About Queenstown Memorial Hall
Queenstown Memorial Hall (officially Queenstown Memorial Centre, Māori: Te Whare Raumahara o Tāhuna) is a historic multi-purpose events centre in the heart of Queenstown’s central business district (www.ticketfairy.com ). Originally built as a war memorial, the venue still bears glass plaques in its foyer commemorating local servicemen who died in World Wars I and II (nzhistory.govt.nz ). This calls to mind its heritage significance – it is both the city’s war memorial and its main indoor performance space. Bordered by the lakefront and recreation ground, the hall sits near Queenstown Gardens with mountain views. Inside, the centre features a 336 square metre main hall that is unusually flexible: it can be arranged theatre style (about 422 seats), banquet style (around 250 diners) or standing-room (up to ~500) depending on the event (www.qldc.govt.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
In 2013 the hall underwent a major $3.1 million refurbishment that refreshed the entrance, foyer and stage (www.odt.co.nz ). Improvements included an enlarged foyer, new tiered-bleacher seating and a full stage upgrade to modernise the infrastructure (www.centralotagoarts.com ). Technical systems (lighting, sound and power) were state-of-the-art from this overhaul – the venue now boasts three-phase power and a high-quality in-house PA and lighting rig (www.qldc.govt.nz ) (www.centralotagoarts.com ). While the interior feels modern, the building’s simple hall-style architecture and memorial plaques give it a distinctive character at odds with Queenstown’s glitzier resort venues. For locals, the Memorial Hall remains a treasured community hub and a symbol of the town’s heritage, hosting ceremonies on ANZAC Day and other civic events. Its flexibility makes it notable: one corner of the hall can be converted into a warm lounge/bar area, and two small function rooms flank the stage, each with catering facilities for corporate meetings or break-out sessions (www.centralotagoarts.com ) (www.qldc.govt.nz ).
Events and Programming
Queenstown Memorial Hall hosts a diverse mix of events year-round. You’ll find big touring acts alternating with community shows, often almost every week. Local theatre groups (such as Lakes Theatre Arts) frequently stage musicals and plays here – past seasons have included family favourites like Alice in Wonderland and Little Shop of Horrors (www.ticketfairy.com ). Comedy is a staple too: nationally known stand-up comedians venture to town for live shows. Recent tours have featured Irish comedian Ed Byrne and Australian funny-man Kevin Bloody Wilson (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Besides comedy and drama, the programme often includes music concerts (if not at the lakefront Events Centre, then at this hall), tribute acts (for example an Elton John vs Billy Joel tribute show (www.ticketfairy.com )), and cultural performances. For instance, Māori songwriter Sika has performed his series “Sound Journey” here, blending music with indigenous themes (www.ticketfairy.com ). Other events have ranged from touring classical recitals and jazz ensembles to film screenings (e.g. Banff Mountain Film Festival nights) and community expos or sports finals.
The variety is wide: you might find children’s dance recitals, school theatrical productions or chamber music concerts on a weekend, and larger ticketed shows on evenings. Most events are ticketed performances – comedy shows, concerts, theatre productions and the occasional public speaking or awards event occupy the hall on big nights. Community booking events (weddings, conferences, expos) also occur, but in planning your visit you will usually be attending a show or concert. Newspaper listings and online event directories confirm that nearly every month there is something on – from dance showcases by local studios to national comedian tours (www.ticketfairy.com ). Notable annual traditions include school prize-giving ceremonies or cultural club gala evenings. As of 2023-25, typical ticket prices for major shows range roughly from NZD 30 up to the high-60s or even $70 for top touring acts (for example, Ed Byrne’s recent show tickets were ~$59–69 (www.eventfinda.co.nz )). Community theatre and children’s performance tickets often cost less (typically NZD 10–40). Because Queenstown is a tourist hub, popular events (summer shows, blockbuster comedy gigs) can sell quickly – advance booking is recommended, especially in peak season.
Tickets and Booking
Advance booking is the norm. Tickets are usually available through authorised outlets (often online ticketing platforms or at the Lakes District information centre) soon after event announcements. Many shows have tiered pricing; for example, the Ed Byrne comedy show had "Gold" ($69.90) and "Silver" ($59.90) seats (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Some events allow door sales, but it’s safer to assume you need a pre-purchased ticket – especially in high season when Queenstown fills up (www.ticketfairy.com ). Local box-office and service fees may apply. If you have special requirements (group bookings, wheelchair seating, etc.), contact the venue’s box office or the ticket agent directly. For very popular shows, consider signing up for a pre-sale notification or mailing list. Smaller gigs sometime offer a few complimentary or pay-what-you-want tickets to front-of-stage spots, but this is not common. Ultimately, plan to buy tickets well in advance via official channels; once an event is announced on tourism or council websites, tickets often sell fast.
Seating and Layout
The Memorial Hall’s main auditorium is a rectangular flat-floor space with the stage against one end wall (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are no permanently fixed seats on the floor – all chairs and tables are movable. This means the room can be arranged with rows of chairs, tables for dining, or left open for standing gigs. The rear half of the hall has a gentle tiered seating section (added in the 2013 renovation) so that even those further back have a decent view. Official specs list the room area as about 336 m² (www.qldc.govt.nz ). In theatre (rows of chairs) mode it seats about 422 people, while banquet style fits ~250, and a fully standing concert/cocktail setup holds nearly 500 (www.qldc.govt.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
For concerts and shows, seating is often theatre-style. Visitors recommend aiming for centre-front rows if possible – these offer the clearest, head-on view of the stage (www.ticketfairy.com ). Be aware, though, that seats at the extreme sides of the hall or right up front against the stage may have a slightly angled view, since the room is fairly wide (www.ticketfairy.com ). A raised riser/tier can be brought in when needed to improve lines of sight for back rows or standing areas. In general, mid-level central seats are safest for good visibility (www.ticketfairy.com ). The hall’s two adjacent function rooms (each ~20–25 m²) and the separate lounge/gallery can serve as lounge space or overflow seating – for example, an exhibition or breakout session might spill out there. Outside on the north side is a patio deck facing the park, which some events use for outdoor cocktail areas when weather permits (www.centralotagoarts.com ).
Getting There and Parking
The Memorial Hall’s address is 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown (www.cvent.com ). It’s centrally located, just a block from the town’s main waterfront area (Steamer Wharf) and a few blocks from the Queenstown Gardens and lake. If you drive, on-street parking is available in the CBD, though it can be limited especially on weekends. Metered spaces nearby cost roughly NZD 3 per hour (check council signs for exact rates). An affordable multi-storey option is the Church Street parking garage (one block southeast of the hall), which charges about $3.50 for short casual entry (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ) (it stacks up, so if staying all evening, weekly rates may be cheaper). Additional parking lots are found around Church Street, Shotover Street and Brecon Street – just remember that most city parking has a limit of a few hours unless you pay higher long-stay rates. On-street “all day” parking zones are very scarce near the centre.
Public transportation in Queenstown is efficient for a resort town. Several Orbus Queenstown bus routes stop within a very short walk. According to transit mapping, Bus routes #1, #4 and #5 all pass near Memorial Street (moovitapp.com ). (For example, Route 1 runs between Sunshine Bay and the Remarkables Park and passes through the central bus loop; Route 4 connects Jacks Point–Frankton–Arrowtown via Albert Town; and Route 5 runs from Lake Hayes Estates into Queenstown CBD.) Check the Otago Regional Council website or journey planner for schedules. The local shuttle buses and school routes also congregate in the CBD. In addition, ferries and water taxis on Lake Wakatipu stop at Steamer Wharf (adjacent to the district council building) – the Queenstown Ferry (#60) docks here, so if you come by water taxi from Walter Peak or across the lake, it’s a short corner turn to the hall (moovitapp.com ). During festival days, extra shuttle buses may loop here.
Rideshare companies (Uber/Ola) and taxis are common in Queenstown. The drop-off point for Memorial Hall is typically directly in front of the entrance on Memorial Street. After shows, demand is high, so you may need to pre-book a taxi or share an Uber. There is a small taxi stand on Brecon Street a couple of blocks away near the wharf, or on Church Street. If walking, note that the main street One Wine Road (Nature’s Way) has broad footpaths and is well-lit. From Queenstown Airport, the drive is about 20 km (roughly 20–25 minutes via State Highway 6 and Frankton Rd). Buses (Orbus 5) and shuttle vans also connect the airport to the town centre, where you can change to a local bus or walk to the hall.
Inside the Venue
On entering the Memorial Hall, you step into a spacious foyer with polished timber floors and a war memorial aesthetic. Coat racks or a friendly attendant are often available for outerwear (many shows provide a free coat check if needed). There are clearly signposted restrooms on the ground floor; accessible (unisex) toilets and a family restroom are also provided. Wheelchair users can enter directly from street level with no steps – the main floor is flat and wide enough for one wheelchair and carer to sit comfortably. The venue’s official listing confirms wheelchair access and facilities (www.eventfinda.co.nz ).
The venue has its own service bar. For most performances, drinks and light snacks are sold at the bar (beer, wine, cider, softies). Bar facilities are modern and well-equipped, with multiple taps and display fridges (www.qldc.govt.nz ). Many acts have merchandise stalls (CDs, tshirts) set up in the lobby during intermission, so cash or card can be useful. (ATMs are not guaranteed inside, so plan accordingly.) The show seating is upstairs in the auditorium. Ushers usually guide ticket-holders to their seats and scan or punch tickets at the door. Intermissions allow a flow of patrons to the foyer or lounge bar area. There is decent cell phone reception even inside, so it’s easy to order an Uber or coordinate with friends after the show.
For equipment, the hall boasts professional lighting rigs hung above the stage and downstage bridges, and a built-in PA sound system (the 2013 upgrade included this high-end AV tech (www.centralotagoarts.com )). Audio-visual shows have used projectors from the roof. If you’re attending a show, the only thing to bring is maybe a warm jumper – the large hall can feel cool unless it’s packed. Outside food and alcoholic drinks are not permitted. Photography and recording are typically prohibited during performances (unless explicitly allowed by the event), so check any door notices or posters for the night’s rules. In exiting, attendants often open any exit doors on the sides of the hall to let guests out briskly.
Nearby Amenities
Queenstown has plenty of amenities within easy reach of the Memorial Hall. After a show, many visitors head out for dinner or drinks. Within a couple of minutes’ walk are popular spots like Speight’s Ale House , Pig & Whistle and 1876 (Irish pub) on Church Street, or Atlas Beer Café on Church. A short stroll up Shotover Street brings you to eateries such as the Yonder (Pan-Asian) and the Devil Burger (casual burger joint). Fine dining options include boutique places like Rātā (Seifried-winery chef), The Bathhouse and Botswana Butchery , all a few blocks away by the wharf. For a quick bite before a matinee, the famous Fergburger is around the corner (though expect a queue). Convenience-wise, a small grocery/corner store and a bottle shop are within 5 minutes’ walk (around Ballarat Street).
Hotels are plentiful nearby. The stylish QT Queenstown hotel is literally across the road from the hall. Other nearby accommodations include St. Moritz Queenstown (also on Stanley St) and Queenstown Park Suites . A block inland sits The Spire Queenstown , with alpine-design rooms. Slightly fancier lakeside resorts like The Rees and Eichardt’s are on Marine Parade within walking distance along the bay. Upmarket chains like the Crown Plaza (Promenade) and Copthorne Hotel are nearby too. Whatever your budget, overnight lodging around central Queenstown is convenient and right where the nightlife is. Late-night transport back to any of these is easier if arranged in advance via taxi or shuttle, as street parking can be scarce after 10pm.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Queenstown Memorial Hall is special because it uniquely blends community history with entertainment. Highly functional yet unpretentious, it has been central to Queenstown life for decades. Its memorial identity sets it apart from commercial theatres – each visit is a reminder of the town’s heritage. The foyer plaques honouring local servicemen give the space a quiet solemnity that you rarely find in performance halls. In fact, each Anzac Day the hall’s entrance is adorned with wreaths for citizens who “made the supreme sacrifice,” under the gaze of its iconic stone memorial structure outside (nzhistory.govt.nz ). Culturally, the hall has seen almost every genre pass through: school concerts, folk nights, chamber concerts, big rock parties. Many locals can recall seeing beloved touring artists and community productions here over the years, making the venue fondly regarded like a home-grown amphitheatre. One longtime resident noted that it remains “the venue in central Queenstown” for anything from exhibitions to themed spectaculars (www.qldc.govt.nz ).
Architecturally, it’s a discreet Victorian-era hall upgraded with modern features (the 2013 overhaul gave it sleek lighting, sound and comfortable tiered seating, while preserving its hall iconography (www.centralotagoarts.com ) (www.centralotagoarts.com )). Audiences often remark that once you turn off the street into its foyer, the outside bustle falls away – the interior can feel surprisingly intimate even with a crowd. The acoustic environment is generally praised for speeches and acoustic sets. With the mountains visible from the windows in the foyer, the venue also captures something of Queenstown’s scenic charm. Ultimately, what makes it special is how it has become Queenstown’s performing arts hub: a reliable mid-size stage where both up-and-coming talents and national acts connect with audiences in this mountain town. Both artists and patrons appreciate that mix of warm community spirit and adequate professional facilities. In short, it’s a modest hall by big city standards, but an essential heart of Queenstown’s cultural scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The hall is wheelchair-accessible. There is ramped entry (or one step from street level) into the main foyer and level floors throughout (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Assisted listening or hearing loop systems are not advertised, so bring personal devices if needed. If mobility is an issue, reserve seats near the entrance or along an aisle. Accessible toilets are available. Service animals are welcome.
What to bring: Keep it light. A small bag or backpack is fine (but security staff may inspect large bags). Outside food/drink is not permitted, although bottled water is usually allowed. Dress is casual – many wear jeans or smart-casual; for bigger shows some patrons dress up a bit (there is no formal dress code). Walsh socks are a must in wintertime as the hall can get chilly between sets. If you’re visiting in winter, layers are recommended so you can remove sweaters after the room warms up. A jacket or shawl is handy if you step outside during intermission.
Avoid common pitfalls: There are no fixed seat numbers, so bulky coats or bags can end up blocking aisles. Use the coat check instead. Don’t be late: once a show starts, latecomers may have to wait for a break to be seated. Parking can fill up quick – arrive early if driving. Also, check if an event has any age restrictions (many are all-ages, but comedy shows or private events may be 18+; some musical shows might have alcohol for sale and thus ID checks). Photography, audio or video recording is usually prohibited during performances – flash photography is especially frowned upon. Silence your phone or, better, turn it off or put it on silent mode; phone calls are certainly discouraged inside the auditorium.
Arrival time: Plan to arrive at least 15–30 minutes before doors open. This gives time to find parking or take a bus, collect tickets if needed, and mingle in the foyer. There is a small area to pick up any pre-ordered tickets from the venue staff. Most shows have assigned seating, in which case getting in early helps you settle into choice seats. If it’s general admission or a charity event, you may even queue outside (especially on cold days, enjoy a hot chocolate from a nearby café first). After the event, anticipate some wait for taxis and rideshares – local drivers often have lines. On busy nights, it may help to share ride requests with friends so you queue together. There is a back alley (The Mall) where some drivers load, but usually fans catch rides from the main street in front.
Connectivity: The hall provides free public Wi-Fi in the foyer under the Queenstown umbrella network, but expect spotty access in the auditorium. Mobile coverage (Spark, Vodafone) is good indoors. If your incoming call is important, you’ll likely get signal in the lobby or onsite bar. There is no formal venue app or digital guide; printed programs or brochures may be offered for some events.
Miscellaneous: The Memorial Hall sometimes receives interesting recognition – for example, it’s listed on a national heritage site map of war memorials (nzhistory.govt.nz ). Locals will tell you that Queenstown’s “town centre redevelopment plan” has earmarked this building for future change, but meanwhile the site continues lively community use. Keep an eye on community boards or local papers for any schedule changes. If you get a chance, read the commemorative plaques in the foyer or step outside to the memorial sculpture – it adds context to what you’re attending. Respect the space as you would any memorial site. Above all, enjoy the intimate vibe: unlike larger arenas there’s a real connection between audience and performer in this compact venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of Queenstown Memorial Hall?
The venue’s official address is 1 Memorial Street , Queenstown, New Zealand (www.cvent.com ). It’s an easy walk from the lakefront (Steamer Wharf) and Queenstown Gardens.
What is the seating capacity?
The main hall’s capacity varies by setup: it seats about 422 in theatre (row seating) mode (www.qldc.govt.nz ). For banquets/dining it fits roughly 250 , and for standing-room events about 500 (www.qldc.govt.nz ). The venue also includes two smaller function rooms and a lounge, which provide additional overflow or breakout space (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Some events may sell a limited number of tickets at the door if not sold out, but this is not guaranteed. It’s safest to purchase in advance whenever possible, especially for popular shows or during peak tourist seasons (www.ticketfairy.com ). If door sales are allowed, the venue will generally put up a notice or let ticket holders know on their website.
What are typical ticket prices?
Ticket prices at the Memorial Hall depend on the event. Community theatre and school shows might be NZD 10–20. Professional concerts, comedy and touring theatre shows usually range from NZD 30 up to NZD 70 or more. For example, a recent stand-up comedy show had two price tiers: ~$60 and ~$70 (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). There are often discounts for children, students or seniors on family-friendly shows, if published by the organiser.
Where can I park near the venue and how much does it cost?
Metered street parking is available near the venue; rates in central Queenstown are typically around NZD 3–4 per hour. A convenient multi-storey car park is on Church Street (one block from the hall); casual entry there is about NZD 3.50 (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Arrive early to find a spot, especially on busy nights. There is also paid parking on Fenton Street and Steamer Wharf, but those can be further away.
Which bus routes serve the Memorial Hall?
Several Orbus bus routes stop near the Queenstown Memorial Centre. Routes 1 (Sunshine Bay–Queenstown–Remarkables Park), 4 (Jacks Point–Frankton–Arrowtown) and 5 (Lake Hayes–Frankton–Queenstown) all pass close by (moovitapp.com ). You can get off at the Queenstown Town Centre stop on Shotover Street or Brecon Street and walk a minute. Queenstown also has a lake ferry (#60) which docks at Steamer Wharf just around the corner.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Memorial Hall is fully wheelchair accessible. Entry from street level into the foyer is ramped or on a flat plane, and from there the main auditorium has seating positions for wheelchairs. The venue listing confirms there is wheelchair access and accessible toilets (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). If you need special seating arrangements, booking in advance will help ensure the staff reserve an appropriate spot.
Are there good views from all seats?
Views are generally good from most seats thanks to the partial tiering at the rear. Centre seats in the front half of the stall (floor) area tend to offer the clearest view of the stage (www.ticketfairy.com ). Seats at the very sides or extremely close to the stage may have an angled view, since the stage spans the full width of the hall. If an event is really packed, see if “risers” are added to raise the back rows for a better sightline (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Can I bring my own food or drinks inside?
No outside food or alcoholic beverages are allowed inside. The venue has a bar serving beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic drinks, and usually offers snacks or small bites during the event. Bringing a refillable water bottle is fine.
Is there a coat check or storage area?
There is usually a coat rack or cloakroom service available free of charge for evening events. Ushers will direct you to it. If you prefer, you can also keep jackets by your seat if there’s room – just be sure they don’t block aisles.
What are the age restrictions?
Age limits depend on the event. Many shows are family-friendly (all ages welcome), but an event like an adult comedy night or some concerts may be 18+ (especially if alcohol is sold). The ticketing info or box office will indicate if minors are not permitted. Otherwise there is no general age restriction on the venue itself – children must be supervised by an adult.
Are cameras or recording devices allowed?
As a rule, flash photography and video recording during the performance are prohibited (it can disturb performers and other guests). Some events allow non-flash still photos during excerpts or with permission – look for signage or ask staff. Any promotional videos or photography should be arranged through the event organiser in advance.
Is there a lost & found policy?
If you lose an item, check at the venue shortly after the event. Often the theatre manager or a staff member keeps lost & found items (phones, coats etc.). If you realize later, call the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s theatre office and describe the item.
