About The Club
The Club is Queenstown’s premier gentlemen’s club – an upscale striptease venue in the heart of town. It bills itself as “Queenstown’s home of striptease,” situated on Church Lane (off Church Street) just behind The World Bar (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). In a prime CBD location, it’s steps from hotels and hostels and is promoted as “a premium and boutique venue showcasing Queenstown’s classiest and most elegant striptease” (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). Open six nights a week (closed Mondays) from 9pm till late (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com), the Club offers luxury surroundings and a high-end atmosphere. The décor is aimed at a “high-class” vibe, with a bar and stage area designed for sophisticated entertainment. Signature features include plush seating areas and private dance booths, creating an exclusive vibe for celebration nights. Its historic significance is more about local nightlife culture than architectural heritage – it’s a key part of Queenstown’s famous late-night entertainment scene.
Events and Programming
The Club’s programme is based on adult entertainment. Every night features exotic striptease performances by its dancers, often set to DJ music or live backing tracks. Themed shows and special events happen regularly – for example, past events have included burlesque nights like “Fierce Burlesque” and even Pride-themed shows (www.eventfinda.co.nz). It’s especially popular with stag and hen parties: the venue markets itself as “perfect for Hen’s and Buck’s (stag) nights, birthdays, divorce parties,” and even notes that it has hosted a wedding party (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). There are no traditional “concerts” as such, but the Club sometimes adds live music or guest DJs to spice up big nights. Performances typically begin fairly late (after 10pm) and run continuously until closing; dancers alternate between stage sets and private dances. Ticket prices (cover charges) vary by event – ordinary club nights often have only a small door fee or even free entry, while special shows may have a set entry price. Private dances and attention from performers always cost extra in cash (tips or fees). In practice, most visitors simply drop in and pay cover at the door, especially on quieter weekday evenings. Popular weekend events can sell out, so fans are advised to follow announcements on local listings or the Club’s social page. (When advance booking is offered, it’s typically via the Club’s own channels rather than third-party vendors.) Typical cover charges are modest – often free or under $20 – but private lap dances and premium experiences should be pre-anticipated in your budget.
Tickets and Booking
The Club does not have a traditional box office – tickets (if any) are usually sold on the door or announced on social media for special events. For everyday club nights, you can usually just walk in after 9pm. If you have a large group or special celebration (like a stag/hen party or corporate event), you should contact the club directly in advance. The official site advises guests to “call us or fill out the contact form below and we'll get in touch” for more details (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). In other words, bookings are handled by phoning or emailing the venue (via their website form) rather than through a public ticket portal. Party packages are often arranged privately. Note that even with a booking, you will still need to pay room minimums or cover charges on the night, and extra costs for drinks and dances. There is generally no charge to simply enter for standard club nights, but floor seats or booths can be requested for groups if you arrive early or have booked an area through a promoter.
Seating and Layout
The Club’s interior is a club-style lounge. The ground floor contains the main bar, a dance floor and stage, and scattered seats. Patrons mainly stand or perch on stools around the bar or flower-box benches along the walls while watching shows. There are no fixed theatre seats – it’s largely open-plan so you can move around. For VIPs or private dances, the Club has curtained-off booths and a special private-dance area on the ground floor (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). For the best view of the stage, most locals recommend positioning yourself near the center of the dance floor or by the stage edge once dancers start. Avoid tight corners or the farthest places from the sound system if you want a clear view (the sound is loudest near the stage speakers). The Club also has a ground-floor section (formerly a function room) with tables that can be reserved by groups. In short, there’s a mix of standing space and bench/bar seating; premium “booth” seating is mostly for private dances. Acoustic-wise, it’s a small, echoey club – if you prefer hearing the music clearly, grab a spot away from open doorways during peak times. Overall, plan to be on your feet for most of the night if you want a good view of the show.
Getting There and Parking
The Club is easy to reach within Queenstown’s compact town centre. Its address is 12 Church Lane (off Church Street) (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). Church Street itself is a pedestrian-friendly mall road with plenty of foot traffic. If you’re driving, the closest parking is public. The nearest secure car park is Wilson Parking on Church Street (at #14 Church St), just a minute’s walk away. Wilson charges roughly NZ$3.10 per half-hour (www.ticketfairy.com) (about $6.20 an hour); expect higher fees for all-day parking. Street parking in central Queenstown is scarce and usually metered (often 2–3 hour limits). Another option is the Lakefront Earnslaw Launch parking garage (a 5–10 minute walk), which offers lower all-day rates, especially after midnight. Public transit buses (Orbus service) run frequent routes into central Queenstown. Bus #5 and #6 from Frankton hub and other routes stop near the bus exchange on Shotover Street, which is a 5-10 minute walk from the club. Uber, taxi and local rideshare can drop you off on Church Street or Earnslaw Lane. Note that many ride-share drivers are familiar with the World Bar area as a landmark. If arriving from Queenstown Airport (8 km away), a taxi or rideshare is simplest (roughly 15–20 minutes by car). Once in town, everything is walkable – your hotel or hostel is likely within a 10-minute stroll of Christ Church Mall and Earl Street. Keep in mind Church Street can be busy with tourists, so plan travel time accordingly.
Inside the Venue
Anticipate a lively, late-night atmosphere inside. On entry you will likely go through a brief security and ID check (it is strictly 18+). The Club has a fully licensed bar. You can buy standard alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, tap cocktails etc.) from the bartenders. Drink prices are in line with Queenstown’s usual bar rates – moderately high for town centre, usually $10+ for a beer or cocktail. The Club doesn’t serve meals or full menus, but there may be simple snacks (chips, nuts) if you ask. Mobile phones should be kept discreet: by custom, patrons generally do not photograph performers (expect staff to forbid cameras or video recording of the shows). Dress code is casual clubwear – neat jeans or slacks and a shirt are standard (very casual attire like flip-flops, athletic singlets or swimwear may be frowned on). Inside is smoke-free by law (no one smokes indoors (www.ticketfairy.com)), and coat checks are often offered by a cloakroom near the entrance (most patrons hand coats to security). The Club is handicap accessible: entry is on ground level with no steps, and a disabled restroom is provided (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). Wi-Fi is not advertised, so assume you’ll rely on mobile data if needed. Restrooms are behind the bar area – there are separate facilities for men and women, plus the one disabled toilet on the main floor (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). The Club usually keeps a cloak area or will hold your coat at the entrance desk. Overall, expect kangaro saw disco lights, loud music (often up to 90+ dB near the stage), and an intimate lounge vibe. Merely bring a valid ID, your cash or cards, and check your wallet for tips and ticket needs (more on that below).
Nearby Amenities
Church Street (the main path into town) is lined with plenty of food and lodging options. Immediately next door east is the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside hotel (with its own bar and restaurant) – the Club’s site even notes “The Novotel hotel is just a stones throw from us” (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). Other hotels like Rydges, Millennium, and boutique lodges are 5–10 minutes away on foot. For pre-show dining, you’ll find everything from casual cafés and pizzerias on Church Street and surrounding lanes to high-end eateries (seafood, steak, Italian, sushi, etc.). A few popular picks: Rātā and Botswana Butchery for upscale dining, and Fergburger (the famous burger joint) for takeout if timing allows. Within a block are also Irish pubs, Asian-fusion bars and eateries, plus several liquor stores (“bottle shops”) where you could grab late-night snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. After the show, late-night bars cluster nearby too – the World Bar next door has an outdoor garden, and others like Criterion and Inside Out often stay open late. The Queenstown bus hub on Camp Street (a short walk) also means hotels or the Stanmore Bay shuttle stops are easy to reach afterward. In short, the Club’s CBD location means you’re in the middle of Queenstown’s nightlife and dining district, so you can easily plan dinner before or a quick bite after on foot. Taxis and Ubers usually queue at the nearby church steps or bus stops on end-of-night, or you can hail one on Shotover Street just a block away.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Club stands out for its niche in Queenstown’s entertainment scene. First, it projects an air of luxury – it’s widely advertized as upscale and elegant, a contrast to dive bars or strip clubs in other towns. Its boutique styling and focus on “full service” stag-and-hen packages give it a party-house reputation; the home site even boasts they’ve catered weddings and high-end celebrations (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). Unusually for such a club, The Club emphasizes inclusivity: its ground floor is fully wheelchair accessible with a disabled restroom (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com). Culturally, it represents Queenstown’s bold nightlife – a town known for extreme sports, this brings a touch of Vegas-style entertainment. It has become a local landmark of sorts; mention of “The Club Queenstown” even appears in local news (e.g. covering its liquor licensing and community debates). Fans appreciate that staff (especially the performers) project a polished, friendly vibe – respected in the stag/hen circuit. In short, it’s special because it’s the only club of its kind in Queenstown’s compact CBD, offering a one-of-a-kind stag/hens-night experience. Many artists and visitors say it has a fun but professional atmosphere – a place “you have to try” in Queenstown nightlife. Its famous shows and clientele have made it a talking point in town, making it both a practical party venue and a curious piece of local nightlife culture.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Club is friendly to guests with mobility issues. The entire bar and performance area is on one level, with a ramp-free entrance on Church Lane. A curtained private-dance area and a dedicated disabled bathroom are provided on the ground floor (theclubqueenstown.squarespace.com), so wheelchair users can navigate and even enjoy one-on-one dances comfortably. However, not all viewing areas may accommodate a wheelchair easily when it’s crowded, so arrive early if you need that access.
What to Bring: Always carry valid photo ID (NZ driver’s licence or passport) – entry is strictly 18+ and ID is checked. Bring cash to pay for any private dances (dancers do not take cards) and for tipping (cash is customary for lap dances). You can pay for drinks by credit/EFTPOS at the bar, but smaller bills are handy. Phone cameras should be put away once inside to respect performers’ privacy. Dress appropriately: smart-casual is best (think neat jeans or slacks with a shirt, or a casual dress). Avoid sportswear, overly casual outfits, or anything too revealing – do norm. No school uniforms or work uniforms. The venue is humid and smoky-free indoors (smoking only allowed outside by law (www.ticketfairy.com)), so you won’t need extra layers. If you expect to drink a lot, consider splitting a taxi with friends – this area has limited late-night parking. Check weather if walking; the location is central but summers can be busy streets.
Common Rules: Photography or video of dancers is forbidden – staff will ask you to delete any images if caught. Large bags or cameras may be checked at the door. Coat check used to be offered; if in doubt, ask the door staff. The club follows standard New Zealand rules: no illegal drugs, no outside alcohol or food, and no aggressive behaviour. The Club’s house policy is to keep it fun but safe – do not harass performers and respect personal space. Cell phones can be used, but only in silent mode or discreetly; loud phone calls are frowned upon. Check your pockets after leaving – it’s a small venue, so keep valuables secure.
Interior Atmosphere: The Club’s lighting is dim and coloured, with typical nightclub sound levels (be warned it gets loud during shows). It’s themed more like a bar than a theatre – music and announcers may interrupt sets. If you’re sensitive to light or sound, it’s wise to sit back or use earplugs. Find a spot near the front of the crowd for the full experience, or toward the back if you prefer conversation. Free water is usually available behind the bar.
Age and Groups: No one under 18 is allowed. The environment is adult – definitely not family-friendly. If you’re planning a stag or hen night, it’s a popular choice, but still boast a typical club entrance fee for each attendee. Groups are welcome, but large groups should call ahead. Women are welcome in stag nights too (and vice versa), but expect it to be male-dominated makeup, especially on men’s stag nights. The performers will entertain any customer politely, but the club’s theme is “gentlemen’s club,” so it’s geared more to male audiences (hen shows are a thing but less frequent).
Time Your Visit: Doors open at 9pm (there’s usually no earlier admittance). The club gets busiest around 11pm–1am, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. If you want a seat or a particular spot, arrive by 10pm. Peak seasons (ski season mid-year and summer holidays) are especially busy. If you turn up right at opening on a weekend, you’ll get one of the better spots; after midnight the dance floor will be packed. Newcomers often arrive in groups after dinner – try to coordinate so you all get in together. The last entry is typically around 12–1am when venues restrict. Plan for the party to go on until 3–4am, as Queenstown liquor licences allow late hours.
