Queenstown: Ice Bar Crawl

Cold nights, warm drinks, good company.

This Queenstown crawl is built around one simple idea: you get escorted to five top party bars and you do not have to plan the route yourself. Two things I really like about the setup are the built-in sampling (you try multiple places in one night) and the included extras like 5 free shots plus pizza, so the night feels like more than just door-to-door sightseeing. One consideration is the schedule: it starts at 9:00 PM, so if you prefer early evenings, this one may feel late.

The main payoff is value. You pay $23, and the tour includes ice bar entrance that is normally $30, plus express entry through security for the Ice Bar. The other thing to keep in mind is pace, because games, discounts, and shots can add up fast, especially if you are ordering alcohol on top of what is included.

Key points before you go

• Five bar stops with a live guide, so you can sample your options and decide where to return
• Ice Bar entrance included, normally priced at $30
• 5 free shots and free pizza, plus drink discounts that can stretch your night
• Games and prize chances, which keeps the group energy up instead of wandering
• Start at 9:00 PM and finish just after midnight, with freedom to keep going

Why a Queenstown bar crawl is a smart first-night plan

If you are arriving in Queenstown and want to get your bearings fast, this kind of crawl is practical. Instead of spending your evening making choices, you get a guide leading the route and a mix of different nightlife stops. That matters in Queenstown because bar areas can feel like a maze when you are tired, new to town, and trying to decide what is actually worth your time.

I also like that the tour gives you a clear structure. You start at a known meeting point, then move through the night, and you end at a final bar after midnight. That reduces the usual stress of, Do we go here next, or do we backtrack?

Price and what you really get for $23

At $23 per person for about 4 hours, the tour is pricing itself like a night-out deal, not a fancy add-on. The standout value is the Ice Bar entrance fee. It is normally priced at $30, and here it is included. That means you are effectively paying less than the usual price for the Ice Bar experience, with the rest of the crawl acting like added extras.

On top of the entrance fee, you get:

• 5 free shots
• Free pizza
• Escorted access to 5 party bars
• Express security check for the Ice Bar
• Drink discounts throughout the night plus discounts for your entire stay (as stated for the tour)

This is exactly what makes the price feel fair. Even if you think you will only truly care about one venue, the tour still covers that main event and keeps you entertained while you get there. If you also want to explore a few other bars, the discounts and included food make it easier to stay within budget.

The 9:00 PM meeting at The London Bar, and why location matters

You meet downstairs in The London Bar, 36 Shotover Street, at 9:00 PM. The London Bar is next door to Fergburger, which is useful because it gives you an easy landmark. When you are showing up at night, a simple reference point saves time, and time matters when you have a guided schedule.

The tour starts with drink discounts that run through the night, plus free entry into the Ice Bar later in the tour. So even if you are not sure which bar you will like most, you are not stuck paying full price from the first minute.

Practical tip: because the tour involves security for the Ice Bar and asks for a passport, bring it from the start. Don’t wait until later in the evening to remember you left it behind.

Your route: five best party bars, plus games and prizes

The tour promise is clear: you will be escorted to 5 of the best party bars in Queenstown. That is the core convenience. You do not need to hunt for the “right” places, and you avoid the awkward situation of standing outside multiple venues, checking menus, and then moving on.

You can expect a lively night with games. The tour includes bar games with the chance to win prizes from local activities. That detail matters more than it sounds. In many bar crawls, people drift, conversations fade, and you end up walking around in small pairs. Here, the games and guided structure give the group a reason to stay together, which usually improves the experience, especially if you are traveling solo or meeting up with friends.

One more practical upside: the crawl format lets you sample a range of vibes. You might hit one bar where you want to grab another drink right away, or you might discover one place you would come back to later. Even if you do not think you will revisit anything, this is a fast way to figure out what style of bar fits you.

Ice Bar entry included: how to plan for the cold-themed venue

A big moment in the night is the Queenstown Ice Bar. The tour includes the entrance fee (normally $30) and also includes skip the line via an express security check. In other words, you are not spending a chunk of your evening waiting for entry.

What should you expect? Since it is an Ice Bar, you might find it stays cold inside. I would plan accordingly by bringing something warm enough to be comfortable. You do not need heavy gear, but a light layer can make the experience more enjoyable if you get chilled.

Also note how the timing works. The Ice Bar entrance happens later in the tour, after the 9:00 PM start at The London Bar. That pacing is smart because it prevents the night from feeling like one long line and then leaving early. You build up energy with the crawl, then hit the Ice Bar as a memorable centerpiece.

Free shots, free pizza, and the discount payoff

This tour includes 5 free shots and free pizza. That sounds simple, but it changes how the night feels. Shots can be a fun social start between bars, and pizza helps you avoid the common bar-crawl problem of getting hungry, spending extra on food, then slowing down your night.

The discounts are the other piece. The tour gives drink discounts all night, plus discounts for your entire stay in town (as stated). That is useful because it is not only about tonight. If you find you like a particular bar later, those discounts can keep your costs down when you decide to come back.

A small caution: if you are the type who wants to pace carefully, treat the free shots as optional momentum, not a requirement. With games, moving bars, and discounts, it is easy to overshoot your comfort level if you also order additional drinks without a plan.

Timing: 4 hours, ends just after midnight

The duration is listed as 4 hours, and the crawl finishes at the last bar just after midnight. That timing is perfect for most people who want a full night out without losing the entire evening to logistics.

You also keep flexibility. The tour ends after midnight, but you can continue the party on your own. That matters if you want to keep chatting with people you met on the crawl, or if you found one bar you genuinely want to revisit.

If you are planning next-day activities, consider that “just after midnight” can still affect your sleep. I would aim to schedule morning plans with some buffer, especially if you will be taking advantage of the free shots and any additional drinks.

Who this Ice Bar Crawl fits best

This is a good match if:

• You want a guided way to try multiple bars in one night
• You like the idea of included value like ice bar entry, shots, and pizza
• You are open to a lively group atmosphere with games and prizes
• You want a simple plan for nightlife, especially with a live English guide

It may be less ideal if:

• You strongly prefer early evenings, since the start is 9:00 PM
• You do not want alcohol included in your plan, even as free shots
• You prefer quiet bars or long, slow hangs over a moving schedule

If you are visiting Queenstown and want an easy “night one” experience where you can figure out where you want to return, this crawl’s structure does that job well.

Should you book the Queenstown Ice Bar Crawl?

If you like value-driven nightlife and you want ice bar entry without paying full price, I think this is an easy yes. The math is compelling because the Ice Bar entrance is normally $30, yet you are paying $23, and the tour also includes shots and pizza plus a guide-led night across five bars.

Book it if you want a clear plan, a chance to win prizes, and drink discounts that can carry into your stay. Skip it if your ideal night is quiet, early, or you would rather not have a schedule with a group and included drinks.

FAQ

What time does the Queenstown Ice Bar Crawl start?

The crawl starts at 9:00 PM.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet downstairs in The London Bar, 36 Shotover Street.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 4 hours.

How many bars are included in the crawl?

You will visit 5 party bars during the tour.

What is included with the Ice Bar portion?

The Ice Bar entrance fee is included, and you also get express security check to skip the line.

What food and drinks are included?

You get 5 free shots and free pizza during the night.

Are drink discounts included?

Yes. The tour includes drink discounts throughout the night, and drink discounts for your entire stay in town are also included as part of the offer.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your passport.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide is in English.