About World Bar & Yonder
World Bar & Yonder are two adjoining nightlife venues in central Queenstown that together form a local institution. The World Bar first opened in 1996 (on Shotover Street) and quickly became a downtown landmark. After a major fire in 2013 destroyed the original building, the owners (Steve Ward and Gary Livesey) ran a pop-up “The Find” before rebuilding. In late 2016 they relocated The World Bar to 12 Church Street, opening with a fresh design but the same lively spirit. Yonder (at 14 Church Street) followed in 2017 as a spacious café-restaurant with late-night entertainment. Both venues share an ethos of great hospitality, local arts, and creative fun. They are owned by the same team (“The World Ltd & Yonder Ltd”) and uphold values like “serving our communities” and championing live music.
Each spot has its own vibe: The World Bar is known as a rowdy pub and live-music hall with a cosy beer garden and roaring firepit, famous burgers and its signature “teapot” cocktails. Yonder occupies a charming 1885 stone cottage (once Joe McNeill’s homestead) that the owners renovated into a bright, airy café-bar. Inside Yonder you’ll find midcentury touches (a pastel-pink espresso machine, a Bill Murray portrait by the fireplace) alongside booth seating and communal tables. By day Yonder feels like a trendy brunch cafe; by night it becomes a gig space or comedy bar. Together, the two venues have hosted countless local events (from skate fundraisers to film premieres) and are beloved by both Queenstown residents and visitors for their laid-back, inclusive atmosphere.
Events and Programming
World Bar & Yonder offer an action-packed weekly schedule. Many activities recur, mixing nightlife with daytime hangouts. For example, the World Bar runs:
Quiz Night – Every Tuesday from 7pm (free entry, trivia night).Silent Disco – Every Wednesday at around 9pm (free entry, bring headphones).Industry Night – Thursdays from 5pm (free entry, DJs, specials for hospitality workers).Friday Dance Party – 9pm onwards (house, techno and party anthems; usually free unless a ticketed act is booked).Saturday Club Night – 9pm onwards (clubs, techno and throwback nights; normally no cover).Sunday Acoustic/Jam – 4–7pm (free entry, live acoustic sets or singer-songwriters in the beer garden).
Beyond these staples, the venues frequently host touring bands, DJs and special events. The World Bar is known for pumpin’ drum-&-bass, hip-hop, reggae and techno nights, including occasional “foam parties,” paint parties, or DJ tours from overseas. Yonder’s stage sees Kiwi indie and rock bands, reggae and roots acts, plus stand-up comedy or hip-hop shows. Both spaces have also served as pop-up cinemas or venues for adventure-film premieres and charity events. In recent years they’ve thrown standout parties like capacity New Year's Eve blowouts (even a Wellington dub band headlined a World Bar NYE show) and themed fundraisers (e.g. a 2019 skateboarding benefit night). Ticket prices for these special gigs vary, typically ranging from modest covers ($10–$20 NZD) to higher fees for headline tours. Many nights, however, are fully free – you can find live music or DJs for no cover on weekdays and most weekends. Keep an eye on the venue’s online schedule or social media for the latest lineup.
Tickets and Booking
For most events at The World Bar & Yonder, no ticket is required – entry is free until otherwise noted. The venues rely on open-door policy for regular quiz nights, silent discos and local DJ sets. Only special concerts (often out-of-town acts or festivals) carry a cover charge or require advance tickets. When there is a paid show, tickets typically go on sale a few weeks ahead through the venue itself; there is no separate box office, so the bar staff or official website handle sales. Often these tickets are available online or by phone, and some may also be sold at the door if not sold out. For popular gigs, it’s wise to buy early or arrive early, since sold-out shows do happen. Yonder also allows table reservations (up to about 8–10 people) for dinner or brunch by using their online booking page, but reservations do not guarantee seats for a concert unless you’ve booked it as a private event. In general, you can usually walk in at World Bar on any given night; if a specific show requires a ticket, the venue will advertise that ahead of time. Day-of-door tickets can often be purchased at the bar if available.
Seating and Layout
The World Bar’s interior is open and flexible, built for standing-room gigs and casual drinking. The main “dance floor” is centered in front of a raised stage, with the sound booth off to one side. Patrons stand or mill around the floor, while high-top stools and small tables circle the edges of the room. The long bar runs along one wall with dozens of bar stools for seating. There is also a back lounge (“The Shed”) located just past an archway behind the bar – this sofa-and-couch area is decorated like a rustic ski chalet (wood and vintage gear on the walls). The Shed is quieter and good for private conversations or watching drinks, but it doesn’t have a clear line of sight to the main stage (so it’s best for lingering rather than dancing). Farther toward the rear is the garden patio: an open-air courtyard fenced off from the street, covered by shade sails. This outdoor area has picnic tables and heaters, and fans often call it Queenstown’s “sunniest beer garden” on fine days. In cooler weather the garden is heated by fire pits and infrared heaters. On a concert night the garden can serve as overflow seating or an acoustic side-stage. Smoking is only allowed in this outdoor beer-garden space (it’s an open courtyard, also where most people gather with a cigarette or vape).
Yonder’s layout is more café-like. The venue occupies a historic two-story cottage: downstairs is a bright, high-ceilinged café with pastel walls, wooden floors and banquettes; upstairs (if open) is more lounge seating. The bar and kitchen are at the back, with booths and communal tables in front. The room opens onto a courtyard patio through large glass doors – this sun-drenched courtyard also has tables and a fireplace, which is used for dining or extra seating during shows. On a live-music night, part of the open floor near the doors is cleared for performers. That means at Yonder you’ll find mixed seating: booths by the front windows, high tables at the bar, and picnic tables outside. All seating is general admission – no reserved VIP sections. Best views are usually up near the stage area if attending a concert, or any front booth for a cosy evening out.
Getting There and Parking
Address: The World Bar is at 12 Church Street , Queenstown 9300; Yonder is right next door at 14 Church Street . This is in the heart of town, just a block from the lakefront and the Queenstown Mall.Car: On-site parking is scarce. The closest public car park is Wilson Parking Church St at 14 Church St (entry off Church Street), which offers all-day rates (about NZ$3.50 per 30 minutes). Another option is the Man Street multi-level car park (12 Man St, covered, 500 spaces), which operates via license-plate payment (roughly NZ$3.50 per 30 minutes, or ~$14 for a full day). Limited street parking is available on nearby side streets with meters, but it usually fills up quickly. Ride-share vehicles can drop off and pick up right at the corner of Church and Shotover streets.Bus: Queenstown’s Orbus network serves Church Street. Route 1, 4 and 5 all have stops within a few minutes’ walk. For example, get off at the stop on Shotover St near Church Theatre (across from Starbucks) and walk one block east. Or just tell any city bus driver you’re going to “Church Street near the train station” – it’s essentially downtown.Walking: Both venues are central and very walkable. From Queenstown Gardens or the lakefront wharf it’s only a 2–5 minute walk. If you’re staying in downtown hotels like Novotel Lakeside or Crowne Plaza, you can stroll to Church Street in under 3 minutes.Other Transit: Taxis, free shuttle buses and rideshare (Uber, Ola) all serve downtown. There’s a summer-only lake taxi services that lands at the Queenstown Wharf (a 5-minute walk away). Queenstown Airport is an 8–10 minute drive; express shuttles to downtown stop at the bus terminal on Camp Street, a short walk from Church Street.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, you’ll find friendly bartenders and an energetic atmosphere. The staff at both The World Bar and Yonder pride themselves on great hospitality, so expect a warm welcome. There is usually a quick ID check at the door for age verification (especially after dark). Security and coat-check are minimal – if it’s a busy concert, there may be a pat-down of large bags for safety. Overall the vibe is casual: locals often wear jeans or shorts and tees, while tourists are here for fun. On concert nights the lighting is dim and colorful; on weekend afternoons the space is bright and busy with diners.
Food & Drink: Each venue has a full kitchen and bar menu. The World Bar is famous for its hearty pub food – think gourmet burgers (fried chicken, lamb, veggie), hot dogs, fries, nachos and the like. World Bar also offers several vegan and vegetarian options. They brew cocktails creatively (you can order drinks by the teapot!) and have an extensive beer list – they often advertise “11 brews on tap”. The “teapot cocktail” (a shared punch served in a tea pot) is their signature drink. Yonder’s menu leans more café-style all day: breakfast bowls, salads, tacos, and brunch classics like pancakes or eggs benedict. Yonder’s bar serves coffee by day and specialty cocktails by night, plus wine and craft beer. Both venues have all the standard soft drinks and bar snacks (chicken wings, beef nachos, etc.). Food is available at almost any time (Yonder closes for dinner later, The World Bar serves food until at least 10pm).
Layout & Amenities: The World Bar’s decor is quirky and eclectic – vintage memorabilia on the walls, neon signs, and the glow of the beer-garden fire. Yonder’s decor is clean and artful, with local paintings and a large vintage mirror; the stone walls give a cosy feel. Restrooms are indoor at each bar (ask staff for directions); both venues offer disabled-access toilets. There’s no guest Wi-Fi, so come with a data plan if you need connectivity.
Connectivity inside: The World Bar has multiple HDMI projectors and sound equipment built in, so you’ll often see sports games, music videos or art visuals projected during events. Live shows benefit from a quality house PA system and stage lights. If you plan to heckle or serenade the band, know that concert nights are set up for high-volume music – hearing protection is wise if you’re sensitive. Photography is fine for personal use (smartphones and pocket cameras only). Expect to hold your drink in a plastic cup during gigs; the bar rarely uses glassware on busy nights. There’s no formal coat check, so keep personal items on your table or person.
Nearby Amenities
The World Bar & Yonder sit in the heart of Queenstown’s entertainment district, surrounded by eateries and hotels. Steps away on Shotover Street is Fergburger – a world-famous burger shack (great for pre-show fuel, but expect a line). Nearby restaurants include Thai fusion (Blue Kanu), Argentinian BBQ (Macalé), pizza and wings (Devils Staircase Pub), waterfront dining (Cow Pizza on the mall), and more. For drinks before or after the show, you can hop over to Devils Staircase Brewery or grab cocktails at The Churchill whiskey bar or Perky’s (a floating bar on the lake). Almost every cuisine is available in a short walk: Italian at Aosta or Sukothai, Mexican, sushi and tapas bars are all in the same few streets.
Hotels and lodging are plentiful right here. Immediate neighbors include the upscale Crowne Plaza Queenstown (with its Kappa Bar & Grill), the lakeside Novotel Queenstown Lakeside , and Heritage Hotel on Church Street. Across the road you’ll find the hip YHA and Blue Water Hostels . If you’re arriving by bus or shuttle, many stop at the Crowne Plaza or Novotel stations. After a late show, guests at these nearby hotels can easily stumble back in under 5 minutes for bedtime. Taxis and Ubers usually wait near the lakefront and Shotover Street (just around the corner), and in peak evening hours local shuttle buses run between downtown bars and the airport or Remarkables Park.
What Makes This Venue Special
World Bar & Yonder stand out for their unique blend of local character, creative programming and architectural charm. The World Bar is an iconic piece of Queenstown’s music scene – after 30 years it’s still independently run, and it earned a reputation as a home of wild parties and quirky decor (inside “The Shed” lounge it feels like your grandad’s workshop). Its famous features include the shareable teapot cocktails and the outdoor beer garden that locals literally call the “sunniest beer garden in Queenstown.”
Yonder, on the other hand, is known for its smart re-use of a heritage building. It was once an 1885 cottage, and the owners refurbished it so that rustic stone walls and classic architecture coexist with fun modern touches. For example, Yonder’s space is decorated with a pastel-pink espresso machine and even a life-size Bill Murray portrait above the fireplace – details that guests love to spot in social media photos. This mix of old and new gives it a friendly, almost homey feel you won’t find at chain bars.
Both places are cherished as community hubs. The owners describe keeping Queenstown “interesting” and say they consider their staff and patrons “family.” Many longtime locals have memories of meeting at The World Bar (its open vibe has even led to couples falling in love on site). Both venues have supported local bands and artists – Yonder in particular has been credited with reinvigorating Queenstown’s live music by hosting up-and-coming Kiwi acts in its cozy cafe environment. In a town dominated by franchise pubs and tourist clubs, this pair feels authentic and creative. Artists and visitors alike enjoy wanting to play or visit here. In short, guests love World Bar & Yonder for their welcoming staff, irreverent yet community-minded spirit, and the fact that every night out here feels like a distinctive Queenstown experience, far from ordinary.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Both World Bar and Yonder are wheelchair-accessible. They have level entrances on Church Street and space for wheelchairs inside. Accessible restrooms are available. If you have special mobility needs, it’s still a good idea to call ahead and ensure the venue staff can accommodate you comfortably.ID and Age: By law New Zealand bars require valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport or Kiwi 18+ card). The World Bar enforces an 18+ (or 21+ at bigger gigs) entry policy at night. During daytime hours Yonder is more family-friendly, but evening events are generally 18+. If you look under 25, be prepared to show ID. What to Wear: There’s no formal dress code. Attire is generally casual – jeans, dresses or even shorts are fine. Footwear should be shoes or sandals (flip-flops are allowed during the day, though not the best for dancing). If it’s chilly, bring a jacket – the beer garden can get cold after hours, though heaters run in winter.Plan for Weather: Church Street is outdoors, so plan accordingly. On hot summer days the beer garden is bright and open. In winter the venues heat well enough inside, but the patio seating has fire pits and heaters (still you may prefer indoors). Rain won't stop a concert, since the patios are covered – but pack a light jacket or umbrella for walking around town.Bag Policy: Large backpacks or suitcases are not allowed. You’ll likely need to check any bulky items (there’s often a simple coat check or storage area for larger coats and bags). Small purses, daypacks or laptops are fine. All bags may be searched by staff upon entry for security.Smoking: No smoking indoors. If you need a cigarette, use the outdoor beer garden area. That is the only smoking zone for patrons. Vaping and electronic cigarettes are also limited to that outdoor space, by law.Food and Drink: Outside food or drink is not permitted – you are expected to purchase on-site. Both venues have kitchens open at most hours (World Bar serves food until 10pm, Yonder much later on weekends). Tap water is available for free; just ask your server for a glass.Booking Advice: For busy show nights, get there early. Even if there’s no cover, standing-room can fill up fast. If you want to sit, arrive 30–60 minutes before doors to claim a table or stool. On very popular nights, tickets may sell out in advance – monitor the venue’s social media or website, and consider booking on the day if required. Last-minute door sales are usually possible until capacity is reached.Etiquette: Be mindful of laid-back locals. Avoid large backpacks, put your phone on vibrate during shows, and clean up after yourself in the garden or inside. Tipping isn’t customary in New Zealand, but leaving some change or rounding up a bill on a great night is appreciated. A friendly chat with the bartenders or staff goes a long way; they’re known for remembering regulars by name.Transportation after Hours: Queenstown’s nightlife district is compact. When it’s late, taxis and rideshares can queue on Shotover Street, but there can be a wait. You can also walk down to the lakefront corner (Armagh/Beach St) where more cabs and Uber drivers often gather. The free night bus (local Orbus route) loops through Queenstown CBD as well if your hotel is nearby. Many people simply choose a nearby hotel and stumble back after last call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for shows at World Bar or Yonder?
Most nights at The World Bar and Yonder are free entry, so no ticket is needed unless a special event is advertised. Only select concerts, touring DJs or festivals charge admission. When a show does require a ticket, purchase it through the venue’s website or ticket vendor and arrive early. Day-of-door sales are often allowed if the show isn’t sold out.
How much do events at World Bar & Yonder typically cost?
Cover charges vary. For many house or local DJs the cover is free. If there is a paid event, it’s usually modest – around NZ$10–20 for local bands, and higher (NZ$25+) for big touring acts. Check the event listing for exact prices. Food and drinks at the bar are sold on top of any cover.
Do World Bar & Yonder have reserved seating or assigned tables?
Seating is generally first-come, first-served. There are bar stools and tables where patrons can sit, but these cannot be booked in advance. (Some private events or large group bookings can secure areas by arrangement, but normal walk-in nights do not allow table reservations.) For the best view, arrive early and find a spot near the stage or at the bar.
Where can I park when visiting the venue?
The closest parking is a Wilson Parking lot at 14 Church Street (entry off Church St), charging about NZ$3.50 per half-hour. Another option is the Man Street Car Park (12 Man St, a 5-minute walk) which is fenced, cashless and also roughly NZ$3.50 per 30 minutes (with discounts for longer stays). Metered street parking nearby is very limited. It’s usually easier to drop off at the front door and find parking elsewhere.
What public transit goes to Church Street in Queenstown?
Queenstown’s Orbus bus network serves the city center. Routes 1, 4 and 5 all pass near Church Street. The closest stops are on Shotover and Camp Streets; from there it’s a short 2–3 minute walk down Church Street to Nos. 12–14. Alternatively, local taxi shuttles and rideshare services will drop you on Church or the nearby Shotover/Man Street intersection.
Are the venues wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Both World Bar and Yonder have level-entry doors on Church Street. The layout inside is mostly step-free. Accessible restrooms are available at each venue. The owners have designed the space to accommodate wheelchair users, but if you have specific needs (like table height or restroom assistance) it’s a good idea to call ahead and let staff know.
Can I bring children to World Bar or Yonder?
Daytime at Yonder is kid-friendly (Yonder serves coffee and brunch), but at night both venues are primarily adult spaces. World Bar, especially after evening, is an 18+ environment. Some afternoon or early-evening events at Yonder might be open to families, but by late evening plan on an adults-only crowd. Always check the event details – if ages matter, the venue or promotion should note any restrictions.
Can I take photos or record the performances?
Casual photography is fine. Feel free to use your phone or a small camera to capture memories. Video recording of performances is generally discouraged unless you ask permission from the performers or band. No flash photography once the show is underway. As always, respect other patrons’ privacy and avoid blocking the view of others when filming or taking pictures.
What food and drink options are available?
Both venues have full food and drink menus. At World Bar you’ll find pub classics: gourmet burgers (including vegetarian and vegan patties), wings, loaded fries, hotdogs, wraps and more. Yonder’s kitchen focuses on café-style fare (salads, brunch bowls, tacos, etc.). The World Bar also has a specialty drink list – their signature teapot cocktail is a party favorite. Each bar lists numerous craft beers, wines and spirits (about a dozen taps at World Bar). Non-alcoholic options and coffee/tea are available too. In short: plan to eat and drink on site rather than packing snacks from home.
What is the typical dress code?
Both venues are casual. You will fit right in with jeans, a shirt, casual dress or even shorts and sandals (depending on the weather). Guitar Hero attire and funny costumes occasionally show up for theme nights, but you never need formalwear. Just dress comfortably for a club or pub night. If going to the beer garden in winter, bring a warm jacket.
What forms of payment are accepted inside?
Both venues accept cash and all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Eftpos). There is no ATM on site, so if you plan to tip or buy merchandise, have cash handy. Prices are listed in New Zealand dollars. Note that bars typically do not add a gratuity, so tipping is up to your discretion (around 10% is appreciated but not expected).
Is there Wi-Fi available at the venues?
No public Wi-Fi is guaranteed. Yonder may have morning/afternoon Wi-Fi as a café, but both venues do not advertise free Wi-Fi for guests. Mobile phone coverage in Queenstown is generally good; expect 4G/5G service inside. If you need internet, plan to use your phone’s data or connect to a personal hotspot.
What are the venue’s famous “teapot” cocktails?
The World Bar is known for its creative cocktails, especially the signature “teapot” drink. This is a large shared cocktail (often rum- or vodka-based, mixed with fruit juices) served in a teapot with several mugs to share. You can find it on the drink menu as the house specialty. It’s a fun, award-winning novelty (originating here) and perfect for groups to share around a table.
