Below Zero Ice Bar

Imagine a place where the walls, furniture, and even the glasses are crafted from the purest ice. Below Zero Ice Bar is a unique venue in the heart of Queenstown, proudly recognized as the largest ice bar in the Southern Hemisphere. Over 20 tons of ice were used to create this winter wonderland, transformed by talented sculptors into true works of art.

Below Zero Ice Bar. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This unusual New Zealand attraction invites guests to dive into an atmosphere of permafrost, where the temperature is constantly kept at -12°C. Visitors are provided with special warm jackets and gloves at the entrance so they can comfortably explore the icy interiors without feeling the brisk cold.

Inside the bar, you'll find more than just cold walls; there are detailed ice sculptures that are updated every few months. You can see an ice fireplace, shimmering chandeliers, and even complex themed compositions, making the venue a popular spot for tourists of all ages.

To contact the venue for bookings or more information, you can call or visit the official website. The bar is located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible for tourists.

The first thing to do is order a signature cocktail, served in a glass carved from a solid block of ice. Guests take particular delight in a local tradition: once the drink is finished, you can spectacularly smash your ice glass, adding a touch of playful mischief to your visit.

Active leisure enthusiasts should definitely try their hand at air hockey on a specially equipped table. It’s a great way to warm up and have fun with friends. Interactive elements and sculptures are also scattered throughout the hall, such as the famous Jägermeister stag, which provides the perfect backdrop for vibrant selfies.

Don't hesitate to chat with the staff—they are happy to share stories about how these fragile masterpieces are created. Delicious non-alcoholic drinks are available for children, so a trip to "Below Zero" is often a great option for family leisure in Queenstown.

The attraction is located in the very heart of the city at Searle Lane. If you are already exploring the central blocks, such as The Mall, the walk to the bar will take only a couple of minutes—it is located literally 200 meters from the tourist information center.

For those arriving from the airport, the most convenient options are a taxi or a scheduled bus, which run regularly to the center. Since parking is limited in this part of town, the best option is to walk from your hotel or use public transport.

The opening of Below Zero Ice Bar was a vibrant event in the development of the city's nightlife. Designed as a place that could surprise even the most seasoned travelers, it quickly became one of the first and most popular ice spaces on the South Island.

Interestingly, leading ice sculpture masters were involved in creating the interior. Every detail—from the massive bar counter to the elegant chandeliers—was hand-carved from enormous blocks of pure ice. To keep guests interested, the sculpture exhibition is regularly updated, making every visit unique in its own way.

Over the years, the bar has become a true landmark for the region. It showcases not only the artists' skill but also the technical capabilities required to maintain a constant freezing temperature in the middle of a busy city center.

Usually, 40 to 60 minutes is enough for a full experience. This time is perfectly sufficient to leisurely enjoy your drinks, admire all the ice masterpieces, and take impressive photos in the unusual setting.

Since the temperature inside is maintained at around -12°C, most guests prefer to spend about an hour here, even in warm clothing, alternating between admiring the ice art and playing active games like hockey.

Please check the opening schedule to plan your visit in advance. The venue is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. On other days, from Wednesday to Sunday, the ice bar welcomes guests from 15:00 to 22:00.

The bar's central location allows tourists to easily combine a visit to this frozen kingdom with sightseeing at other interesting spots. A stroll through the surrounding area will reveal historic monuments and picturesque views of the lake.

Below are sites located within walking distance or a short drive away: