Events at Multi Venue - Queenstown, Queenstown

About Multi Venue - Queenstown

Multi Venue - Queenstown (the Queenstown Events Centre, Te Pūāhuru) is Queenstown’s premier multi-purpose indoor events complex. It is located on Joe O’Connell Drive in Frankton, adjacent to Queenstown Airport (www.eventfinda.co.nz) (www.qldc.govt.nz). The centre offers sweeping alpine views – it sits on Lake Wakatipu’s shore in the foothills of The Remarkables (www.eventfinda.co.nz). This modern facility combines sports, recreation and events under one roof. In fact, besides its event hall it adjoins a gym and aquatic centre, plus outdoor sports fields (John Davies Oval with grandstand seating) (www.qldc.govt.nz). The main auditorium is enormous: set up theatre-style it holds about 1,700 people (www.qldc.govt.nz) (or 2,000 in standing-room mode), making it the largest indoor venue in the district (www.qldc.govt.nz) (www.qldc.govt.nz). Features include a full stage, dressing rooms, a licensed bar and kitchen (www.qldc.govt.nz), and professional AV tech. These flexible spaces can switch from a netball court to a concert arena or banquet hall within hours. Its convenient location (under 10 minutes’ drive from central Queenstown (www.qldc.govt.nz)) and free on-site parking (www.qldc.govt.nz) also make it a natural choice for local festivals, sports events, conventions and performances. In short, Multi Venue – Queenstown matters because it brings large-scale cultural, sports and corporate events to our town that wouldn’t otherwise fit here, all framed by Queenstown’s stunning scenery.

Events and Programming

This venue hosts a year-round variety of events. Community festivals, concerts, expos and sports all find a place in its calendar. For example, Queenstown’s annual Mardi Gras festival often stages after-parties and concerts here (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Cultural events like the Queenstown Multicultural Festival and Queenstown Art Show have used its halls for exhibitions and performances (www.eventfinda.co.nz) (www.eventfinda.co.nz). The centre is also a go-to spot for expos and fairs – the Southern Lakes Home & Garden and Queenstown Christmas Shows routinely fill the hall with hundreds of stalls on holiday weekends (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Major booked shows run the gamut from family-friendly acts to adults-only gigs. International artists have appeared here – for instance British DJs Groove Armada played in 2025 (www.eventfinda.co.nz) and comedian Bill Bailey brought a tour in 2023 (www.eventfinda.co.nz) – demonstrating that touring performers enjoy the intimate-yet-large space. New Zealand acts (bands, dance events, comedy, theatre) are regulars as well. On the sporting side, the stadium has even hosted exhibition matches; the Highlanders rugby team held a preseason game here in 2024 (www.eventfinda.co.nz). In short, you’ll find everything from dance festivals and live music tours to trade exhibitions and charity fundraisers on the schedule. Event frequency is high, especially during peak season (summer and winter festivals), so check local listings. Ticket prices vary by event type – small concerts might be NZ$20–50, whereas top-billed international shows can be $80–100+ per ticket, with discounts for children and seniors on some events.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for events at Multi Venue – Queenstown are sold through official outlets. Generally you will buy online via the event’s promoter or official ticketing website; a Council-run box office does not have regular walk-up sales. It’s wise to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular concerts and festivals, since many shows sell out. Sign up for event newsletters or follow organisers on social media to catch presales or early deals. Pricing is tiered – front sections or VIP packages cost more than balcony or standing areas – and family or group rates may be available for certain shows. If any tickets remain, limited sales may open at the venue on event day (often at will-call windows), but this is not guaranteed. In all cases, buy from authorised sellers (the Council site, major NZ ticket platforms, etc.) to avoid counterfeit tickets. Keep your confirmation (printed or on your phone) and photo ID handy if the event requires it.

Seating and Layout

The venue’s layout is highly adaptable. The main hall is a flat-floored space with a high stage at one end. In theatre mode, rows of chairs face the stage; this can seat up to about 1,700 people (www.qldc.govt.nz). Tables and chairs can be arranged for banquets (roughly 800 seats for dinners) (www.qldc.govt.nz) or conferences. For standing-room concerts or dance parties, the floor is cleared and can hold around 2,000 people (www.qldc.govt.nz), creating a lively crowd atmosphere. A mezzanine-level room overlooks part of the hall; it’s often used for VIP seating or media/production. When attending, the best sightlines are generally on the ground floor near the centre aisle or on the first few rows of the mezzanine. Side areas or far corners can have obstructed views (pillars or sound mixers), so centre-front seats are preferable for a show. The built-in PA and lighting racks mean the stage is well-lit and audible from most spots. If an event uses the adjacent sports oval (for example, an outdoor concert), the oval has terraced seating and space for lawn chairs (www.qldc.govt.nz), so check your ticket if it is indoors (hall) versus outdoors (field). In all cases there is ample legroom and sightlines – nothing is too steep – but if the event is general admission, arriving early helps you get a prime position.

Getting There and Parking

**Location:** The address is Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton, Queenstown (www.eventfinda.co.nz). This puts it at the north end of Queenstown, right by State Highway 6 and the airport roundabout. It’s just a short drive from downtown – about 3 km and under 10 minutes by car (www.qldc.govt.nz). From central Queenstown, head out on SH6 via Frankton Road; take the airport/Frankton exit (the same roundabout where the airport shuttle stops). Follow the polarised signage or look for a large teal building marked “Queenstown Events Centre.”

**Parking:** One of the perks of this venue is its free parking. A huge lot wraps around the building, easily accommodating several hundred vehicles, so parking is almost always available (www.qldc.govt.nz). There are no evening fees, and spaces are unreserved. If (rarely) the lot is full, you may find street parking on Cow Lane or Frankton Road to the east (check signage on event days). Free parking makes attending large events hassle-free compared to downtown.

**Public Transport:** Queenstown’s Orbus buses run near the venue. Bus routes 2, 4 and 5 (among others) have stops on Frankton Road just below the Events Centre (moovitapp.com). Route 2 (town center – airport) and 4 (downtown – Remarkables Park – Frankton) are common picks. The Frankton Bus Hub (on Frankton Road near the mall) is only a few minutes’ walk, giving access to multiple lines. Buses generally run every 15–30 minutes until around midnight (less often at very late hours). You will need a pre-paid Bee Card (purchase at a convenience store or depot) for buses – it costs about NZ$2 per trip. (www.tripadvisor.ie) The ride from central Queenstown takes roughly 10 minutes.

**Rideshare & Taxi:** Uber and local taxis operate in Queenstown. There is usually a taxi stand near the entrance for post-show departures. Rideshare apps also work well here – simply tell the driver to pick up at “Queenstown Events Centre, Frankton.” Fares from downtown are typically NZ$20–30.

**Walking:** Walking from Queenstown CBD (3–4 km) is possible but not recommended due to narrow roads with no footpaths on parts of SH6. From Frankton Mall it’s about a 5-minute walk. At night, walking can be cold or unsafe – prefer a bus or car.

Inside the Venue

Upon entry you’ll find a spacious lobby where tickets are checked and small bag inspections are done. Security staff may look into large bags, so pack light and avoid bringing outside food, drink or alcohol (the venue does not allow it due to licensing). Coat-wearing items (reamy jackets) aren’t allowed inside, but coat checks are often run at big winter events for a nominal fee. Once inside, facilities are clean and well-maintained. There are men’s, women’s and accessible toilets on each level (www.qldc.govt.nz) (the building has central heating and full disability access (www.qldc.govt.nz) (www.qldc.govt.nz), including an elevator up to the mezzanine). The hall’s atmosphere depends on the event: banquet-style dinners have soft lighting and music, whereas concerts can turn the space into a mini nightclub with vibrant stage lights and crowd noise. The venue includes a fully equipped kitchen and licensed bar (www.qldc.govt.nz). Expect to find a beer/wine station and snack bar in the foyer at larger events. You can buy beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks on-site – outside drinks must stay in your car. Electrical outlets are available at the back of the hall for charging phones. There is generally no public Wi-Fi, so don’t count on high-speed Internet inside; most people use their mobile data, which works fine here.

Nearby Amenities

**Dining:** Frankton has a number of eateries within walking distance. Giants Bar & Restaurant (at the Holiday Inn on Frankton Road) is a popular choice for hearty Kiwi pub fare and family meals (queenstownremarkables.holidayinn.com). Frankton Pizzeria (on Dairy Lane) serves up pizza, pasta and salads next door. If you need a quick snack, Starbucks and local cafes are on Cow Lane just around the corner. Over the highway, Remarkables Park has fast-food and café options (BurgerFuel, gourmet café, etc.). For sit-down dining, many visitors venture 5–10 minutes further to Gorge Road/Frankton Road strip – here you’ll find steak houses, Asian fusion, and steak houses if you fancy something special.

**Bars & Nightlife:** The nearest bars are about 500m away. If you’re staying late, note that Queenstown’s main entertainment district is downtown, so you may take a taxi or bus back (the #2 bus goes downtown after 11pm on Fridays/Saturdays). Buses turn back around by midnight, so late-night taxis or rideshares are advisable.

**Hotels:** Several hotels cluster near the venue. The Hilton Garden Inn Queenstown (across SH6) and Rydges Lakeland Resort are 5 minutes away and ideal for staying over. Right next door is the Holiday Inn (with Giants restaurant). In central Queenstown (~3 km south) are lakeside hotels like Nautilus, Novotel, Crowne Plaza or the QT – all about a 10–15 minute drive. If you want to be close but cheaper, the Queenstown Village Motel (Frankton) is within walking distance.

**Parking and Traffic:** For big events expect some traffic on Frankton Rd approaching the venue, especially during ski-season mornings or home-game evenings. Allow time to queue safely. Departing is usually smoother since the large car park empties quickly.

What Makes This Venue Special

Multi Venue – Queenstown stands out for its unique blend of features. First, its setting: an indoor, modern arena under dramatic mountain scenery (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Few other concert halls can claim an alpine backdrop visible from inside. Second, its versatility: the same space hosts basketball games one day and rock concerts the next. The Council specifically designed it to be flexible, so it can rapidly switch floor plans and accommodate large trade shows with 100+ booths (www.qldc.govt.nz) or shadow concerts with standing crowds. Third, its community role: it’s more than a shiny building. It has become the heart of Queenstown’s cultural calendar. For example, touring comedians like Bill Bailey have chosen to debut in Queenstown here, and local festivals (like the Winter Carnival and Arts Festival) lean on it to support crowds. Local media often note that getting a major act to stop in Queenstown is a coup – the venue’s top-notch sound/lighting (the Council even touts an “excellent PA system” (www.qldc.govt.nz)) and friendly audiences give performers a great experience. In sum, it matters because it brings a slice of big-city entertainment to Queenstown, while still serving grassroots sports and events. Its positive reputation – free parking, disabled access, multiple amenities – consistently earns it rave reviews from visitors and locals alike.

Visitor Tips and Information

**Accessibility:** The events centre is fully wheelchair-friendly. Entrances are ramped, elevators serve all levels (www.qldc.govt.nz) (www.qldc.govt.nz), and there are accessible toilets on each floor. If you need assistance, event staff are very helpful.

**What to Bring:** Dress in layers – the building is climate-controlled (heated in winter) (www.qldc.govt.nz), but the outdoor queue or parking lot can be cold. Bring NZ$ coins or card for event merchandise/food; while entry is electronic, merchandise stalls may prefer cash. You may also pack earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud sound (concerts can get loud near the stage). Refillable water bottles are usually welcome at the fountain, though confirm with the event. No outside food or drink (except water for kids) is allowed once inside – you can purchase snacks and drinks at the venue. Umbrellas and large backpacks should stay in the car. Sharp objects and professional camera gear are not permitted. (Most smartphone cameras are fine for snapshots.)

**Photography & Recording:** Casual photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash and tripods are often banned during performances. Recording video or professional audio without permission is prohibited. Always check the event policy.

**Age Restrictions:** There is no universal age rule. Many daytime events are all-ages. However, 18+ restrictions apply to some late-night or stag parties. For example, Mardi Gras afterparty tickets explicitly list “Ages 18+” . If an event is 18+, it will be clearly advertised. Otherwise, children and youth are welcome, but younger kids may find loud concerts challenging.

**Common Regulations:** Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is illegal indoors throughout New Zealand, so use the outdoor smoking alcoves only. Prohibited items typically include large handbags/backpacks, alcohol, and weapons. The venue usually provides clear signage or staff at entry, but it’s best to travel light and leave valuables at home.

**Getting Seated:** Arrive early for seating preferences. If you have a general-admission ticket, the first-come advantage lets you stand or sit up front. For fixed seats, show up at least 10 minutes before start. Check your ticket for any row/seat numbers or section info. If you plan to leave before the end (for example to catch a late bus or child care), choose an aisle seat for easy exit.

**Late-Night Transport:** Queenstown’s buses end around midnight on busy nights. If your event ends late, arrange a taxi or rideshare in advance (phones often get signal fine near the venue). The town’s taxi ranks are accustomed to picking up at the Eve Venue.

**Timing Your Visit:** Aim to arrive 30 minutes before earlier events, 45–60 minutes for big concerts. This gives time to park, go through security, find your seat, and visit the restroom (lines can form). For the largest concert nights, organizers often start queues even earlier for merchandise.

**Local Jargon:** Locals sometimes simply call it “the stadium” or “Te Pūāhuru.” Parking staff and friends may refer to “meeting in the Events Centre foyer.” If in doubt, follow the crowd or those orange-shirted staff.