The Minus 5° Ice Bar is Queenstown’s quirkiest hour, and a useful one when the weather grounds the bigger activities. It sits in the Steamer Wharf building on the lakefront, a few steps from the TSS Earnslaw, and everything inside is made of ice: the walls, the furniture, the bar itself and a gallery of intricately hand-carved statues, built from more than 18 tonnes of clear ice. Before you go in, the staff kit you out with a warm jacket, gloves and footwear, and then you have your session in the cold, with cocktails served in glasses carved entirely from ice. Children are welcome and receive a mocktail with their entry, and family passes are available, which makes this a surprisingly good family stop. Sessions are small, capped at around thirty people at a time, so the room never feels crowded. The bar is open throughout the year and closes only on Christmas Day. This page links to the Tiqets one-hour Antarctic Experience ticket.
How to visit: the bar is at Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, in the heart of the lakefront and a short stroll from most town-centre hotels. Book the Tiqets ticket for a time that suits you; the experience is sold as a one-hour Antarctic Experience, though most people find a shorter stay in the cold is plenty. Entry includes the warm gear, drinks are served in glasses carved from ice, and child entry includes a mocktail.
What to expect: the temperature is kept well below freezing, so even with the jacket and gloves your face and hands will feel the chill. The hand-carved statues and glowing ice walls make it fun to photograph. Remember that it is a bar first, so adults drinking alcohol need photo ID.
Making the most of it: go in the late afternoon or early evening, then walk out into the warmth of the lakefront for dinner at Steamer Wharf or on Beach Street. It is a great rainy-day filler and a light-hearted break between the bigger outings, and it pairs nicely with a sunset walk along the waterfront.
What to expect
The experience
A short session in a bar built entirely of ice, with warm gear provided and drinks served in ice glasses.
Best time
Late afternoon or early evening, or any time the weather cancels outdoor plans.
How long
Up to an hour, though most visitors are happy with less in the cold.
Tips
Bring photo ID if you plan to drink alcohol, and combine it with dinner at Steamer Wharf.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A light-hearted, weatherproof hour on the lakefront.
- Families
- Children receive a mocktail with entry and family passes keep the cost down.
- Couples
- A cocktail in an ice glass before a lakeside dinner on Beach Street.
- Pair with
- A TSS Earnslaw cruise from Steamer Wharf next door, or Kiwi Park up the hill.
- Time needed
- Under an hour.
Good questions
Where is the Minus 5 Ice Bar in Queenstown?+
It is in the Steamer Wharf building at 88 Beach Street on the lakefront. The TSS Earnslaw sails from the same wharf.
Do I need to bring warm clothes to the Ice Bar?+
No, jackets, gloves and warm footwear are included with entry. Your face will still feel the cold, so most people stay for less than the full hour.
Can children visit the Minus 5 Ice Bar?+
Yes, children are welcome and their entry includes a mocktail. Family passes are available.
What is the Minus 5 Ice Bar made of?+
The walls, furniture, bar and sculptures are made from more than 18 tonnes of clear ice. Even the drinking glasses are carved from ice.
Is the Minus 5 Ice Bar open all year?+
Yes, it is open year-round and closes only on Christmas Day. Book ahead in busy periods, as sessions are small.