About Upstairs @ The Bunker
Upstairs @ The Bunker is a hidden cocktail lounge occupying the top floor of The Bunker Restaurant in central Queenstown. Tucked down Cow Lane behind Beach Street, it’s been operating with The Bunker since the 1990s (the business opened in 1997 ). What was once a one-bedroom apartment has been “converted into a cozy cocktail bar” . The upstairs bar is renowned for its intimate “Old School Cool” vibe and roaring open fireplace . Patrons rave about the dim lighting, funky atmosphere and warm fires that give it a speakeasy feel . Officially, the venue promotes “quality craft cocktails and late night luxury house music” in a lounge setting . It can accommodate roughly 100 people for private events , though typical nights are more relaxed. Wowing locals and visitors alike, The Bunker brand calls its Upstairs cocktail lounge a “unique Queenstown experience” , often described as a townie favourite and “Queenstown’s best kept secret” .
Events and Programming
Upstairs @ The Bunker really comes alive after dark. From Thursday through Saturday each week, local DJs spin house, disco and other dance music late into the night . The bar’s own site even bills it as Queenstown’s home of “late night luxury house music” . These DJ nights start after 10pm, and once the lounge is humming there’s often an impromptu dance floor around the bar area and fireplace. Special themed nights or branded parties happen occasionally – for example, Queenstown has hosted retro nights like “Don’t Call Me 80s” at The Bunker (July 27, 2024) , and a Jameson-sponsored DJ night led by local DJs Beccie B & Chris Keene in August 2025 . The venue has also staged wine-tasting dinners and collaborations – notably Church Road Winery’s “Feast of Five” event upstairs in 2022 . In short, Upstairs @ The Bunker mainly offers cocktail lounge vibes with live DJs on weekends and the occasional pop-up party or wine dinner rather than large concerts or theater shows. Because it’s a small, intimate space, most nights have free entry (often RSVP-only events) with no formal ticketing, as seen when a 2025 DJ show was listed as “FREE WITH RSVP” . Drink prices are on par with Queenstown cocktail bars (typically NZ$15–$20 for a signature cocktail, plus beers and wine), and cover charges only appear on special ticketed events (e.g. a themed dance party might carry a modest fee). The best way to catch a gig is to check local listings or the bar’s announcements (they often get posted by promoters or on the Bunker’s channels). Note that the downstairs restaurant closes by 10pm, after which Upstairs is the main late-night spot.
Tickets and Booking
For most evenings at Upstairs @ The Bunker, you do not need to buy a ticket – just show up at the door. Regular late-night sessions (DJ nights, house music) are typically free entry (sometimes with a nominal RSVP for capacity control ). On rare occasions when a special event or touring act performs, low-cover tickets may be sold in advance (for example, a late-night party elsewhere in Queenstown had $40 tickets , but such prices are unusual here). In practice, popular weekends can still get busy, so the best strategy is to arrive early (especially on Friday/Saturday nights) to grab a good spot. Tables and couches are unreserved unless it’s a private hire. If you want to eat dinner before the club extends late, The Bunker restaurant downstairs takes bookings for 5:30pm–10:00pm (reservations via their website or phone ). For private functions or group bookings upstairs (birthdays, corporate parties, etc.), the bar can cater up to about 100 people – those usually require advance inquiry by phone or email. There is no box office on site; simply check in at the door. Dress tends to be smart-casual – classing it up a bit is common – and always bring valid photo ID since it’s 18+ after dark.
Seating and Layout
The upstairs lounge is an intimate, open-plan space – there’s no fixed stage or theatre seating. Instead, imagine a cozy cocktail bar with scattered low tables, bar stools and lounge couches. The focal point is a large open fireplace on one side, surrounded by mix-and-match seating. Near the opposite side is a long bar counter and the DJ booth. When live music is on, the center area becomes a dance floor, but seating is typically first-come. There’s also an adjacent covered rooftop terrace/deck (mirrored by the famous lake-night sky outside) with outdoor tables and heaters . Accuracy of the layout is hard to find online, but reviews note both “indoor and outdoor covered seating” and a “rooftop deck” , giving options for a breather between dance sessions. Acoustically, Upsatirs is small enough that no seat is truly “bad” – the sound system envelops the room – but note that areas directly in front of the speakers or DJ can be very loud. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the banquette couches by the fireplace or the quieter terrace offer balance. In general, tables don’t have views to miss, so feel free to grab any spot that suits you. Avoid peripheral corners that tend to be stepping paths for servers, and remember it’s mostly open bar service – designate one person to stay near the bar if the group is large. For a quintessential experience, the seats by the bar or by the fireplace are often cited as the best vantage points for both people-watching and ambience .
Getting There and Parking
Upstairs @ The Bunker’s entrance is at 14 Cow Lane, Queenstown – a narrow laneway branching off Beach Street near the Earnslaw Park end of town. It’s very central: you can walk there in a few minutes from the main Queenstown Mall area. Parking in the immediate laneway is strictly prohibited (a broken-yellow line was recently added with 24/7 CCTV enforcement ), so do not stop on Cow Lane itself. Recommended parking spots include the nearby Wilson carparks on Church Street or Station Street (paid parking around NZ$3–4 per hour), or metered street parking along Church Street and lower Shotover Street.
Public transport: Queenstown’s Orbus buses run through town, with stops on Shotover Street and Lake Esplanade just a few blocks away. The free town loop (#11/20) stops at Earnslaw Park by Beach Street, a short walk up to Cow Lane. For arrivals from the airport or Frankton side, look for Route 2 or 3 which terminate on Shotover St (near the Rose Street intersection). Note that late at night bus services end by about midnight. Rideshares and taxis are available but often in high demand late; drop-offs are best coordinated at nearby through-streets (for example, Beach Street or Camp Street, which flank the lane). If driving, expect to walk a block or two from your car – the back alleys around here are pedestrian-oriented. In short, parking can be tight, so plan extra time or consider a shuttle/Uber.
Inside the Venue
Walking in, you’ll find a low-key door that leads up a flight of stairs to the dimly lit lounge. Expect a bouncer or doorman at late-night openings to check ID (New Zealand law requires valid proof of age, and Upstairs is strictly R18 after dark). Once inside, the vibe is that of a speakeasy cocktail lounge: interior walls of timber and stone, vintage leather couches, and warm spot lighting. Security is usually present on busy nights, but doors are handle-normal and scanning is minimal. Large backpacks or luggage are discouraged (there is no formal cloakroom), so travel light.
The bar serves upscale cocktails, top-shelf spirits, local beers and wines by the glass. They often have house specialities (for instance, a “Millionaire” cocktail or a mulled wine in winter) and an extensive drink menu – everything from negronis to espresso martinis. Note that due to NZ liquor laws, you cannot bring your own drinks or food inside. The cocktail menu is creative and moderately pricey (expect around NZ$18–20 for a signature drink, as is typical for Queenstown). There is no full kitchen on the mezzanine; a few bar snacks or cheese plates may be available, but full meals should be had downstairs before 10pm reservation cutoff .
Other amenities: Wi-Fi may be available but is often spotty in older buildings, so it’s not guaranteed. There’s a small restroom upstairs (ask any staff if unsure). Coat-check services are not advertised, so jackets are usually draped over chairs if needed. The atmosphere itself is the attraction: cozy chatter, lounge music, and occasional shout-outs from the bar staff (it’s friendly and local – bartenders remember faces). After-hours you can buy late-night cocktails or whiskey flights until closing. Ultimately, what you can expect is an unpretentious, loungey setting – the “home of house music” in Queenstown – where the focus is on the social experience and the drinks, rather than on peak-hour theatrics .
Nearby Amenities
Queenstown’s compact town centre means plenty of options within a few minutes’ walk of the bar. The Bunker itself has a full dinner menu downstairs, if you want to dine in the same venue (reservations advised for dinner ). Other excellent pre-show dining spots include Cow Restaurant (just around the corner on Cow Lane, serving Italian fare) or Famous Bistro and Rātā on Beach Street (modern Kiwi cuisine). For quicker bites, there are pizza bars like Fat Badgers on Cow Lane and various cafés and delis along Shotover Street.
After dinner, consider starting your night at a nearby bar – popular local choices within two blocks include 1876, Winnebago, and Joe’s Garage – before heading to Upstairs @ The Bunker. Queenstown has numerous hotels and backpackers near the mall; for example, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Tolarno Inn, and various YHA/Hostels are all within a 10-minute stroll. Emerging from Upstairs at closing hour (around 4am), the area is generally safe but quiet. Late-night transport options include catching the final buses (depending on the season) or hailing a taxi/ride-share from the main Church Street/Beach Street area. There is a small taxi stand near The Bunker, or you can book a local cab company. If you plan to stay late drinking, it’s wise to sort your ride in advance or reserve a spot in the nearby Church St carpark.
What Makes This Venue Special
Upstairs @ The Bunker stands out for its intimate, hidden-away charm and authentic atmosphere. Unlike big clubs, it feels more like a private lounge that you’ve discovered. Architectural quirks – the low ceiling, polished wood, leather booth seats, and crackling fire – give it character, as well as the rooftop-style deck with views of Church Street below . The venue’s history adds to its appeal: longtime locals recall it as a one-bed flat before it was transformed into a “rustic” fine dining spot and cocktail bar . This story-worthy conversion gives the space a speakeasy backstory that visitors love.
Culturally, it is the heartbeat of Queenstown’s late-night scene. Many Kiwis consider an evening at The Bunker a rite of passage – starting with a romantic fireside cocktail and ending with dancing under the local DJs’ tunes. The Bunker group itself even brands the upstairs as sipping “cocktails well into the wee small hours,” encapsulating the venue’s all-night energy . While not a large concert hall, it has hosted its share of colourful nights: themed ’80s dances, whisky parties, and exclusive wine dinners left their mark. Many memorable bachelor parties and local celebrations have spilled into this lounge.
In the local nightlife ecosystem, it occupies a sweet spot between polished lounge and underground club – upscale enough for cocktails but still friendly and unpretentious. The owners maintain a level of quality (cocktail craftsmanship, service) that high-end tourists appreciate, yet it never feels tourist-only, since it’s basement-hidden clientele are often locals and savvy travelers who have found it. All these factors – the secretive lane entrance, historic vibe, firesides, and social reputation – combine to make Upstairs @ The Bunker a standout in Queenstown’s bar scene . Guests often leave saying it’s “one of the best bars in town” thanks to the unique blend of comfort and late-night fun here.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is upstairs in an older Queenstown building with only stairs – there is no elevator or ramp, so it is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility needs may want to contact the bar in advance to discuss accommodations or use the ground-level restaurant instead. Restrooms are on the same floor, but space is tight.
Age Restrictions: It’s strictly 18 and over in the evening. Remember to carry ID (passport or NZ driver’s licence) – it will be checked. No underage entry or exceptions.
What to Bring/Not Bring: Bring plenty of NZ$ in either cash or cards (the bar accepts cards but a small tip in cash is appreciated for bartenders). Leave large bags or unusual items at your hotel – small purses and backpacks are fine. Outside drinks and food are not allowed. No re-entry: once you head downstairs or outside, a new cover may be required to come back in, so plan accordingly. Also phones are fine – casual photography is permitted, just be mindful of privacy (no flash during live sets to not ruin the mood).
Arrival: On busy nights (Friday/Saturday), doors get crowded after 10pm, and sometimes a line forms. Arriving around opening or during a DJ changeover can help. Weeknights (Mon-Wed) are much quieter. If there’s a special DJ or event listed, plan to arrive close to start time earlier than usual. By 2–3am the bar peaks – it will be packed with locals and travelers dancing.
Dress Code: Generally smart casual is the norm. Think neat jeans or slacks with a nice shirt or blouse. Avoid overly sporty or beachwear (no swimwear, flip-flops or wet gear). Some visitors go a bit dressy (like a night-out vibe), especially on weekends, but no formal tuxedos needed.
Food & Drink: If you arrive early enough, dinner downstairs is an option, though it closes by 10pm . Upsatirs does not serve a full kitchen menu, but usually offers small snacks and share-plates (think cheese boards, tapas). Its specialty is the cocktail menu: try one of the signature drinks. The wine list is extensive (broad selection of NZ and international wines by the bottle or glass). Ask bartenders for house specialties or seasonal cocktails. Note that drinks are premium-priced (reflecting Queenstown’s higher costs).
Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t park on Cow Lane (tickets will be issued ); use designated carparks. Don’t arrive expecting a silent lounge – by midnight it’s a booming, loud party spot. Don’t rely on public transit after 11pm – plan a cab ride back. And don’t think you’re just going to have a small chance dance spot – once it’s full, in fact people often move aside for dancing near the bar.
Insider Tips: Sit next to the central fireplace early on for ambience; step out on the roof deck between sets to cool off. Chat with the bartenders – they’re locals with good stories and often mix a fancy amuse-bouche with your drink. If you stay late, save energy for “the last song” – they tend to bring the energy up right before closing. And take it from many visitors: Upstairs @ The Bunker isn’t just a bar, it’s a whole after-dark adventure. Enjoy the friendly crowds, unique setting, and signature cocktails – it’s meant to feel a bit like your own secret party in Queenstown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Upstairs @ The Bunker?
The upstairs cocktail lounge is fairly small. For a private event it can hold around 100 people , but on a typical night it feels more like dozens than hundreds. There’s no fixed theatre seating – patrons stand or sit around the bar and lounge areas.
How do I get tickets for events at Upstairs @ The Bunker?
Most nights at Upstairs have no tickets or cover charge – you just arrive and buy drinks. If a special DJ night or party is ticketed, the venue usually announces it on their site or local media and sells tickets via event partners or RSVP. For example, a Jameson-sponsored DJ night in 2025 was listed as “free with RSVP” . Always check ahead; typically you don’t need to book anything for the regular late-night bar sessions.
Is Upstairs @ The Bunker wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately no – the upstairs lounge is only reachable by stairs. There is no elevator or ramp (this is an older building). Guests with mobility issues should plan accordingly (the ground-floor restaurant is the only level accessible).
What are the opening hours of Upstairs @ The Bunker?
The venue is open every evening. According to their listing, doors open around 5pm and stay open until about 4am daily . Dinner service (in the downstairs restaurant) runs until 10pm, after which the upstairs lounge takes over. Late-night DJ sets and bar service typically run until 4am, making it one of the latest venues in town.
Is there a dress code?
While the lounge is casual-chic, it’s wise to dress smartly. Business-casual or trendy evening wear is common. Think neat jeans or a dress with closed shoes. Avoid overly athletic or beach attire (no flip-flops or wet attire). Feel free to dress up a bit for the night – you’ll fit right in.
What forms of ID do I need?
Since Upstairs @ The Bunker is 18+ after dark, you will need valid photo ID for entry. In New Zealand this means a passport or a New Zealand driver’s licence (or Kiwi Kiwi Access ID). Don’t forget to bring it – staff will check IDs at the door to verify your age.
Where can I park when visiting?
Parking is limited right at Cow Lane. In fact, dropping off on Cow Lane itself is not allowed (it has a broken-yellow line and is enforced by cameras ). Instead, use nearby parking: paid Wilson carparks on Church Street or Station Street (casual parking), or metered street spots on Church/Lower Shotover. There’s paid parking around NZ$3–$4 per hour. Another option is to park a few blocks away (e.g. near the lakefront) and walk. Rideshare drop-offs can happen on Beach or Church Street, but be aware of the lane’s restrictions.
Is there food available upstairs?
The upstairs bar focuses on drinks, though small share-plates or bar snacks may be offered on occasion. For a full meal, you’d dine downstairs before 10pm . The kitchen rules downstairs are distinct from the lounge. If you’re hungry late, better to grab a bite at another town venue beforehand. Upsatirs itself has no full menu beyond light bites.
What is the cocktail pricing like?
Cocktail prices are at the higher end (Queenstown premium). Expect signature and classic cocktails to run around NZ$18–20 each, with spirits and beers roughly NZ$8–12. There are also top-shelf liquors and wine by the glass. Happy hours are not typical; this is a high-end cocktail lounge. (Drinks can be expensive here, but quality is high.)
Does Upstairs @ The Bunker have a rooftop deck?
Yes – the venue includes a covered rooftop deck. Reviews note that the lounge features both indoor and “indoor and outdoor covered seating” and even a “rooftop deck” . This is essentially a second-story balcony area overlooking Church Street, complete with outdoor tables and heating lamps. It’s a nice space to step out for fresh air between dancing or to enjoy a quiet drink away from the speakers.
Are cameras or phones allowed?
Yes, photography is casual – many patrons take phone pics of the quirky interior and their cocktails. Just be respectful: no big pro photo equipment without permission, and try not to blind anyone with flash when the lights are low. Social media posts from inside the bar are common, so enjoy capturing the moment.
Do I need to wear shoes?
Yes – courtyard style or formal shoes are expected. Sandals or bare feet would not be appropriate in a venue like this. Make sure you have comfy but dressy shoes, since you’ll likely be on your feet dancing or mingling all night.
Is Upstairs @ The Bunker typically busy on weekdays?
Weekdays (Sunday–Wednesday) are usually the quietest. The venue still opens each night, but Monday–Thursday after 10pm might see just a handful of people or small groups. The real party starts on Friday and ramps up through Saturday. If you prefer a more relaxed night, a weekday is perfect; if you want a crowd and dancing, stick to Thursday through Saturday.
Is there live music other than DJs?
Primarily, it’s DJs and recorded house music. The venue rarely has bands; instead, on most nights Friday–Saturday you’ll hear DJs spinning electronic/house tracks . That said, local acoustic or jazz musicians sometimes make surprise appearances for one-off nights. For the most part plan for a DJ dance party rather than live band.)
