About The World Bar & Restaurant
The World Bar & Restaurant is a landmark bar and live music venue in downtown Queenstown, famed for its lively atmosphere, hearty food, and creative cocktails. First established in 1996, it quickly became a “Queenstown institution, known to countless residents and travels around the globe” (www.odt.co.nz ). Today it blends classic Kiwi pub vibes with quirky, modern touches – from deftly crafted burgers and an 11-tap craft beer lineup to its signature “teapot” cocktail. Designed entirely in-house after reopening, the current venue at 12 Church Street features a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces (including a sunny beer garden and roaring indoor fire (www.theworldbar.co.nz )) that reflect a warm, energetic hangout loved by locals and visitors alike.
Historically, The World Bar has played a big role in Queenstown’s nightlife culture. It was originally housed above the Fat Badgers Pizza on Shotover Street, but in May 2013 a fire – caused by a deep-fryer malfunction downstairs – gutted the building and destroyed the bar (www.odt.co.nz ) (www.odt.co.nz ). After operating a temporary pop-up (“The Find”) for a couple of seasons, the bar was rebuilt and finally relaunched in 2015 with a fresh design and full sound/projection system (www.behance.net ) (www.theworldbar.co.nz ). The redesign kept The World Bar’s eclectic soul intact while adding new features – quirky memorabilia in “The Shed” backroom, an enclosed garden with cover, multiple HDMI screens for sports and films, plus festival-level sound and lighting for concerts. It can accommodate roughly 150–200 people for a full venue interior booking (www.theworldbar.co.nz ), with off-street functions supporting similar numbers.
Events and Programming
The World Bar is best known for its packed events calendar. On most nights you’ll find live DJs or bands, film premieres, skateboarding jams or theme parties. A typical week includes free-entry community nights like quiz night (Tuesdays from 7pm), silent disco (Wednesdays at 9pm), industry happy hours (Thursdays), retro/club music Fridays, dance music Saturdays and acoustic sessions Sundays (www.theworldbar.co.nz ). These recurring events cover everything from drum’n’bass and hip-hop to throwback rock, techno and reggae. Special headliners and touring DJs also spin here, with ticketed concerts occasionally drawing queues outside. For example, electronic music artist HAAi played a sold-out show in Feb 2023{{ (www.songkick.com )}}. The venue also hosts community happenings – adventure film premieres and local charity fundraisers (e.g. a skateboarding gear drive in 2019 (www.theworldbar.co.nz )), as well as one-off parties tied to Queenstown’s ski, surf or festival seasons.
Typical Programming: Expect something to be on any night of the week. The calendar on the World Bar’s website (and word-of-mouth flyers) list genre-themed nights and one-off gigs. As of late 2025, the weekly schedule includes:
Quiz Night – Every Tuesday from 7pm (free entry), a pub-style trivia evening popular with locals.Silent Disco – Every Wednesday from 9pm (free entry). Wireless headphones and live DJs create an all-ages party.Industry Night – Every Thursday from 5pm (free entry). A happy-hour friendly meet-up featuring drink specials and music videos on the screens.Party Bangers – Most Fridays at 9pm (free entry). Dance classics and club music, often with local DJs throwing foam/LED parties.All Gas No Brakes – Most Saturdays at 9pm (free entry). A mix of house, techno and EDM sets that keep crowds dancing late.Sunday Sessions – Sundays from 5pm (free entry). Typically live acoustic acts (e.g. Danny Atkinson and others) on the patio as the week winds down.
On top of these, look out for special events: festival after-parties (Winter Festival Winterlude after-party, etc.), NZ band gigs, and touring DJs. Concert ticket prices vary: local DJ nights are usually free, whereas headline concerts outside the regular schedule might charge $10–$30 or more. Check the bar’s Facebook/Songkick pages or in-person flyers for upcoming acts and sale dates.
Tickets and Booking
For upcoming concerts and parties at The World Bar, tickets are generally sold online through event notices or (for some shows) via third-party ticketing sites. However, many regular events have no ticket cost. Quiz nights, happy hours and weekly DJ parties are usually free – no ticket needed. For ticketed gigs, search in advance as popular shows can sell out. If you’re planning for a big act, sign up for alerts or follow the venue’s social media so you hear when tickets go on sale. In most cases, a limited number of tickets (if any) are available at the door on the night, so pre-book online if you want to guarantee entry. There is no traditional box-office inside – staff will scan or collect tickets at the front door. Note that some hi-profile nights adopt tiered pricing (e.g. early-bird or VIP packages), but typical pricing lands in the $20 range for non-free events.
The restaurant side of The World Bar takes walk-in dining each day, but you can also book a table online via their reservation link for lunch or dinner (especially on weekends). Group bookings for food or functions (20 to 200 people) are accommodated by special arrangement (www.theworldbar.co.nz ). It’s wise to reserve for any large group or if you have all-day drinking/food plans, as even the dining area can get busy on a nice afternoon or pre-concert dinner.
Seating and Layout
The World Bar’s interior is zoned across several areas:
Main Floor & Stage Area: This is the heart of the venue. Inside, a raised stage and sound booth face the main dance floor. In front of the stage is open standing room – for big crowds on concert nights the dance floor can get packed. There are also low tables and high-top stools along the room’s periphery and against the walls. The main bar sits to one side with dozens of bar stools. For live shows, the best views are up near the stage or on the raised seating at the back. Avoid leaving valuables on tables front-row if there’s a big crowd surge; secure pocket or use a coat check if needed.The Shed (Back Bar): Through an archway past the main bar you enter “The Shed,” a quirky smaller lounge area decorated like a rustic ski shed and covered in memorabilia. It has couches and more intimate seating. It’s quieter than the main dance floor – good for conversation or watching events on wall-mounted screens.However, it does not have a direct view of the stage, so is better for casual drinking rather than watching live bands.Garden / Patio: Out back is a fenced beer garden – essentially an open-air courtyard with overhead cover. This area catches plenty of sun by day (the “sunniest beer garden” in Queenstown according to fans (www.tripadvisor.ie )) and has picnic-table seating. In cooler weather it is heated and has outdoor fire pits or heaters. Sometimes acoustic performers play out here. It’s also where people gather to smoke. (Note: no smoking indoors by law.) Depending on the event, this space can be quieter than the main venue, or used for extra overflow seating during big sold-out nights.
Overall the layout is informal. There are no assigned seats – it’s mostly general admission. On busy nights, it’s common for people to stand by the stage or dance-floor and sip drinks from high tables. As for sightlines: If it’s a DJ or band you want to watch, try to grab a spot near the front-central area. The upper bar stools give a nice view of the stage but may be too far away for sound on loud nights. The audio system is excellent throughout, though speakers near the stage can get very loud, so avert your ears if something is cranked up. VIP sections aren’t separated – even beer garden and Shed can be hired out for private parties, but normally anyone is welcome unless a function is booked.
Getting There and Parking
Location: The World Bar is at 12 Church Street, Queenstown (right off Shotover Street) – just a block from the lakefront. It’s in the heart of the CBD, across from the historic World Bar Church. Google “The World Bar, Queenstown” or follow Church St one block up from the Queenstown Gardens or Torpedo Bay.
Public Transport: Queenstown’s bus network (Orbus) serves Church Street. Routes 1, 4 and 5 run between Frankton, the airport and Arrowtown into downtown Queenstown, with stops at Stanley Street Bus Hub – about a 5–6 minute walk from Church Street (moovitapp.com ). Buses operate roughly every 15–30 min (depending on season); you’ll need a Bee Card (or cash fare) to ride (fares are around $2.50 one-way with a Bee Card (www.queenstownnz.co.nz )). You can also walk easily around downtown from most hotel areas. Queenstown taxi and rideshare (Uber) services are reliable too; simply ask the driver to drop you at Church & Shotover or at the nearby Courthouse intersection.
Driving & Parking: There is limited on-street parking near Church Street, so most visitors use public or paid lots. The nearest large car park is the Church Street Wilson Parking at 14 Church Street, around the corner. It charges about NZD $3.50 per half hour (www.wilsonparking.co.nz ) (or ~$7/hour) – rates vary by time of day. Street parking meters are also nearby but often timed (check signs). Note that council-owned parking spaces in Queenstown CBD are free after 6pm (www.qldc.govt.nz ), which is handy for concert nights. For longer stays, the council has some cheaper lots a few blocks away (for example, Lakeview Avenue carpark charges around $2/hour). If you plan on taking taxis or late buses home, there’s a Street Stop on Shotover Street (outside the Historic World Bar site) commonly used for ride-share pickups/drop-offs.
Inside the Venue
When you enter The World Bar, expect a bustling atmosphere. There’s usually a doorman or security check (especially on event nights), who may do a quick ID or bag search. Have government-issued photo ID ready if you plan to drink. Once inside, you’re greeted by the main bar (craft beers on tap, house cocktails being mixed) and a large lounge area. The decor is intentionally eclectic – sport gear, skis and skateboard decks line the walls and ceiling (“pure passion” from the sports community (www.theworldbar.co.nz )). Free Wi-Fi is typically available. The main bar serves food and drinks until late night every day (see hours below).
Food & Drink: The food prep areas are visible behind the bar – you’ll likely smell burgers cooking off the grill. Expect pub-style menu items: burgers, flatbreads, chicken wings, fish & chips, tacos (e.g. “Pulled Pork Baja Tacos” often feature in reviews (wanderlog.com )) and vegetarian/plant-based sides. The bartenders know their craft beers and spirits: there are at least 11 beer taps (www.theworldbar.co.nz ) pouring local and imported brews, plus hundreds of bottles lining the wall. The famous “teapot cocktail” is poured by the jug, meant for sharing – it’s a house specialty. Liveries like local Queenstown wines or spirits appear seasonally.
Facilities: Restrooms are located behind the bar area (signage upstairs in The Shed). The venue has standard men’s and women’s toilets, maintained regularly. Accessibility: the new ground-floor has level access and an accessible toilet, though the “Garden” and “Shed” areas have a few steps. Ask staff if you have mobility needs – they can accomodate in the main area. There’s no cloakroom – on busy nights you can hand a coat to a staff member or place one under your table. Megaphone announcements and projectors drive visuals; expect loud music and strobe lights during shows. (For safety, large bags may be asked to be held or opened.)
Special Features: In true homegrown style, The World Bar is littered with local charm. Custom artwork and graffiti by New Zealand artists decorate the spaces (Tokyo-born graffiti sets off brick walls). The “home of the teapot cocktail” motto is emblazoned everywhere (on coasters, posters (www.theworldbar.co.nz )). Catch the action on multiple 90″ screens at sports games or film nights. If you’re hungry for merchandise, a small shop corner often sells branded T-shirts and stickers – a little nod to the venue’s hip brand. Overall, the vibe inside is warm yet rowdy; patrons chat by the fireplace or get losing by the dancefloor. Even at peak hours the staff are known for being friendly and efficient, often recognized as one of Queenstown’s best service crews by tourists.
Nearby Amenities
Surrounding The World Bar is the heart of Queenstown’s hospitality scene, so you’ll have plenty of options for pre- or post-show plans:
Restaurants: On Church Street itself is Yonder (at 14 Church), a sister cafe/restaurant with global-inspired fare and brunch. A short walk up Shotover Street brings you to Devil Burger (famous for 100% free-range beef burgers) and Winnies Gourmet Pizza . If you head to the waterfront near Beach Street, you’ll find the iconic Fergburger (15-minute walk; long lines likely). Further afield are classics like Botswana Butchery (steaks and fine dining) and the casual The Cow pizza bar (Church Lane, just behind World Bar).Bars and Cafés: Queenstown’s famed lakeside lounge Skyline and Stellar Cafe are a stroll away for cocktails with a view. For local vibe, check out the historic Axel & the Fish (seafood bar) or pop into The Bunker (cocktail lounge in the next block). Around the corner on Beetham Street is a string of luxury bars. If you need caffeine, legit Kiwi cafes like Joe’s Garage and Patagonia Chocolates are five-minute walks.Hotels: Many visitors stay within a few blocks. The closest hotels are Rendezvous Hotel (Waterfront) and Heritage Queenstown, both on Duke Street (3 minutes’ walk). On nearby Rees Street sits the Crowne Plaza, and further down Frankton Road are Sleman and Novotel. Budget-friendly hostels and motels also line Shotover and Stanley; most are 5–10 minutes’ walk away. (Taxis or quick bus rides can link to farther resorts.)Transit and Late Night: The Queenstown Bus Hub (Stanley Street) is a 5-minute walk from The World Bar and offers frequent buses out towards Queenstown Airport, Frankton-Shotover connections and main suburbs. After 11pm, buses run reduced service; consider booking a taxi or Uber in advance if you’re staying late. Rideshare pickup/drop-off points cluster along Beach Street (by iSite) or at the convention center on Marine Parade, roughly 400m away from Church Street. Many revelers also hang at late-night fish-and-chips stands (Fusion Jacks on Shotover or Atomic on Ballarat) on the way home.
What Makes This Venue Special
The World Bar’s character truly shines in its blend of high-energy nightlife and a down-to-earth community spirit. It’s one of those rare bars that feels like home for adventure-seekers. In a town known as NZ’s “adventure capital,” The World Bar embraces that culture – its décor is plastered with skaterboards, old snow-skis and surfboards, and it regularly throws events with a sports twist, from ski movie premieres to BMX and skate competitions. The in-house design is all about “a warm, real, and lively hangout” (www.theworldbar.co.nz ): the cozy indoor fire pit and sun-drenched beer garden make it a favourite chill spot after hiking or skiing.
The food and drink offerings have local cult status. Its burgers are often hailed as Queenstown’s best (made from freshly ground grass-fed NZ beef (www.theworldbar.co.nz )). The cheekily named cocktails – for example “Hendricks Lamar” (a gin cocktail pun) – add to its fun reputation (wanderlog.com ). The “teapot cocktail” itself (served by the pot-full) is practically a rite of passage for visitors. Legend has it that playing mini-golf on the ceiling or posing with the moose skull or the neon signs are Queenstown tourist must-dos!
The reopening after the 2013 fire also gave The World Bar a kind of local lore. The owners took pains to honour the venue’s history (“old dog, new tricks”), so you’ll still see bits of the original spirit in the neon signage and quirky nick-nacks carried over from the old location. It also speaks to its community importance: the bar’s willing to support outgoing charities – for example, it hosted roll-up skate fundraisers for causes like Refurb Skate’s projects overseas (www.theworldbar.co.nz ) – and it’s a regular venue for local artist gigs and adventure film nights. Simply put, artists and audiences love it because it doesn’t just host a party, it feels like a lively home base. Locals brag that The World Bar has “the best burger and beer garden in town” and a vibe “as sunny as Queenstown’s lake,” summed up best by Tripadvisor fans: *“This is truly the locals spot in Queenstown with the sunniest beer garden”* (www.tripadvisor.ie ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Keep these practical tips in mind to get the most out of your visit:
Accessibility: The main bar and seating areas are at street level, with ramps and wide doors. An accessible washroom is available. (The back beer garden has a couple of steps; ask staff for help maneuvering if needed.)Entry and Age: New Zealand venues require a 18+ ID check for alcohol service. Be prepared to show your passport or driver’s licence. While families are welcome in the dining areas during the day, after dark The World Bar functions like a club, so usually only 18+ are permitted on late-night dance floors.What to wear: No strict dress code here – casual Kiwi attire is fine. Leading up to ski or outdoor events, you might see a few festival outfits flying, but otherwise just come comfortable. (Tip: shoes with good soles help on potentially slippery dancefloors.)When to arrive: If you’re coming for dinner or a show, allow time for a line. Popular Friday/Saturday nights fill up early. For general admission events, arriving 30–60 minutes before showtime is wise on weekends. Doors often open around 8–9pm for gigs, so plan accordingly. There are frequent cash and card readers at the bar. (Note: during large shows it can be slow to order – plan ahead for drink breaks.)What to bring: A valid photo ID, of course. Also carry enough cash or a credit card (chips or ATMs are a short walk away). Otherwise, minimal carry is best – the bar staff can hold a small pouch if needed. Rain gear isn’t needed indoors, but if it’s cold outside you might want a light jacket or scarf – although the interior is well-heated in winter.General rules: Standard club rules apply. Don’t try to sneak in outside drinks or glassware from outside – everything is available inside. Cameras and phones are fine (Instagram away!), but respect performers’ photo policies if any are announced. Large bags or backpacks might be checked. No pets (aside from certified service animals). If you smoke, head to the garden courtyard – indoor smoking is illegal.Nightlife etiquette: Queenstown bars can get rowdy. Bring a chill attitude. Staff and others will appreciate it if you tip your bartender and pick up your own empty glasses. If a stage performance is on, it’s polite to not rush the front halfway through the set. And if dancing, be aware of personal space in the crowded areas – everyone’s there to have fun.Weather policy: All key areas are covered or indoors, so shows go on rain, shine or even snow (just about anything). They rarely (if ever) cancel due to weather; instead, they will set up extra cover outdoors. Dress for the season – layers are smart as it can cool off after midnight even in summer.Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is usually available for guests. You can stay connected indoors; however cell coverage in downtown Queenstown is generally strong too. There are plenty of power outlets at the bars, so feel free to charge devices if needed (though the bar tends to get busy after 10pm). Food before/after: On slower days, the kitchen closes around 10pm. If you have a gig, eat early evening or grab a late snack at one of the fast-food joints nearby (e.g. a taco place on Shotover or a 24/7 snack bar). After the bar closes, the closest late-night eats are the fish-and-chip stands on Shotover or Ballarat Street which stay open past midnight.
What is the address of The World Bar & Restaurant?
The World Bar & Restaurant is located at 12 Church Street, central Queenstown (within the downtown shopping district, just a block off the lakefront). This address was confirmed on their contact page (
www.theworldbar.co.nz ). It’s an easy walk from the Queenstown gardens or lakefront. Look for the sign that says “World Bar” on Church Street north of Shotover Street.
Does The World Bar charge a cover fee or have an entry price?
Most nights at The World Bar are
free entry . This venue runs many resident nights with no cover (quiz nights, silent discos, most DJs) (
www.theworldbar.co.nz ). Special concerts or DJs (especially touring artists from overseas) often require a ticket. If there is a cover charge, it typically runs NZD $10–30 depending on the lineup. Check online listings or the venue’s social media; if tickets are needed, they usually go on sale in advance and there will be a notice. On the night of an event, any unsold tickets are generally available at the door until it’s full.
Where can I buy tickets for upcoming shows at The World Bar?
If an event requires tickets, they are typically sold through the bar’s official channels: either on The World Bar’s own website events page or via local ticketing partners (like one of the New Zealand concert ticket sites). Door sales are possible if the show isn’t sold out. To buy tickets in advance, watch for announcements on the World Bar’s event listings or Facebook page. For free entry nights, no ticket is needed.
What are The World Bar’s hours of operation?
The bar is open daily for food and drink from around noon until late evening. Typically the kitchen serves lunch+ dinner 12:00–10:00pm, and the bar stays open until about 2:30am (as confirmed by their listing (
www.tripadvisor.ie )). On weekdays it may close slightly earlier. The early closing time only applies after major events – otherwise, closing is generally 2–3am. It's best to check their current calendar if you plan a very late arrival.
Is there reserved seating or VIP sections at The World Bar?
No, The World Bar operates on a general-admission basis. Almost all seating (tables, stools, couches) and floor space is open to anyone with entry. Groups do not get separate roped-off VIP areas unless you have specifically booked the venue takeovers in advance (the bar offers full-venue hire for private events). Otherwise, seating is first-come first-served. In practice, this means for big events, people will stand or sit around whichever table is free.
How early should I arrive for popular shows at The World Bar?
For a busy Friday or Saturday show, it’s wise to arrive at least 30–60 minutes early. Doors usually open about an hour before the headline act. If it’s a free event (quiz night, silent disco, etc.), you can also show up early to claim a spot or table. Late arrivals risk the venue reaching capacity, especially in summer or festival season. For free entry nights in the off-peak, you can be more casual.
Does The World Bar allow smoking inside?
No. By NZ law, indoor smoking is prohibited. The World Bar has smoking permitted only in the outdoor beer garden. If you smoke, head outside to the patio area with your drink; otherwise you must go out on the street. They often provide outdoor ashtrays and seating for smokers in the covered courtyard.
Is The World Bar wheelchair accessible?
The new location at 12 Church Street has step-free access to the main bar/dining areas. There is a wheelchair-accessible restroom downstairs. However, some areas (like the raised booth seating and the back garden) have a few steps. If you or any guest needs assistance, the staff are happy to help find an accessible spot by the main bar. Overall, most patrons find it possible to enjoy the venue in a wheelchair if they stick to the main level.
Are children allowed at The World Bar?
The World Bar is primarily an adult-oriented venue. Children under 18 are allowed only in the dining area before 8pm (and only when accompanied by adults). After dark (especially after about 9pm), the atmosphere becomes a nightclub scene, so only 18+ guests are admitted. Essentially, think of it as family-friendly in early evening for dinner, but not a late-night family venue. Always carry ID for all adult guests, and keep kids seated during dinner hours.
What is the cost of parking near The World Bar?
Paid parking is available nearby. The council-run Church Street car park (next door at 14 Church Street) charges about NZD $3.50 per 30 minutes (
www.wilsonparking.co.nz ). Street meters cost similar rates (roughly $2–4 per hour) during errands but are often capped at a 2-hour limit, so not ideal for whole-evening parking. If you park on street after 6pm, Queenstown charges are waived (all council parks are free from 6pm–8am (
www.qldc.govt.nz )). For all-day parking, you might head to the Lakeview Avenue lot ($2.10/hour) or the temporary Stanley St lot ($3.10/hour) as announced by Council in 2024 (
www.qldc.govt.nz ). Otherwise, most people use a rideshare or taxi if they expect to stay late.
Is Wi-Fi available inside The World Bar?
Yes, The World Bar provides free Wi-Fi for guests. You can connect to the venue’s network (ask a server for the password if needed). The signal typically covers the main bar area and some of the back room. Keep in mind that the Wi-Fi might be slower when the bar is very crowded (many people online at once), but it should work for messaging and web browsing.
