About Vinyl Underground
Vinyl Underground is a popular live music venue and nightclub in downtown Queenstown (address: 12 Church Street, Queenstown 9300 (www.tripadvisor.com )). It bills itself as “Queenstown’s hub of Live Music” with “the biggest and best sounding stage in town” (www.tripadvisor.com ). The space has an industrial, warehouse feel with mixed indoor/outdoor areas (including a covered beer-garden and firepit), creating a friendly “underground” vibe. The open-plan venue holds roughly 50–200 people total (www.ticketfairy.com ), and is known for vibrant club nights and concerts that are a central part of Queenstown’s nightlife scene.
Events and Programming
Vinyl Underground hosts a packed schedule year-round. During the week you’ll find recurring themed nights – for example, Tuesday quiz nights, Wednesday silent discos, “Industry” nights on Thursdays, DJ dance parties on Fridays and Saturdays, and acoustic/lounge music on Sundays (www.ticketfairy.com ). Most weekly events are free to attend. The club also books touring DJs, local bands and special events. For instance, international electronic music acts (especially drum’n’bass and hip-hop DJs) frequently headline sold-out shows (www.ticketfairy.com ). Recent highlights include UK drum’n’bass producer Kasra in 2023 (www.undertheradar.co.nz ) and Australian duo Kilter in late 2022 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Ticketed events are typically R18 (18+) and often sell out, with cover charges usually in the NZ$15–30 range (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Vinyl Underground does not have a traditional box office – tickets for concerts and big events are sold online. The venue and promoters announce ticket releases on their official channels, and fans buy via local ticketing sites or apps (no physical payment at the door) (www.ticketfairy.com ). For free weekly events (quiz, silent disco, etc.), you can generally just turn up with no ticket needed. For popular DJ nights and gigs, tickets often go on sale weeks ahead and can sell out quickly, so it’s best to buy early (www.ticketfairy.com ). Keep an eye on Vinyl Underground’s social media or local event listings for sale dates. At the event door, payment is usually by credit/debit card (cash is accepted at some nights) (www.ticketfairy.com ), and sometimes a few tickets are held back for door sales if not sold out.
Seating and Layout
The venue is mostly general admission. The main floor is a large open dance/standing area with a few high stools and benches along the edges (www.ticketfairy.com ). There’s no theatre-style seating – people generally stand or move about. A small raised stage with DJ booth sits against the back wall (the sound is loudest and bass-heaviest near the stage) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Off to one side is a semi-private room called “The Shed,” decorated like a rustic lounge, suitable for groups of about 10–18 people seated (www.ticketfairy.com ). Beyond that (at the far back) is the outdoor “Garden” beer-garden – a covered patio with wooden bench seating around a large firepit (www.ticketfairy.com ). For the best view of performers, stand near the center of the dance floor facing the stage. If you prefer a quieter spot, pick a table in The Shed or on the patio – these areas are more relaxed and away from the loud speakeasy-style setup (www.ticketfairy.com ). In total, the combined spaces (dance floor, bar, shed and patio) accommodate on the order of 50–200 people (www.ticketfairy.com ), depending on whether it’s set up all standing or partly seated.
Getting There and Parking
Vinyl Underground is located at 12 Church Street in Queenstown’s compact centre (www.tripadvisor.com ). Church Street is a pedestrian-friendly mall, feeding off Shotover Street (Queenstown’s main strip) and just a short walk from the lakefront. By car, the closest parking is Wilson Parking (14 Church Street), about a minute’s walk away – roughly NZ$3.10 per half-hour (around NZ$6.20/hr) (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are also meter parking spaces on Church Street (~NZ$4/hr) with a 30-minute free drop-off zone nearby (www.ticketfairy.com ). Council-owned car parks (e.g. Boundary Street or the Recreation Ground lot) are about a 5–10 minute walk for cheaper rates (~NZ$2–3/hr, free after midnight) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
For public transit, Queenstown’s city buses (routes 1, 4 and 5) stop on Shotover Street or Beach Street, just a few blocks from Church Street (www.ticketfairy.com ). InterCity/coaches also use the town centre bus depot (Shotover at Beach Street) – only a 5-minute walk uphill to Church Street (www.ticketfairy.com ). Rideshare and taxis can drop patrons directly outside Vinyl Underground on Church Street (ample standing space by #12 Church St) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Note that the town’s airport shuttle bus generally stops at the central bus stop; from there it’s an easy stroll to Church Street (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many downtown hotels (Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Novotel Lakeside, Rydges, etc.) are within walking distance, so plan on an easy walk in or out. In short, whether by car, bus or rideshare, the venue is very accessible from Queenstown’s centre.
Inside the Venue
Expect a lively, no-frills bar/club atmosphere. Inside a grungy, warehouse-style space, music is typically at full volume after dark (www.ticketfairy.com ). The floors are concrete and lighting is dim over the dance floor (with brighter light focused at the bar and stage) (www.ticketfairy.com ). On entry you’ll usually need a valid photo ID (driver’s licence or passport) as the venue strictly enforces R18; there’s a quick age check at the door (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is no formal coat check; most patrons simply tuck coats and bags under tables or benches (www.ticketfairy.com ). The bartenders pour all drinks – no BYO bottles. The drink menu includes a full bar of spirits, wine and cocktails, plus local beers on tap. Vinyl Underground is known for its colourful “teapot” cocktail (a shareable concoction) and about 11 rotating craft beers on tap (www.ticketfairy.com ). A kitchen serves pub grub on event nights (think burgers, fish & chips, tacos, etc.) until around midnight (www.ticketfairy.com ). Restrooms are located inside (look for signs on the back wall) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Wi-Fi isn’t provided by the venue, so plan on using cellular data if needed (www.ticketfairy.com ). There’s also a small merchandise rack by the bar selling the venue’s branded tees and hats (www.ticketfairy.com ). All up, the vibe inside is loud, fun and down-to-earth – exactly what Queenstown party-goers expect (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Nearby Amenities
Vinyl Underground sits in the heart of Queenstown’s Church Street entertainment district (www.ticketfairy.com ). Directly opposite (across Shotover St) is Fergburger , the iconic burger joint, and its adjacent bakery – always a convenient meal before or after a show (www.ticketfairy.com ). Along Church Street itself and nearby lanes you’ll find many restaurants and bars (for example, Banks Bar & Brasserie for steaks, Patagonia for Argentinian cuisine, Bombay Palace for Indian cuisine, plus several casual pubs) (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you’re looking for a drink after Vinyl Underground closes, there’s a cluster of late-night bars just a block or two away (Winifred’s, The Bunker, Pigs, etc., many staying open until 3–4am) (www.ticketfairy.com ). For accommodations, multiple downtown hotels are within a few minutes’ walk — notably the Crowne Plaza (also known as the Otago Hotel) which sits right on Church Street, and others like the Hilton, Novotel Lakeside and Rydges by the lakefront are an easy stroll (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, you’ll never be far from a meal, drink or bed: the area is packed with cafés, bars and even bottle shops for pre-show dining or late-night winding down (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What Makes This Venue Special
Vinyl Underground’s appeal comes from its character and history. The space is essentially the successor to Queenstown’s famous World Bar . The old World Bar (originally on Shotover Street since 1996) was considered a local institution (www.odt.co.nz ) until a 2013 building fire forced it to relocate. In late 2014 it reopened at 12 Church St as a reinvented venue with all the charm — the same owners retained many hands-on touches: hand-painted murals, quirky memorabilia and a “brewery shed” style interior so the place never feels generic (www.ticketfairy.com ). Uniquely, it even embraces subcultures: the bar is home to Queenstown’s “Referb Skate” scene (complete with indoor mini-ramp and skate jams) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue has also hosted adventure film premieres, block parties and even indoor mini-bike races (www.ticketfairy.com ). Local patrons love its festive spirit — from wild New Year’s Eve blowouts to long-running pub trivia nights — that fosters a close-knit community vibe (www.ticketfairy.com ). The partly open-air design with a huge firepit in the center makes it feel cozy and authentic (literally warmer) compared to slick modern clubs (www.ticketfairy.com ). All of this gives Vinyl Underground a playful, creative energy that both artists and audiences appreciate – it’s become woven into Queenstown’s culture.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is in an older building, so wheelchair access is limited (no ramp at the front entry) (www.ticketfairy.com ). If accessibility is a concern, it’s best to call ahead and discuss any special needs. Age/ID: By law all patrons must be 18 or older to enter and drink; keep a legal photo ID handy. Hours: On event nights doors usually open around 8–10pm. The bar generally opens around noon on open days (for lunch/events) and runs late into the night—often until ~2:30am on weekends (www.ticketfairy.com ). Dress: There’s no formal dress code – casual attire is fine (www.ticketfairy.com ). It can get cool in the outdoor garden after dark, so wearing layers or a jacket is wise. Bags & Security: A quick bag check is sometimes performed at busy events (especially for large backpacks) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Outside alcohol or drugs are strictly prohibited. Small purses or USBYC backpack are OK, but keep your valuables secured. Photography: Casual phone photos are usually allowed, but professional cameras or tripods require management approval (www.ticketfairy.com ). Coat Check: There isn’t a formal coatroom; people typically stash coats under stools or at tables near the bar. Wi-Fi&Electronics: The venue does not advertise public Wi-Fi (www.ticketfairy.com ), so plan to use your own data. Food & Drinks: The kitchen serves a simple bar-food menu on show nights (burgers, fries, etc.) and there’s a full service bar. Signature items include the “teapot” cocktail to share and local craft beers on tap (www.ticketfairy.com ). Finally, give yourself plenty of time to explore nearby eateries (Fergburger, etc.) before the show and know your ride home (taxis and buses are available until late at night).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Vinyl Underground?
The venue can hold roughly 50 to 200 people in total. It’s mainly an open dance floor, plus a small lounge room and an outdoor beer-garden (www.ticketfairy.com ). You can expect to share the space with up to a couple of hundred party-goers at full capacity.
How do I get tickets for a show at Vinyl Underground?
Vinyl Underground doesn’t have a box office; tickets are sold online through its announcements (usually via local ti cketing platforms). Free weekly events can be entered without a ticket. For major R18 shows, tickets go on sale in advance and often sell out, so it’s best to buy early from the venue’s website or official outlets (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Where can I park near Vinyl Underground?
The nearest paid parking is Wilson Parking at 14 Church St (about 1 block away), at roughly NZ$3.10 per half-hour (www.ticketfairy.com ). You can also use meter parking on Church Street (~NZ$4/hr) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Cheaper city lots (Boundary St or Recreation Ground lots) are a 5–10-minute walk (about NZ$2–3/hr) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Street parking rules are enforced, so use paid options.
What public transport goes to Vinyl Underground?
Local buses (Wyuna buses in Queenstown) on routes 1, 4 and 5 stop at Shotover or Beach Street, just a few blocks from Church Street (www.ticketfairy.com ). InterCity coaches stop at the Shotover/Beach Street depot (about a 5-min uphill walk) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The airport shuttle also stops in town centre; from there Vinyl Underground is walking distance. Taxis/Uber can drop you off directly on Church Street (ample space near #12) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Is Vinyl Underground accessible for wheelchairs?
The building is older and unfortunately has no ramp at the entrance, so wheelchair access is limited (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you or anyone in your party has mobility concerns, it’s a good idea to call the venue in advance. Once inside, parts of the main floor and shed are flat, but note that some areas (like stairs) may be tight.
Are there seats or VIP sections at Vinyl Underground?
Vinyl Underground is primarily an open-plan, general-admission venue. There are no reserved theatre seats or formal VIP boxes. Large groups can reserve “The Shed” lounge (fits ~10–18 people) or tables in the outdoor beer garden, but these are shared spaces (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In general, most people stand or sit on benches around the floor.
What is the cover charge usually?
Cover charges vary by event. Free nights (like weekly quiz or disco) have no cover. For headline shows (18+), typical prices have been around NZ$15–25 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Large international DJ nights may charge a bit more, but they’re usually in the teens or low twenties. Always check the event listings for the exact price.
What should I wear and can I bring a coat?
There’s no formal dress code – come as you like in casual clothes (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many people wear jeans, sneakers, and layers. The beer garden can get chilly after dark (it’s partly open-air with a large firepit), so bringing a jacket is wise (www.ticketfairy.com ). There’s no official coat check, so guests usually leave jackets at their tables or carry them in a personal bag.
What are Vinyl Underground’s opening hours?
Vinyl Underground is generally open in the afternoon/evening. On show nights the doors often open around 8–10pm. On non-event days they usually open around midday for café/lunch service and then close by midnight on weeknights, with weekend hours often extending to ~2:30am (www.ticketfairy.com ). Hours may vary by event, so check the specific event listing.
Is photography or recording allowed?
Smartphone snapshots are generally fine for personal use. However, professional cameras (DSLRs) and tripods usually are restricted without prior permission. (www.ticketfairy.com ) All use of images should respect the performers and other guests. As always, ask staff if in doubt before setting up any recording gear.
Does Vinyl Underground have Wi-Fi or phone charging?
The venue does not advertise a public Wi-Fi network (www.ticketfairy.com ), so plan on using your own mobile data for internet access. As for charging stations, none are provided, so bringing a power bank is a good idea if you need juice for your phone or camera.
Can I purchase food and drinks at Vinyl Underground?
Yes – there’s a bar and kitchen. A full bar serves spirits, wine, cocktails and local beers (including around 11 rotating craft brews) (www.ticketfairy.com ). They’re famous for their “teapot” cocktail, a sharable drink. The kitchen offers pub-style food on event nights (burgers, fries, fish & chips, tacos, etc.) typically until around 11pm (www.ticketfairy.com ). Outside food/drink (like takeout or your own bottles) is not allowed indoors.
Is Vinyl Underground related to the World Bar in Queenstown?
Yes, they share the same history and location. Vinyl Underground occupies the Church Street site that was relaunched as the new World Bar after the 2013 fire (www.odt.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The current venue retains much of that original character (murals, open plan, fire pit) but is branded as Vinyl Underground, focusing on live music and club events.
What genres of music are typical at Vinyl Underground?
Vinyl Underground covers a variety of genres, but it’s especially known for electronic music and DJs (drum’n’bass, dubstep, house, prog, hip-hop). Local bands and singer-songwriters also appear for acoustic nights. The venue’s calendar has included international drum’n’bass producers (Kasra, Kilter, DC Breaks) as well as local rock and soul acts. In short, expect high-energy dance music and eclectic live sets.
Are there any perks or deals to know about?
Vinyl Underground often has drink specials and theme nights. For example, some nights feature discounted beers or “paddle rickies” (long drinks with local flavors). Trivia and themed parties may have special prizes. The vibe is very relaxed and locals say drink prices are reasonable for Queenstown. To find any current deals, check the venue’s social pages or ask the bartender on arrival.
