About Queenstown Recreational Reserve
The Queenstown Recreational Reserve (often called the Queenstown Recreation Ground) is a publicly-owned park in central Queenstown, Otago. It’s a large grassy open field directly adjacent to Queenstown’s Memorial Centre at 1 Memorial Street, surrounded by the town’s main shopping streets and lakefront. This multi-use reserve is notable for its off-leash dog area facilities and for hosting community events. It is also steeped in local history: the park contains the Queenstown war memorial arch and urn (unveiled 1922) honouring fallen WWI and WWII servicemen (nzhistory.govt.nz ). The nearby Queenstown Memorial Centre is a refurbished old war memorial hall (with an outdoor deck overlooking the field) that supports larger events (www.qldc.govt.nz ). In everyday life, the Rec Reserve is used by locals for casual sports practice and as Queenstown’s only central off-leash dog park (complete with seating along the sidelines and a public toilet facility) (wanderlog.com ). It also serves as the home playing field for the local Wakatipu Rugby Club (www.odt.co.nz ). Altogether, the Recreation Reserve’s signature flat turf, central downtown location (with Remarkables peaks as a backdrop), and war-memorial heritage make it a unique and cherished venue in Queenstown.
Events and Programming
Queenstown’s Recreational Reserve is a popular outdoor venue for community events. It hosts a mix of sporting events, cultural festivals and concerts, mostly during the warmer months. Local sports tournaments and fundraisers have used the fields – for example, it hosted the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games in Feburary 2015 and 2016 (www.eventfinda.co.nz ), a Mastercard Tap for Your Town touch rugby tournament (2017), and Waitangi Day community celebrations (e.g. Feb 2019) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). It is the home grounds of the Wakatipu Rugby Club, which practices and plays local league matches there (www.odt.co.nz ). The park has also become known for family-friendly festivals: notably the Queenstown Summer Beer Festival (January 2017 and 2018), which featured dozens of local craft breweries and drew “several hundred” attendees (www.odt.co.nz ). Even mid-sized music events and outdoor concerts have been staged here – past performers include New Zealand country artist Jody Direen at a summer concert (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). In recent years (2020–2025) the reserve has housed part of the annual Queenstown Marathon event (for example, as a 2020 and 2022 marathon expo/finish area) and other local sports expos, though programming can vary year to year. In general, expect sports tournaments, charity runs, cultural celebrations (Kiwi national days) or summer outdoor gigs here. Most events draw a few hundred spectators, with ticketed festival prices generally modest (e.g. picnic or local band concerts often NZ$5–20, bigger festivals like beer/wine events up to NZ$30–50). Annual and pop-up events are typically announced months in advance, often by Queenstown’s event promoters and council; watch local listings or community bulletins for timing.
Tickets and Booking
Because Queenstown Recreational Reserve is primarily an open public space, there is no permanent box office or general admission fee. Individual events (sports tournaments or festivals) usually require tickets or registration specific to that event. Tickets are sold through the event organisers – commonly via the official event website or approved ticket outlets (often timed-release on popular event days). In some cases, the nearby Queenstown Memorial Centre may handle box-office sales for Reserve events, but typically tickets are purchased online or at event entry. For un-ticketed activities like dog-walking or casual play, no booking or fee is required. If you want to attend a concert or festival at the Reserve, plan to buy tickets well in advance (they often sell out) via the official channels listed in event announcements. Pricing depends on the event type: local community events tend to be free or low-cost, while larger entertainment festivals may be higher. Keep an eye on local news or social media for presale and release dates, and check the Queenstown Lakes District Council event pages for any public bookings (for council-run events, a Hill or Memorial Centre customer counter may open on show days).
Seating and Layout
The Recreation Reserve is essentially one big open field with grass turf – there are no permanent stands or theatre-style seats. For public events and concerts, visitors usually sit on the lawn or on portable chairs and blankets that they bring. The best viewing spots depend on the setup: for a concert laid out at one end of the field, aim to sit up close near the (often temporary) stage or PA system. The adjacent Memorial Centre has an elevated deck on its frontage; this raised area offers a clear sightline over the park and can be used for VIP or overflow viewing (www.qldc.govt.nz ). Conversely, sitting too far back or along the very edges (especially behind speakers or near shrub fences) can compromise sound and sightlines. In practice, the “sweet spot” is in the middle-front section of the lawn facing the stage. If no stage is set, the entire field is open view. Note that the grassy surface can become slightly uneven or soggy in rain, so sturdy footwear is wise when walking the ground during wet seasons. For sports matches (e.g. rugby), spectators stand or sit along the sideline fences – those edges are closest to the action. Overall the venue is quite expansive and flexible: no assigned seats means you can move to find the best angle, but there are no designated VIP tiers except for any raised decking from the Memorial Centre.
Getting There and Parking
Queenstown Recreational Reserve is extremely central. The official address is 1 Memorial Street (off Man Street) in downtown Queenstown (www.kiwiarchive.biz ). It sits just a block from the main retail area (the Mall and Kawarau Falls Development) and a few minutes’ walk from the lakefront. If driving, the venue has a Council-owned carpark on-site with about 80 spaces (www.parkopedia.co.nz ). Note that this Recreation Ground Carpark is limited to roughly 2 hours free parking (after which standard district rates apply) (www.parkopedia.co.nz ), so it is best for short visits. Additional parking is available a short walk away: look for the public car park on Camp Street (across from the Village Green) or fee lots near the lake (on Beach Street or Rees Street). Along Memorial Street itself there are a few metered on-street spots, though these fill up quickly during events. Bike racks are also available nearby for cyclists.
Public transport: Queenstown’s Orbus buses service the central area. The closest local bus stops are on Shotover Street (Man or Camp St corners) only a few blocks north of the Reserve. Routes that connect Frankton, Arrowtown or local neighborhoods stop downtown; check real-time timetables on the Orbus (Otago Regional Council) site. The Queenstown Airport bus (Orbus or private shuttles) has a downtown stop near the lakeside (St Omer Park area). If using a taxi or rideshare, vehicles can drop off and pick up at Memorial Street (hint: the small roundabout near Lakes Theatre Arts) or on Man Street at Lakefront Parade. The venue is highly walkable from anywhere in Queenstown’s town centre, so many people also simply stroll up from their accommodation.
Inside the Venue
Since Queenstown Recreational Reserve is an outdoor park, “inside” mainly refers to what festival-goers and visitors can expect on site. Entry to the grounds is informal; for free access (dog walking or casual play) you simply walk in. For ticketed events, organizers will set up temporary entrance points. Plan for possible bag checks or security at major concerts or festivals (this is common practice for larger public events – e.g. gear checks at the beer fest). Event staff or volunteers usually direct foot traffic, issue wristbands or hand stamps for re-entry, and point out facilities.
Facilities: Public toilets serve the park. There is a block of council toilets on the property (visible from the Weston Street side) and access to the Memorial Centre’s public restrooms when the building is open. Those with accessibility needs will find wheelchair ramps on the sidelines and an accessible portable platform stage if one is installed (many organizers work with the venue’s disability access features (www.qldc.govt.nz )). There are no formal cloakrooms or coat checks – attendees generally carry what they need. Drinking fountains can be found by Queenstown Gardens (nearby) but not on the park itself, so bring water (some events sell bottled drinks on site).
Food & drink: No permanent concessions are on the green, but events often invite mobile vendors. Expect food trucks or stalls during a festival (e.g. burger, coffee, ice cream, local eats during concerts; brewery taps or wine stalls at tasting events). Outside of events, the park is usually quiet – visitors rely on nearby eateries for snacks. The Reserve has picnic benches along the edges and casual seating (as noted, benches flank the dog runs) (wanderlog.com ), providing spots to eat or simply relax and people-watch. During large events, merchandise booths may set up if musicians/operators plan sales; otherwise there’s no dedicated gift shop onsite.
Connectivity & atmosphere: The park is not indoors and there is no provided Wi-Fi, but mobile reception is strong (Queenstown’s cell networks cover the area). Phone charging stations are not available, so bring power banks if needed. The atmosphere outside depends on the event — during local festivals it’s festive and lively, while any given weekday it’s quiet and friendly (often with dogs playing). Lighting at night is minimal (streetlights and Memorial Centre lights); events after dark will use stage and area lighting. Plan to arrive in daylight if you need to navigate paths. Finally, because it’s a natural turf field, the ground can be wet after rain – many visitors will wear sandals in summer and boots in winter.
Nearby Amenities
Queenstown Recreational Reserve is surrounded by excellent amenities within easy walking distance. A wide variety of restaurants and bars line the nearby streets: for pre-show dining, popular choices include Botswana Butchery (fine New Zealand steakhouse on nearby Brecon Street), the relaxed Atlas Beer Café (for craft beers), Speight’s Ale House (classic pub fare) and Fat Duck (gastropub with enclosures). For quick bites or post-show treats, the famous Fergburger (on Shotover Street) and Bespoke Kitchen (café and bakery) are just minutes away. Other nearby spots include waterfront eateries on Beach Street and casual cafes on Camp Street. Within 5–10 minutes’ walk are larger dining areas like the Pier and Shotover Street dining precinct.
Accommodation: Numerous hotels border the area. Immediately adjacent is the waterfront Crowne Plaza Queenstown (with lake views). Other local options just up the road include the Heritage Queenstown hotel, the Rees or Park boutique hotels and the well-known Base backpackers (budget-friendly) on Man Street. The Holiday Inn and Lakefront motels sit a short drive away at the northern end of town. If attending an early event, plan lodging in Queenstown’s townside core to minimize travel.
Transport: Late-night travel is manageable. Queenstown’s Orbus buses run services until around midnight on weekends (check current schedules), and a taxi stand is near the park (radio cabs and app-based ride shares are readily available). After midnight, Uber and local ride-share drivers typically pick up on Shotover Street near Speight’s. Queenstown Airport is about 15km away; a direct ski shuttle or airport bus can be used, or you’ll connect via the Frankton Hub (buses to the town centre). If arriving by train, the nearest station is far (Lakes District Museum at Five Mile), so you’d connect via bus or taxi.
A final pro tip: arrive at least 15–30 minutes before a scheduled event start. Queenstown’s compact streets can bottleneck on event days and parking or security lines form quickly. There is plenty to see before a show (even strolling to the lakefront pier), so giving yourself extra time helps avoid any rush. After events end, local bars stay open late and a stroll by the lake (a block away) is a fitting way to unwind.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Queenstown Recreational Reserve has a personality that combines community charm with natural beauty. Unlike large stadia built just for crowds, this grass reserve is part of Queenstown’s living history – next to a war memorial hall, fronted by Lake Wakatipu views and the Remarkables mountains. Its central off-leash dog area is beloved by locals (often dogs and owners gather here daily), giving it a uniquely down-to-earth vibe even during major events (wanderlog.com ). Over the decades it has seen colourful festival moments (like classic summer concerts or rural sports days) that locals fondly remember. For performers and event organisers, its outdoor setting offers an open sky and mountain amphitheatre effect – the acoustics of cosmos and peaks – something indoor venues can’t match. The close ties with the neighbouring Queenstown Memorial Centre also mean that multi-day events or those needing indoor backup (stage gear storage, kitchen for banquets, etc.) find it very functional. All these qualities – the park’s history as a gathering place, the flexibility of an unfenced lawn with scenic views, and the support facilities next door – make Queenstown Recreational Reserve a unique and treasured community venue.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The field itself is flat and wheelchair-friendly. The Memorial Centre (adjacent building) offers disabled access ramp and toilets, which event organizers often use for accessible services (www.qldc.govt.nz ). If you need assistance on site, event staff and volunteers are generally accommodating. Weather considerations: As an outdoor lawn, events proceed rain or shine only if properly sheltered. Should bad weather hit, events are sometimes canceled or delayed (especially if lightning is a risk). Check forecasts in advance and dress in layers – even summer evenings can get chilly in Queenstown. In case of rain, bring waterproof shoes and a raincoat; there is minimal cover otherwise (you cannot bring umbrellas into crowded concert areas).Pets: Off-leash dogs are normally welcome in the Reserve any day – there are fenced dog runs and fresh water bowls. However, bring your pet only if there’s no concert or event; many public events are restricted to ticket holders and may not allow dogs in crowd areas for safety. Always keep dogs under control on leash if the grounds are otherwise in use and follow local dog bylaws.Prohibited items: Large personal ovens, open flames, sparklers or fireworks are not allowed. Glass bottles and alcohol brought from home are generally banned during ticketed events (alcohol is served by vendors instead). Some venues cap bag size, so use a small daypack. Photography is fine for personal use unless signage says no (commercial photography usually needs organizer permission).Children and families: The park is family-friendly. It’s recommended to keep an eye on kids near the lakefront area and parking edges, but elsewhere it’s open. Kids enjoy running on the grass or visiting the peace gardens on the side. Note that some concerts have age limits (check the event’s rules), though daytime community events usually welcome all ages.Things to bring: For any event, pack sunscreen, a brimmed hat and sunglasses (UV rays are strong in the mountains). A fold-up chair or picnic blanket can make long events more comfortable. Bring drinking water in a refillable bottle – in-park fountains may not exist, but many shops nearby allow refills. Also bring insect repellent in summer (high country sandflies). A power bank is handy as cell service is used heavily for tickets and photos.Common mistakes: Visitors often underestimate parking difficulty – don’t assume you’ll find a spot seconds before a show. Likewise, the slope of Queenstown’s CBD roads can be confusing for drivers on unfamiliar narrow streets. Always allow extra time. Finally, the limit on two hours free parking means if you overstay, you’ll pay or risk a ticket, unless you move your car elsewhere (so set a timer on your phone!).Connectivity: There is no official free Wi-Fi on site. Most mobile phone carriers cover the area well. If using online tickets or maps, ensure your phone is charged.COVID-19: At present (2024–25) there are no special health entry checks; however, always follow any official guidance (such as wearing a mask in crowded indoor areas of the Memorial Centre). Hand sanitiser stations may be provided during big events. Keep a mask handy if you plan to go indoors or in tight queues.
Is Queenstown Recreational Reserve open to the public year-round? Yes – the reserve is a public park and is open every day (typically 24 hours unless closed for a major booked event). There is no general admission fee. People use it freely for recreation when no private event is in progress (www.kiwiarchive.biz ).
What is the address of Queenstown Recreational Reserve? The main entry is at 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand (www.kiwiarchive.biz ). It’s just off Man Street in downtown Queenstown, adjacent to the Queenstown Memorial Centre.
Are there any parking facilities at the venue? Yes. There is a council-run car park on the site with about 80 spaces. It provides the first two hours of parking free (www.parkopedia.co.nz ) (after that, standard city parking rates apply). Additional metered parking is on Memorial Street and Camp Street nearby, and larger public lots are a short walk away. If those fill up, you might need to park on surrounding streets (some pay zones) or at the Earnslaw Lakefront car park.
How do I get tickets to events at Queenstown Recreational Reserve? Events at the Reserve are ticketed individually. Typically tickets are sold through the event organizer (for example via an online ticket platform or at a ticket counter in Queenstown Memorial Centre). There is no permanent box office in the park itself. Check the official event webpage or ads for each event’s ticket release. For council-organized events, sometimes tickets or registrations are available through the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s recreation site.
What are the seating arrangements? There are no fixed seats – it’s an open grassy field. For concerts or screenings, people generally sit on blankets or portable chairs. If you’re attending an event, bring seating if you like. The most popular viewing spots are close to the stage area or on the raised patio deck of the Memorial Centre (which overlooks the field). There is general admission standing room as well. If the event has designated “VIP” tickets, it usually means a roped section near the front.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible? Yes. The field is flat grass, and temporary ramps are often provided to any raised platforms. The adjacent Queenstown Memorial Centre (used for support services) is fully accessible with ramps and accessible restrooms (www.qldc.govt.nz ). Event staff typically accommodate wheelchairs or mobility equipment when needed, particularly for reserved accessible spots.
Can I bring my dog to the Recreation Reserve? Yes, the Reserve is one of Queenstown’s designated off-leash dog parks, so under normal conditions dogs are welcome to exercise here (the dog runs even have seating nearby) (wanderlog.com ). However, during organised events, the field may need to be cleared. Always keep your dog on a leash if asked by event staff, and ensure you clean up after your pet.
Are public restrooms available? Yes. There are city public toilets located at the Reserve. You’ll also have access to indoor restrooms in the Memorial Centre when the building is open. These facilities are well-signposted on site. For events, sometimes portable restroom trailers are added for convenience.
Can I bring food and drinks into the venue? For a casual visit to the park (not attending an event), you can bring your own food and drinks and picnic freely. For ticketed events, policies vary by promoter. Many food and beverage items (like beer or wine) may only be consumed if purchased on site (some events have wristbanded bars). Bringing outside alcoholic drinks is often prohibited at large festivals. Water bottles and snacks are usually fine; always check the specific event’s rules posted on their information page.
Are umbrellas or tents allowed? Small personal umbrellas or pop-up tents are generally allowed for shade or rain cover when attending (as long as they don’t block others’ view). However, very large sheltered tents (like a big gazebo) usually need pre-approval by event organizers. Because events try to keep sightlines open, always position umbrellas or shade structures at the back of crowds.
Is there mobile phone coverage and Wi-Fi available? Mobile phone reception is strong throughout Queenstown, including at the Reserve, so you can use data and calls normally. There is no public Wi-Fi network provided in the park itself. If you need internet, your phone’s mobile service is reliable. Charging stations or free Wi-Fi hotspots are not part of the venue.
What should I bring to a concert or festival here? Bring the basics for an outdoor event: seating (camping chair or blanket), sunscreen, hat, and a raincoat or extra layers for changeable weather. Comfortable shoes are a must (the grass can be uneven or wet). Pack a refillable water bottle; vendors usually sell drinks. Earplugs are wise if you’re sensitive to loud sound. Most importantly, carry your tickets (digital or print) and ID. All this will make your visit more comfortable.
Can I smoke at the Recreation Reserve? Smoking rules follow local laws: you may smoke in the open-air areas of the park, but not inside any clustered event tents or the Memorial Centre building. Many events and businesses have adopted smoking-free policies in crowd zones, so if attending a concert check for designated smoking areas. Always use bins for cigarette butts and respect other patrons.
Are events cancelled for rain or poor weather? Events usually proceed rain or shine unless conditions become dangerous (for example heavy storms, lightning or very high winds). Performances might have a backup indoor plan in the Memorial Centre, but mostly hold outdoors. Promoters will alert ticket holders to cancellations or delays on short notice, typically via email or social media. As a precaution, check the weather ahead of time – if it’s raining hard, bring a poncho or have a shelter plan. Festivals often sell ponchos at the entrance.
What transport options are available late at night? Queenstown’s night scene is lively, and a safe trip home is usually available. On weekends the Orbus buses (routes 1 and 2) run until around midnight for downtown areas. After that, local taxis and ride-share (Uber) operate all night. Taxis can pick up on Shotover Street, and Uber drivers often specify the Memorial Centre as a pickup point. If you’re staying out late dancing or dining nearby, plan your ride in advance (download the booking apps or note the local cab number).
