Events at Queenstown, Queenstown

About Queenstown Memorial Centre

Queenstown Memorial Centre (Māori: Te Whare Raumahara o Tāhuna) is Queenstown’s primary indoor events venue, located in the central business district. It is a multi-purpose hall built as a war memorial and still bears commemorative plaques for local servicemen who died in WWI and WWII (nzhistory.govt.nz). The centre is set just a block from Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens, blending community history with a scenic mountain backdrop. Inside, it offers a 336 m² main hall that is highly adaptable: theatre-style seating for about 422 people for concerts and shows (www.qldc.govt.nz), banquet dining for roughly 250, or around 500 for standing-room events (www.myguidequeenstown.com). A $3.2 million refurbishment in 2013 modernised the foyer, stage and technical systems (www.eventfinda.co.nz), so the building feels fresh while its heritage character remains intact. In short, this modest hall is notable both as a historical memorial site and as the hub of Queenstown’s performing arts scene.

Events and Programming

Nearly every week the Memorial Centre hosts something from comedy and theatre to music and community expos. Local performing arts groups frequently fill the stage – for example, Lakes Theatre Arts has run shows like *Alice in Wonderland* and *Little Shop of Horrors* here (see listings from recent years) (www.eventfinda.co.nz). Touring comedy acts and musicians also come through Queenstown. Recent national dates included stand-up tours by Ed Byrne and Kevin Bloody Wilson (www.eventfinda.co.nz) (www.eventfinda.co.nz), and even tribute concerts like an “Elton John vs Billy Joel” show (www.eventfinda.co.nz). The venue also hosts cultural and family events – for instance, Māori songwriter Sika’s *Sound Journey* concert series has performed here (www.eventfinda.co.nz) – as well as film festivals, expos and championships (from the Banff Film Festival screenings to regional netball finals). In practice you’ll find a mix of professional tours and community productions in the lineup, with shows ranging from children’s dance recitals to big-name stand-up. Most events are ticketed performances (musicals, comedy, concerts) and a fair number of conventions or local fairs (arts and trades expos) use the flexible hall and function rooms. Overall, the calendar is busy with a diversity of arts, entertainment and sports events reflecting Queenstown’s lively cultural scene.

Tickets and Booking

Ticketing varies by event. For most public shows (concerts, theatre, comedy) tickets go on sale weeks or months in advance through authorised outlets. Popular tours often sell out, so it’s wise to book early. You can generally buy online from the event organiser or approved sellers, and the venue has a box-office (ticket booth) on-site (www.eventfinda.co.nz). In smaller markets like Queenstown sometimes tickets can also be purchased directly through the council’s events office or local information centre. Pricing depends on the event: local community theatre or club shows are usually quite affordable (often NZ$10–30), whereas touring comedians or music concerts might range from about NZ$50 up to NZ$80+ for premium seats. Tiered pricing (e.g. cheaper rear seats) is common for major shows. If a show hasn’t sold out, door sales may be possible on the evening of the event, but it’s safer to assume you need advance tickets – especially in summer or peak tourist months when demand is high.

Seating and Layout

The Queenstown Memorial Centre’s main hall is a flat‐floor auditorium with the stage at one end, allowing flexible seating configurations. According to official specs, the floor area is about 336 m² and in theatre (rows of chairs) mode it seats roughly 422 people (www.qldc.govt.nz). For banquet or dining events it can accommodate about 250 guests, and standing/cocktail setups can fill about 500 with loose chairs or standing space (www.myguidequeenstown.com). Seats and tables are brought in as needed; the space never has fixed rows like a cinema. There are also two smaller adjacent function rooms and a lounge, which can support overflow seating or breakouts, plus an outdoor patio that overlooks the recreation ground outside (www.qldc.govt.nz) (www.qldc.govt.nz). Visitors report that center-front rows tend to offer the clearest view of the stage. (Some seats at the very far sides or extreme front may have slightly angled sightlines because the room is rectangular.) For certain shows a simple riser or tiered seating can be set up to improve visibility (www.myguidequeenstown.com). In summary: aim for mid-level, center seats if you want the best view.

Getting There and Parking

Queenstown Memorial Centre’s address is **1 Memorial Street, Queenstown 9300** (www.cvent.com), right next to the Queenstown Gardens and playground. It’s intimately close to town: a 5–10 minute walk along the lakefront from the central waterfront and lakeside hotels. Drivers will find some public parking nearby on Memorial and surrounding streets. There is a Council carpark at the nearby recreation ground (Memorial Drive Car Park) and pay parking areas along Frankton Road too – on event days early arrival helps secure a spot. Unlike some venues, most parking around the town centre is metered or zone-controlled, but the City Council notes “secure parking nearby” for events (www.qldc.govt.nz). If driving in, heavy traffic can occur before night shows, so allow extra time. Public transport is convenient: Queenstown’s free and paid buses (Orbus services) stop very close to the venue. In particular the Red Line (Route 1) from downtown and the 4/5 routes bound for Frankton stop on Memorial Drive right beside the hall (moovitapp.com). (The Queenstown ferry terminal is a short stroll away too, if you happen to be on the lakefront.) Rideshare apps and taxis have drop-off points right outside the main entrance on Memorial Drive; look for a marked curb and the venue sign. Because the airport is so close, many visitors simply catch a 5-minute taxi or shuttle from there; the ride from Queenstown Airport to the venue is typically under 10 minutes by car.

Inside the Venue

Upon arrival you’ll enter through the main lobby. Staff at the box-office will guide or scan tickets as needed (www.eventfinda.co.nz). The foyer area is spacious and well-lit after the 2013 upgrade. Security is generally low-key (occasional bag checks on event nights but no metal detectors). The hall feels comfortable and is climate-controlled – it has heating for winter and fans or air-con for summer. An in-house PA and lighting rig handles most performances professionally (www.qldc.govt.nz). For amenities: restrooms are available on both floors, and there is an on-site licensed bar where you can buy soft drinks, beer and wine (www.qldc.govt.nz). However, there is no truly public restaurant inside the venue (it’s primarily a bar service). A food truck or snack stand sometimes appears in the lobby during festivals, but generally any food or drink must be purchased on-site or brought from outside into the lounge space. There is no coat check desk, but coats and umbrellas can be left in the lounge area. Mobile phone reception inside is good (New Zealand’s 4G/LTE network covers this area), though there is no open public Wi-Fi – consider having data plan ready. The venue tends to run shows on schedule: audience members are seated just before start time, and latecomers can usually enter quietly partway through if you inform an usher.

Nearby Amenities

Being in central Queenstown, the Memorial Centre is surrounded by restaurants, bars and hotels. For pre-show dining, you have dozens of options just a few blocks away: from casual eateries (queenstown staples like Fergburger, Devil Burger, Yonder Café, Flame Sushi, Bathhouse Restaurant and Bar) to fine-dining spots (e.g. Eichardt’s Bar & Brasserie or Amisfield Bistro, all within a short walk). The vibrant Beach St and Rees Street precinct – packed with cafés, breweries and wine bars – is only a couple of blocks to the south. If you have extra time, strolling along Marine Parade to the lakefront (Te Anau Plaza café is a scenic choice) is very popular. Right next door is the Queenstown Gardens park, with picnic lawns and bike paths, ideal for arriving early. If you need refreshments before or after a show, you’ll find cafés like Vudu on the lakefront or the Barrel and Keg brewpub within 5–10 minutes walk. Retail shops and convenience stores (liquor and grocery) line the roads nearby in case you forgot anything. For accommodation, many Queenstown hotels are within walking distance or a few minutes’ drive. Prominent nearby hotels include the **DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown** just blocks away (with a courtesy lake shuttle) (www.queenstownairport.co.nz), the Sudima Hotel Five Mile (closer to the airport), plus a range of central lodgings on Lake Esplanade (Novotel, Kamana Lakehouse, St. Moritz, etc.). Budget backpackers and B&Bs are also plentiful downtown. In any case, you can easily walk from most Queenstown downtown hotels or catch a quick taxi ride if you’re staying farther out. Late-night transport after the show is convenient: Queenstown’s public bus network runs until about midnight on weekends, and taxis/Uber are readily available. Street lighting is good along the short walk back to town. Overall, it’s easy (and safe) to pop out for a bite or drink before or after an event here due to the dense mix of amenities all around the venue.

What Makes This Venue Special

Several things set Queenstown Memorial Centre apart as a venue. First is its *history and character*. As a war memorial (it literally means “memorial house”) it holds a special place in local culture (nzhistory.govt.nz). It’s the only large theatre-style hall in a town famous for outdoor adventures, so it brings arts and performance into the heart of a resort community. Architecturally it’s unassuming – a rectangular hall – but its location under the looming Remarkables and on the shores of Lake Wakatipu gives events an unforgettable sense of place (audiences often step outside during intermission to admire the scenery). Inside, artists often praise the venue’s flexibility and sound system. For example, the centre has a full three-phase power supply and professional PA/lighting setup (www.qldc.govt.nz), so lighting designers and touring bands find it easy to work there. Performers also frequently mention how friendly and helpful the staff are. A recent reviewer wrote that “the staff and organizers…were extremely welcoming” and explicitly “highly recommend this venue” for touring shows (wanderlog.com). Locals also love it – the community presence is clear as many events are fundraisers, school productions or cultural celebrations. Finally, the Memorial Centre’s combination of capacity and heart is unique. It’s large enough to stage significant productions but small enough that every show feels intimate. Artists enjoy the warm, packed-house atmosphere (Queenstown audiences are enthusiastic) and the quick sell-outs that mean a full house for nearly every big event. In short, this modest building matters because it blends professional event standards with local spirit: you get excellent sound and lighting along with a true community vibe (nzhistory.govt.nz) (wanderlog.com). This grounded, welcoming quality – plus the stunning natural backdrop – makes it a beloved “big tiny venue” for both performers and audiences.

Visitor Tips and Information

- Accessible facilities: The venue has wheelchair access and space for mobility devices (www.eventfinda.co.nz). There is typically an elevator to the upper floor. A hearing-assist system may be available on request. If you need any assistance (e.g. large print programs or special seating), contact the events office in advance. - Tickets: Always bring your ticket confirmation or e-ticket (printed or on phone). If you purchased general admission, arrive early to secure a good spot. If assigned seating, the ticket shows your row/seat. Hold onto tickets for entry and re-entry. - Bag policy: Don’t bring large backpacks or suitcases. A small clutch or purse is fine. Expect a quick bag/check at busy events. Large food containers or alcohol from outside are not allowed – the in-house bar sells drinks and the backstage kitchen provides snacks during intermissions. - Food and drink: Outside food is generally prohibited, but you can buy soft drinks, beer and wine inside the venue. Many shows offer ice creams or candy bars at intermission. Before the event, you’re better off eating at a nearby café or restaurant (grab a pizza or sandwich on the way in). - Dress and weather: Dress comfortably casual. Evenings in Queenstown can get cool, so bring a jacket regardless of how warm the day was. The venue is heated, but doors open to a chilly garden area at shows/events entry. Since you may walk a bit outdoors to parking or buses, wear sensible shoes. In summer, a light rainjacket is wise (weather changes fast). - Age and ID rules: Most events are all-ages; children are welcome unless an event is specifically advertised as 18+. If there is an age limit (for example, an R-rated comedy), it will be noted on the ticket. The venue is generally family-friendly – kids’ shows and musicals often run here. Always check the event rating. Bringing ID is good if an event serves alcohol or is 18+; otherwise it’s not usually needed. - Photography: Non-commercial personal photography is usually allowed quietly (no flash) for most shows, but abide by the performer’s or event organizer’s rules. For privacy reasons, don’t film other audience members, and always switch your phone to silent during the performance. - What not to bring: Weapons, fireworks or flares, and illicit drugs are strictly banned (as in any public venue). Large picnic baskets, alcohol or coolers from outside are not permitted. Only certified service animals (guide dogs, etc.) are allowed on-site – regular pets are prohibited. - Security and conduct: There is a very low-profile security presence; you won’t be frisked like at a stadium, but Bowie-checks for banned items may occur. Show courtesy by turning off mobile phones and not talking during performances. If you need to exit mid-show, do so as quietly as possible. The staff are friendly, so ask them any questions. - Restrooms and services: Restrooms are available on each level and are generally well maintained. There is no formal coat check, but you can hang outerwear in the lobby. An ATM is not on site, so bring cash if you might need small change (some bars only take cards, but smaller vendors sometimes accept cash only). - Arrival time: Plan to arrive 15–30 minutes before showtime. This leaves time to park, get your ticket scanned and find your seat. Doors often open 20 minutes before an event. Late arrivals may have to wait until a break to enter. - Special events: On ANZAC Day the memorial is used for commemorations in the morning; visitors should check if this affects any regular schedule. Otherwise, events follow the published program. - Local hints: Because Queenstown is a compact tourism town, if the carpark is full, you can usually find parking on a nearby street or in the Gardens lots at a short walk. If you’re hiking, the telstra list of walking trails (like up to Bob’s Peak or around Lake Whakatipu) can be done before or after shows. Keep in mind that peak season (spring/summer) means traffic, so leave extra travel time. - They say no tips needed, but planning ahead will make your visit smooth: download the Orbus app or check schedules for buses (especially on weekends), wear layers, and enjoy the show!