Queenstown: Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options

Imagine stepping into a world made entirely of crystal-clear ice—walls, furniture, and a bar, all carved by hand from over 18 tonnes of ice. For just $29 per person and an hour of your time, this Minus 5 Ice Bar experience in Queenstown offers a playful and memorable way to beat the outdoor chill and enjoy some creative cocktails or mocktails. Located conveniently in the bustling Steamer Wharf, this attraction often draws travelers looking for a quirky photo op or a quick escape into an icy wonderland.

What we really love about this experience is how immersive and visually stunning it is—those hand-crafted sculptures and the glow of the lighting turn the bar into a mini art gallery. Plus, the included two drinks served in ice glasses add that extra cool factor, making it more than just a walk-through exhibit. On the flip side, the space can feel a bit cramped if too many visitors arrive at once, and since it’s small, you might want to plan your visit during off-peak times if you’re after more room to move. This experience suits families with kids (mocktails available), couples, or anyone eager to snap fun photos or enjoy some lively banter with friendly staff.

Key Points

• Unique Ice Environment: Everything from the walls to the bar is carved from ice, creating a visually stunning experience.
• Included Drinks: Two cocktails or mocktails in ice glasses, making your visit both tasty and memorable.
• Photogenic Setting: Plenty of opportunities for photos, with staff happy to take pictures if you don’t want to rely on your own camera.
• Short but Sweet: One hour is just right for enjoying the icy environment without getting too cold.
• Friendly Staff & Atmosphere: Visitors consistently praise the helpful guides and lively vibe.
• Value for Money: For $29, you get a well-paced visit with drinks and access to beautiful sculptures—consider it a fun, budget-friendly activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect at the Minus 5 Ice Bar in Queenstown

Starting at the lively Steamer Wharf, you’ll meet your Ice Hosts—smiling guides who check you in and get you suited up. Don’t worry: they provide warm jackets, gloves, and boots if needed, so you’re prepared for the -5°C environment. This gear is surprisingly warm and comfortable, but if you’re particularly sensitive to cold, bringing your own gloves or extra layers could make your experience even better.

Once geared up, your guide leads you into the ice-carved world. The space is essentially a walk-in freezer decorated with intricately crafted sculptures—from polar bears to ice chandeliers, all illuminated with atmospheric lighting that makes everything glow. You’re free to explore, take photos, and marvel at the artistry. The ice bar itself is a marvel—everything from the walls to the furniture is a masterpiece. The sculptures are regularly praised for their craftsmanship, with reviews mentioning the impressive nature of the hand-carved ice structures, which genuinely look like frozen art.

Your two included drinks are served in ice glasses, which are both fun and a bit tricky to hold if you’re not wearing gloves. The menu offers cocktails or mocktails, so everyone, including children, can join in the fun with mocktail options. Many reviews highlight how much guests enjoy the creative presentation—“drinks in ice glasses”—and the quality of the cocktails is often praised, with some calling them “amazing” or “great fun.”

Throughout your visit, staff members are friendly, informative, and eager to help you capture the moment. If you want extra photos, staff are happy to take pictures with your camera, and you can purchase photo packs afterward. Some reviews note how staff make the experience lively, with music and engaging hosts, adding to the fun atmosphere.

The Experience Itself: A Short but Memorable Visit

The hour flies by quickly, especially since the space is small, and the temperature is kept just cold enough to remind you you’re in an ice environment, but not so cold that you can’t enjoy your drinks or chat comfortably. Visitors often mention that “2 drinks are enough” because of the chill—“the hour went really quickly” and most feel it’s just the right amount of time to enjoy the ice sculptures and take photos.

However, some guests note that the space can feel crowded, particularly during busy times, which impacts the photo opportunities or the ability to move freely. To get the most out of your visit, arriving during off-peak hours might give you more room to breathe and more opportunities for photos.

The Value of the Experience

While $29 isn’t a huge sum, considering it includes entry, warm gear, and two drinks, it’s a reasonable price for such a unique activity. The fact that everything is hand-crafted ice gives the experience a level of artistry that surpasses typical tourist attractions. The drinks are well-made, and the photo opportunities are plentiful, making it a worthwhile stop for those wanting a quick, fun, and visually striking excursion in Queenstown.

Many reviews emphasize good value for money, especially given the lively atmosphere, helpful staff, and the chance to take home awesome ice sculpture photos. If you’re after a quirky experience that’s great for families, couples, or groups of friends, this activity ticks all the boxes.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy quirky photo opportunities and fun nightlife scenes. It’s especially suited for families with kids, thanks to mocktail options, or couples looking for a memorable, shareable moment. If you’re a photo enthusiast, the sculptures and lighting create a fantastic background for pictures. And if you’re in Queenstown for a short stay, it’s a quick activity that packs a lot of visual and experiential punch into just one hour.

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A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The visit begins with check-in at the Steamer Wharf, a lively Queenstown hub. The process is straightforward: check-in, get fitted with your warm gear, and then your guide leads you into the ice wonderland. The ice sculptures are the main highlight—each one carefully crafted with detail and artistry, creating a magical environment that’s both playful and awe-inspiring.

Once inside, you’re free to explore and interact. The ice bar is the focal point where you’ll enjoy your drinks. Many reviews mention the impressive craftsmanship—“Marvel at the hand-crafted ice structures”—and how the lighting enhances their beauty. The drinks, served in ice glasses, are a highlight, with reviewers praising the quality and presentation.

The atmosphere is lively, with music and friendly staff adding to the energy. Staff members take time to ensure everyone gets their photos, share some fun facts, or tell you how the sculptures are made. You will have plenty of opportunities to capture memories, either with your own camera or with the staff’s help.

As the hour winds down, you’re gently ushered out, still wrapped in your gear, with plenty of photo souvenirs and warm memories. Most guests agree that the quick pace ensures you leave feeling satisfied but not exhausted by the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Minus 5 Ice Bar in Queenstown

This activity offers a refreshingly different way to enjoy Queenstown’s lively scene. It’s a short, fun escape into a frosty world that’s ideal for snapping photos, trying something new, or just having a good laugh with friends or family. The cost is reasonable, considering the quality of craftsmanship, friendly staff, and included drinks; it’s an experience that feels like a special treat without breaking the bank.

While it’s not a large venue, the intimate space fosters a cozy, energetic vibe that many reviews find appealing. The friendly guides, creative ice sculptures, and interactive environment make it stand out from more traditional sightseeing activities. If you’re visiting Queenstown and want a quirky, memorable story to tell, the Minus 5 Ice Bar is well worth your time.

FAQs

How long does the experience last?
The official duration is 1 hour, which is enough time to enjoy the sculptures, take photos, and sip your drinks comfortably.

Are drinks included?
Yes, your ticket covers two cocktails or mocktails served in ice glasses. You can purchase additional drinks if you like, but many reviews say two are plenty given the setting.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, with mocktail options available, kids can join in the fun. However, because of the cold temperature and ice environment, it’s best for children to be supervised and dressed warmly.

What should I wear?
The venue provides warm jackets, gloves, and boots. The interior is kept between -5°C and 10°C, so dressing in layers and bringing your own gloves can enhance comfort.

Can I take photos inside?
Absolutely. Staff are happy to take your photos, or you can use your own camera. Many reviews highlight the great photo opportunities.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a variety of visitors.

Final Words

For those who enjoy quirky, visually stunning experiences with a dash of fun and a touch of frost, the Minus 5 Ice Bar in Queenstown offers an excellent choice. It balances value, entertainment, and creativity, offering a brief but memorable escape into an artful ice world. Whether you’re after great photos, a lively atmosphere, or just something different, you’ll find this activity ticks many boxes.

This activity is ideal for families seeking fun, couples wanting a memorable outing, or groups of friends looking to add some sparkle (and chill) to their trip. It’s a perfect quick stop that won’t take up your entire day but will leave you with lasting memories of your time in Queenstown.

You can check availability for your dates here: