, especially Fridays and Saturdays. Themed party nights (Latin nights, 90s throwback sets, special producer showcases) happen regularly, and large events do occur: for example, Bungalow has hosted Queenstown Winter Pride after-parties and festival after-hours events in recent seasons. Promoters occasionally bring in international acts; in 2022 Australian DJ Luka Sambe played a sold-out deep-house night here. Most everyday club nights are open-entry or have modest cover charges (often NZ$5–$15 on busy weekends), and some special events require advance tickets. During the daytime hours Bungalow also runs food-and-drink promotions – Taco Tuesdays (six tacos for NZ$12 has been offered) and early-evening happy-hour specials (for instance NZ$10 espresso martinis or $6 house shots) are popular. Notable moments include epic late-night NYE and summer ski-season parties (the DJ booth faces a packed central floor with dancing “après-bar” crowds), plus impromptu open-mic or acoustic nights upstairs. Overall, Bungalow’s calendar is determined by Queenstown’s nightlife rhythms: brunch not expected, but expect a lively lineup of DJs and club nights each weekend, with the occasional live performance or festival tie-in sprinkled in.
Tickets and Booking
Bungalow doesn’t have a traditional ticket sales office or many reserved seats. Most nights are casual walk-in affairs. For regular evenings (especially midweek), just showing up is fine, and large groups can often find space if they arrive before the peak crowd. On busy Friday/Saturday nights or special event nights, expect a door charge (typically NZ$5–15) and possibly a queue. There’s no seating plan to book in advance. For big-name or special events (announced via social media and local event sites), you may need to buy a ticket online. These tickets often go on sale through local (New Zealand) ticketing platforms or on Facebook events. It’s wise to join Bungalow’s Facebook or Instagram to catch presale announcements. In peak season (summer and winter ski peaks), popular party nights do fill up, so guests often arrive early (9–10 PM) to secure entry. Box office style sales are rare; instead, check local listings for “Bungalow Queenstown” events. For walk-in nights, no reservations are needed for drinks or general entry. However, if you want a table or a bottle service for a specific night, it’s recommended to call ahead or message the venue. Advanced bookings for food before club hours (5–8 PM) can be made by phone or email, but remember the dining area doubles as part of the club space later. In short, for most visitors: buy ahead only if a specific DJ or band is headlining, otherwise just turn up with ID and cash/card ready for drinks and any cover charge.
Seating and Layout
Bungalow’s interior is open-plan with a rectangular footprint. Inside, the long wooden bar runs along one wall, with tall bar stools and cocktail tables nearby. Scattered around the main floor are low sofas, lounge benches, and communal high tables for groups. There are no fixed rows of seats or numbered tables; seating is freeform. The central space in front of the DJ booth is kept open as the dance floor. The small DJ booth is up on a platform at one end of the room, visible from most spots. At the far end a fireplace and retro arcade machine (with old-school games and Mario Kart on a big screen) create a relaxed “lounge” niche. Stairs from the side of the main room lead up to a second-level balcony/deck with outdoor seating – couches and tables under umbrellas – overlooking the club. The balcony offers a quieter perch with mountain views (though no music direct due to distance), perfect for late-afternoon sun and cocktails. Patrons often mix – sipping wine outside or on the upstairs couches early on, then migrating down to dance nearer the speakers as the night heats up. The best “seats” depend on your vibe: by the bar or couches for a chill-out vibe and clear sightlines of the room, or up front on the floor area for the full dance experience (noting this is general admission so arrive early once club mode begins). On packed nights, the walls and corners can feel boomy with bass; for better sound fidelity stand nearer the speakers or in the middle of the floor. The balcony is usually cooler (both temperature and mood) once it gets crowded inside, and sometimes has outdoor heaters. One caveat: the upstairs balcony is only reachable by stairs, so any mobility impairment may limit you to the ground floor. There is no mezzanine or second indoor floor besides this modest outdoor deck. Overall, the space handles more people than it appears – locals joke it “fits a surprising number” when filled – but the layout is cozy rather than cavernous, giving every corner a friendly vibe.
Getting There and Parking
Bungalow is very easy to locate in central Queenstown. Its street address is 26 Camp Street, right on the Village Green pedestrian plaza between Camp and Church Streets. It’s just a block east of Steamer Wharf (lakefront terminal) and the main Queenstown bus hub. If you arrive by foot or bus, you’ll find it with a 5–10 minute walk from the Queenstown central interchange (corner of Shotover and Beach Roads). By car, Camp Street runs one-way from the center toward Frankton; coming from Steamer Wharf drive east on Beach Road, turn left onto Camp, and you’ll see the Village Green building on your left. The entrance to Bungalow is off Camp Street via an outdoor stairwell. If you use rideshares or taxis (or Wing/Urovo), instruct the driver “Village Green, Camp Street” or just walk along Church Street and turn onto Camp – it’s quite obvious once near.
Parking in central Queenstown is tight. On-street metered parking is extremely limited and usually has short time limits (often 2 hours). It’s not recommended to rely on street parking during an evening out. Instead, use nearby car parks: the Central Park garage (54 Camp Street, literally next door) is ideal and safe – rates are around NZ$6 per half hour, with a night rate of about $14 from 4pm onward (and a daily cap around $50 for 12 hours). Another option a block away is the Wilson Parking Church Street car park at 14 Church Street (entry from Church Street) with rates from roughly $3.50 per half-hour (about $7/hour). Both lots have security and alcohol-locking features, so they typically stay open late. If planning to stay late, note that Queenstown’s local buses stop running around 10pm. After that, your best options home are taxi/Uber (if available) or pre-arranged rideshare transfers. The Village Green also has a bike rack if cycling, though cycling afterward in drunken state is discouraged. For public transit, Queenstown’s Orbus buses (Otago Regional Council service) serve stops on Church and Camp Streets – Routes 1, 4 and 5 in town, connecting to Frankton/airport and suburbs – but evening services wind down after 10pm. A convenient tip: there’s often a free local shuttle running loops through town in summer (check local Council info) that stops near Church and Ballarat Streets. But on nights, expect to pay for a ride share or taxi to get home since Bungalow wraps up at 4am.
Inside the Venue
Entering Bungalow, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who may check your ID at the door (don’t forget to bring photo ID if you plan to drink – New Zealand law requires it after dark). Inside, the vibe is relaxed and convivial up until about 10pm. The long bar serves a mix of local craft beers (usually taps plus bottled imports) and an inventive cocktail list. Patrons often praise the bar’s espresso martinis and signature alpine-themed drinks. Happy hour (typically 6pm–8pm) brings specials like $10 cocktails or discounted pints. If arriving early, you can order from the food menu—“pub grub” fare with a twist: think loaded fries, mac ’n’ cheese bites, tacos, burger sliders, nachos or jalapeño poppers. Specials like Taco Tuesday (6 tacos for $12, etc.) pop up often. Seating on the main level includes lounge couches, stools and communal tables; there’s even some pile of board games and an arcade terminal for vintage games. The upstairs deck has outdoor sofa seating and often a couple of heaters – a pleasant spot for talking or device-tying (Wi-Fi is generally available though the password changes, so just ask the bar for it). Bathrooms (men’s and women’s) are on the main floor by the back; there are no family or gender-neutral toilets known. No coat check is provided, so keep belongings in sight or carry only small bags; note that large backpacks and party crowds could make your stuff a target. If you want to escape the bustle, the back lounge corner with fireplace is a nice chill zone early on. When night falls (from 10pm onward) the bartenders fire up the DJ console, lights dim and the crowd shifts onto the dance floor. At that point, most server focus is on drinks rather than food. Staff remain approachable but busy; lines at the bar move steadily but you might order rounds if it’s full. Smoking is only allowed outside on the deck (per NZ law), where designated areas may have ashtrays or heaters. Notably, connectivity is no issue: cell service and local 4G are strong for calls or rideshare apps, and many guests post via Instagram as the night goes on. Merchandise (like branded shirts or hats) usually isn’t sold here; it’s more casual, with a focus on drinks rather than promo. In all, expect a friendly, pub-style entry and atmosphere that slowly morphs into an energetic club scene – and do enjoy any free board games or arcade break when you first arrive!
Nearby Amenities
Bungalow’s location is one big plus: it’s surrounded by cafes, restaurants and hotels in easy walking distance. For pre-show dinner just steps away in Village Green are eclectic options (e.g. a lively pizza restaurant and a modern Asian eatery) and on adjacent blocks there’s Queenstown’s famed Fergburger (less than a block east) and various fast-casual spots (Burgers, sushi, coffee shops). The Cow Restaurant on Cow Lane (5 min walk) is a cozy spot for ribs or pizza. For drinks before or after, nearby bars include Dias Tavern (classic pub fare) or a craft beer taproom on Church Street. Affordable cafes and bakeries line Shotover Street for a coffee run or snacks, and if you get there too early for your own pub, the waterfront Esplanade offers great lake views (or the Wharfside pub). Accommodation options are abundant: Rydges Hotel is literally next door on Camp Street, Novotel lakeside and Mercure hotels are a few minutes’ walk, and many motels and lodges cluster around Beach and Brisbane Streets. For late-night travel, note that Camp Street turns into the nightlife beat – it’s safe to walk out with a group. A helpful hack: some high season local shuttles (like the free campsite shuttle) drop you nearby, but these end by night. If you finish late, the nearest taxi stand is at the Steamer Wharf (or order one via app). Also keep a list of local restaurant phone numbers (`takeaway` style) in case you get peckish – a late-night Fergburger 24hr might do! In summary, Bungalow is at the heart of everything Queenstown offers after dark, so any hotels, eateries or celebrations you need are a stone’s throw away.
What Makes This Venue Special
Bungalow stands out by blending Kiwi pub comfort with adventurous nightlife. Its distinctive ski-chalet décor – lots of timber, vintage blankets and soft ambient light – gives it a personality far from a sterile downtown club. The sun-drenched north-facing balcony distinguishes it: few places in Queenstown let you sip a cocktail in late arvo sun while still being in town. Structurally it’s unassuming, but creation of a true “third place” in a tourist town where bars share walls is special. Locals and season-workers often point to Bungalow as the only bar open late in the quiet midweek, so it becomes a community campfire for travellers and expats alike. Over the years it’s earned a reputation for legendary nights: open-mic and karaoke nights have launched upcoming artists in Queenstown, and Pride after-parties here are now tradition, reinforcing its inclusive scene. Many locals joke it’s the “club left riding forever after the remaining bars close,” cementing its role in late-night culture. Economically, it adds a nightlife layer that keeps tourists spending hours downtown (benefitting nearby businesses), and has provided jobs – especially during ski seasons – from bartenders to security. In the broader Queenstown story, Bungalow marks a shift to more sophisticated apres and nightlife. It isn’t just a generic spot; the name “Bungalow” comes to mind when people think “after-party bar.” The repeated five-star mentions in visitor reviews often cite its friendly vibe, cheap drinks (happy hour bargains), and killer DJ nights. The venue’s special blend of chalet coziness and DJ-den intensity has earned it a distinct cultural niche: artists love playing there because the audience is wild yet happy (and often dance till dawn), and patrons love it because they aren’t treated like tourists but as part of the “crew.” Local anecdotes praise how once the rest of town shuts down, everyone migrates to Bungalow – a testament to its “last call” status. Architecturally it may not be landmark, but its carefully curated atmosphere (rainbow lights, board games, balcony fireside chats) and its late license make it an icon of Queenstown nightlife and social life.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan Your Time: Bungalow kitchen typically closes around 10pm. If you want dinner or seats for dining, arrive by 7–8pm. For the party vibe, head there later after 10pm or just before midnight. Lockers and Bags: There are no coat or bag checks, so travel light. Small purses and daypacks are fine, but bulky luggage or large shopping bags may get turned away. Many guests carry only essentials (ID, wallet, phone).ID Required: After dark (10pm onward), it’s strictly 18+ inside. Bring valid ID (NZ driver’s license, passport or Kiwi Access Card) to prove your age for any alcohol purchase. Without ID you may be refused entry.Dress Code: The dress vibe is casual but tidy. Jeans, tees, skirts and sneakers (or dressy tops) are all acceptable. Avoid beachwear, bare feet or swimwear. If dancing, wear comfortable shoes – no shoes policy won’t fly here. Noise and Ear Protection: Bass can be heavy inside. If sensitive, consider earplugs (they’re a subtle way to protect hearing at clubs). All ages of music fans are there, but expect loud EDM/hip-hop after 10pm.Payment: Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at the bar and for food. Cash is accepted but not needed. Keep some coin or small notes in case a mobile EFTPOS is busy during peak.Accessibility: The ground floor (bar and dance area) is at street level with only a couple of steps, so it’s mostly accessible, but the upstairs balcony is only reachable by stairs – no elevator – so wheelchair access is limited. Tables are movable. There are ramps into the Village Green courtyard, though some older sidewalk sections have minor curb steps. If you need assistance, staff are generally very helpful if asked.Photography: Photos and social media posts are fine (in fact encouraged), but video or flash photography during performance nights can be considered a security/safety issue, especially in dark, foggy settings. Be discreet. The venue tends to be permissive unless a DJ specifically requests no phones. Safety: Queenstown is very safe, but use normal caution. Group up if leaving very late, and aware that surfaces (stairs, outdoor decks) could be slippery if it’s wet. Free water from bartenders is available; stay hydrated if drinking. There are friendly bouncers/door staff – they may check you after entry if you appear very intoxicated (a standard policy, avoid confrontations). Cash Outs: If you plan to stay until closing (4am), note that many banks’ ATMs shut down late. Bring enough for taxis or use full in-bar EFTPOS machines before the rush. Bank ATMs are available in downtown but refill times vary.Cultural Note: Kiwis value friendliness and casual honesty. Don’t be surprised to find yourself chatting with tourists, Kiwi locals or even the bartenders between songs. Locals often abide by no tip culture but appreciate politeness and small talk. If you’re new, try a NZ craft beer or a local spirit like Murphy’s Irish Cream Punch or a native mint-flavored cocktail.Weather Preparedness: The upstairs balcony is open-air. In winter it gets cold late at night (have a jacket if you plan to use the balcony). Heaters are there but not always enough in a crowd. Summer nights should be fine out there. Smoking is allowed only on the balcony patio; if you do smoke, step carefully and respect the area.Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t come exclusively for food after 9pm – by then the menu is limited (and hours listed are for dinner only). Don’t expect concerts or live bands (it’s mostly DJ music). Don’t attempt to barter prices; covers, cocktails and shots have fixed pricing. Finally, don’t undermine the vibe by watching heavy sports on TV: as club mode kicks in, staff switch screens to visuals or music video projections.Group Arrangements: If celebrating a special occasion, consider reserving a table (call ahead) for early evening, even though late night is first-come. For birthdays or big groups, tell staff sooner – they may help organise a greeting drink or cake. Bottle service can be arranged for large groups via email in advance (ask about mixers, bottles start in the low hundreds of dollars). Local Lingo: The bar staff and patrons might use Kiwi slang: “jandals” (flip-flops), “brekkie” (breakfast, for any early-food cravings), or “arvo” (afternoon). If confused, just ask – Kiwis are friendly and will explain. The main thing: relax, have fun, and remember “no worries” is basically the motto.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bungalow Queenstown’s opening hours?
Bungalow is open every day from around 5 PM. It serves dinner and drinks through the evening, then operates as a nightclub until closing at about 4 AM. In other words, if you arrive after dark, expect to stay late until pre-dawn. (The kitchen usually winds up by 10 PM each night.)
How do I get tickets or make reservations?
Most nights at Bungalow don’t require a ticket or reservation – it’s walk-in friendly. If a special DJ or event is advertised, tickets will typically be sold in advance through local ticketing sites or Facebook. For peak weekend nights, guests often arrive early to avoid queues. You can call or message the venue to reserve a table for dinner (especially in early evening), but there is no assigned seating in the club area.
What is the entry age and dress code?
Bungalow’s nightclub side is strictly 18+. You need valid photo ID to buy alcohol or enter after dark. During dinner hours it’s a bit more relaxed, but in practice families are rare due to the late license. Dress is casual—jeans, tees, dresses, clean sneakers are all fine. The door staff simply expect you to be neatly attired (no swimwear or bare feet). Although it’s cosy, a laid-back vibe means there’s no need for formal wear.
What kind of music or events can I expect?
Bungalow shifts between ambient background music at dinner and dance music at night. From around 5–10 PM you’ll hear indie-pop or chilled lounge tracks, then after 10 PM DJs keep the crowd moving with house, hip-hop, R&B and Top-40 remixes. They also host special themed parties or showcase touring DJs occasionally. Expect an eclectic mix tailored to a club crowd – check the venue’s social pages for any featured acts in advance.
How is seating arranged, and where is the dance floor?
Inside Bungalow there are couches, high-top tables and bar stools rather than fixed rows. It’s all general admission, so seating is on a first-come basis until club mode begins. The dance floor is the open central area in front of the DJ booth, with sofas and tables around the perimeter. Upstairs is an outdoor balcony with couches and tables – it's a quieter space but only reachable by stairs (no wheelchair access up there). You can listen from outside, but the dance scene is on the ground floor.
Is Bungalow wheelchair accessible?
The ground level of Bungalow (bar, dining area and main dance floor) is accessible with only a couple of steps up from the street, and the staff can assist if needed. However, there are no elevators. The upstairs balcony is reached by stairs only, so it is not accessible by wheelchair. The restroom doors might be narrow, so if you have specific mobility needs it’s best to call ahead and check. Overall, people with wheelchairs or mobility limitations can enjoy the main bar area at street level, but the terrace seating is off-limits.
What are the parking and transport options?
On-street parking near Camp Street is very limited and metered, so it's not recommended for longer visits. Instead, use paid lots: the Central Park car park at 54 Camp St is right next door and Wilson Parking on Church St (entry 14 Church St) is one block away. Uber or taxis can drop you on Camp or Church Street (tell drivers “Village Green”). Queenstown’s local buses (Orbus) stop nearby on Camp and Church (Routes to Frankton, Queenstown CBD, etc.), but be aware service ends around 10 PM, so plan a taxi or rideshare if you’re heading home after closing time (4 AM). If staying in town hotels, a 10–15 minute evening walk is safer via Shotover or Rees St.
What should I bring or avoid bringing?
Bring photo ID if you plan to drink. Bags and purses are allowed, but avoid large backpacks or coolers (the door staff may stop overly large items). Cameras and phones for photos are fine (most people snap pics there), just be mindful of other guests when you shoot. Dress comfortably for dancing and maybe bring a jacket to enjoy the balcony area outside if it’s chilly. It’s best not to bring outside food or drinks (they have a full menu and bar). Finally, it's cashless-friendly but keep a bit of cash if needed for cover or inconvenience, though credit card works for everything inside.
Does Bungalow have age limits or kid-friendly hours?
Bungalow is primarily an adult venue. Up until 10 PM it’s a normal bar/restaurant where older teens may accompany parents, but once it transitions to nightclub mode (usually from 8–10pm onward) it becomes 18+ only. In practice, under-18s are typically not present after dark given the late license. There are no specific kid-friendly events – think of it as an evening and late-night spot for adults and older teens (with a guardian) only.
What drinks and food are available inside?
The bar serves a broad selection of beers (local craft and international), wines and creative cocktails (espresso martinis and gin concoctions are local favourites). Happy hour specials often drop drink prices significantly early evening. Food-wise, there’s a menu of hearty pub fare – loaded fries, burgers, nachos, tacos, etc. – available for the early shift (approx 5–10pm). Once it’s past dinner hours, only snacks or finger foods might be available. The kitchen generally closes by 10pm, after which the venue focuses on drinks and dancing instead of meals.
Is there a coat check or lockers?
No, Bungalow does not offer coat check or cloakroom service. Guests should keep their belongings with them. In practice people wear or drape their coats on chairs/tables or stash small bags underfoot. For larger groups, someone usually volunteers to watch a pile of jackets. Large backpacks won’t fit comfortably anyway once the dance floor fills, so plan to carry only what you need.
