Queenstown: Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza

Five bars, one lively night, little planning required. This Queenstown bar crawl is a simple way to meet people, sample several nightlife spots, and let local guides handle the route. For $17, I like the five free shots and the free pizza, which make the price unusually low for a four-hour evening out. I also like the mix of games, drink discounts, and different bars rather than being tied to one room all night.

The main thing to consider is the large group size. One night drew about 112 people, so this is not a quiet pub tour or a personal introduction to Queenstown nightlife. It is loud, social, and built for people who want to make friends quickly. The shots can also add up fast, especially when several are strong spirits.

The key details before you book

• Five bars in about four hours: You begin at The London at 9 PM and finish at the final bar just after midnight.
• Five included shots: You receive one welcome shot at each venue, with extra drinks costing more.
• Free pizza during the night: A useful food stop when the alcohol starts arriving on schedule.
• Games with local prizes: Join in for the chance to win prizes connected with Queenstown activities.
• Drink discounts last beyond the crawl: The discounts are available for your whole stay in town, not only during the four-hour event.
• 18-plus with photo ID required: Bring a passport or New Zealand driver’s license.

Starting downstairs at The London at 9 PM

The meeting point is downstairs at The London Bar, next door to Fergburger. That location is easy to find in central Queenstown, but give yourself time to locate the downstairs entrance and arrive before the 9 PM start.

At check-in, you receive a wristband and the voucher for your first drink. Guides explain how the evening works, then give the group a short time to settle in before moving on. This opening stop is less about seeing a famous bar in depth and more about getting the group together.

That simple system matters. You do not need to work out which venue comes next, and the guides come to collect the group when it is time to leave. For a first night in Queenstown, this removes much of the awkwardness of deciding where to go.

I would arrive with your passport or New Zealand driver’s license ready. This is an 18-plus activity, and a valid ID is required. A photograph of your ID may not be enough, so take the accepted original document.

Stop one: meeting your night-out group

The first bar gives you a chance to find your companions before the evening speeds up. Queenstown attracts people from many countries, and this crawl is aimed at exactly the sort of visitor who wants company rather than a solo drink.

Your first shot is included, and the guides set the tone for the evening. The best part here is the social shortcut. You can introduce yourself to a few people, compare plans for Queenstown, and quickly find out who is keen to join the games or continue together after midnight.

The trade-off is that introductions can be brief. If the group is very large, you may need to make the first move instead of waiting for a guide to introduce everyone. Go in with an open attitude, and you will get more from the night.

Stop two: moving from pub to party

After the first venue, the crawl moves to another bar where the party begins in earnest. The exact venues can vary, so I would not book this expecting a fixed list of famous clubs. The appeal is the change of setting and the chance to try places you might not pick on your own.

The walk between venues is part of the experience. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, and the bars are visited as a central Queenstown group. Wear shoes you can walk in and bring a light layer if the weather is cool. You may also be outside while the group moves between stops.

At this point, the wristband becomes useful. It identifies you as part of the crawl and helps the guides keep track of a large crowd. The group system worked well for one especially big night, when the guides kept more than 100 people moving together.

Stop three: games, prizes, and a useful break

The middle of the evening is where the games become important. You can take part for a chance to win prizes from local activities. The exact games are not specified, so the safest expectation is a light party competition rather than a formal contest.

I like this feature because it gives you something to do beyond ordering another drink. It also helps people mix outside their own small groups. If you are travelling alone, joining a game can be an easier opening than walking up to strangers and starting a conversation.

The free pizza is equally practical. It is served during the night rather than as a full sit-down meal, so do not treat it as dinner at a restaurant. Think of it as welcome fuel that helps balance the shots and gives you a chance to eat without leaving the crawl.

The busy-group drawback is clearest here. Food and games may take time to organize when many people are involved. Stay patient, and keep an eye on your belongings while the group gathers.

Stop four: different venues, different moods

By the fourth bar, the value of visiting several places becomes clear. Each bar has its own feel, and the evening is not built around one single style of nightlife. One venue may suit conversation, another may be louder, and the final stops may feel more like a conventional party night.

I cannot promise a particular club or music style because the supplied details do not name the five venues. That uncertainty is worth remembering if you have a strict nightlife wish list. If you want one specific Queenstown club, make your own plan as well.

If you simply want variety, the changing venues are a strength. You can find out where you would like to return during the rest of your stay. The drink discounts for your whole stay add value here, since the crawl can act as a first look at the town’s nightlife rather than a one-night purchase with no follow-up benefit.

Extra drinks are not included. Budget for them separately, and remember that a low entry price can encourage you to spend more once the night gets going.

Stop five: the final bar after midnight

The crawl finishes in the last bar just after midnight. You are not required to leave Queenstown nightlife at that point. The party can continue for as long as you want, which is useful if you meet a group you would like to stay with.

Ending in a bar rather than at a bus pickup gives you flexibility. You can continue nearby, make your own way back, or call it a night. Since hotel transport is not included, plan your return before the shots and extra drinks begin to affect your judgment.

Free photos from the night are uploaded to Facebook. That is a small but pleasant extra, particularly for birthday groups or people making a social record of a Queenstown trip. You should still keep personal photos and belongings secure, since a large party group is not the place to assume everything will be watched.

What the $17 price really buys you

At $17 per person, this is one of those activities where the included extras do most of the work. You receive entry to all five bars, five shots, pizza, games, possible prizes, photos, and drink discounts that remain useful during the rest of your stay.

Even if you place little value on the games or photos, five free drinks and free entry can make the cost worthwhile. You also save the time and effort of choosing five venues and organizing a group route yourself.

The value depends on how much you drink and how much you enjoy group nightlife. If you buy only a small number of extra drinks, the package remains very inexpensive. If you spend freely at each stop, the $17 booking price is only the beginning of your night’s budget.

I would also count the social value. Meeting new people is a major reason to book, and several positive experiences point to the guides, the mix of ages and nationalities, and the easy-to-follow route as major strengths. For a group celebrating a birthday, the price is especially appealing. Four people paid $130 together on one occasion, which worked out well once the included extras were considered.

The guides are the glue of the night

The guides are central to whether this activity works. Their job is not simply to hand out shots. They explain the plan, keep people together, lead the walks, manage the moves between venues, and help the night stay organized.

The available feedback gives the guides high marks for being fun, helpful, and good at keeping a very large group under control. That is not a small task. A crawl with 20 people is easy to manage; a crawl with more than 100 needs clear instructions and steady supervision.

Still, do not expect a private guide giving personal Queenstown advice all evening. With a big crowd, guide attention is spread around. If you need help, ask directly and stay close to the group when it is time to move.

The activity is in English, and the live guide format suits people comfortable following instructions in a busy nightlife setting.

Five shots can be fun, but pace yourself

The five included shots are a major selling point, but they also need sensible handling. One shot at each of five venues can feel manageable at the start and less manageable later, especially if you add beer, wine, or spirits between stops.

The supplied feedback includes a joking reference to the final three shots being Jager. That may not be the standard every night, but it is a useful warning: you may receive strong shots, and the pace can pick up.

Eat the pizza. Drink water when you can. You can also choose not to finish every shot if you are no longer comfortable. The purpose is to enjoy Queenstown, not to treat the included drinks as a challenge.

This is not the right choice if you want a calm evening, dislike drinking games, or prefer to control every part of your night. It is much better suited to someone who can enjoy a party while still setting personal limits.

Who should book this Queenstown night out?

I would recommend it most strongly for:

• Solo visitors who want an easy way to meet people
• Friends looking for a low-cost night with a planned route
• Birthday groups and short Queenstown trips
• Young adults who enjoy loud, social nightlife
• People who want to test several bars before choosing where to return
• Anyone who would rather follow guides than plan a night venue by venue

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds or need a quiet, intimate evening. A group of 112 people has been part of one night, and the crawl can feel crowded when everyone arrives at once.

It also may not suit you if you are looking for a detailed cultural introduction to Queenstown. This is a nightlife activity, not a history walk or food tour. Its local value comes from the people you meet and the bars you discover, not from commentary about the town.

Practical tips for a better night

Arrive at The London before 9 PM, with your valid passport or New Zealand driver’s license. The meeting point is downstairs, next door to Fergburger, and arriving early gives you time to find the entrance.

Wear comfortable footwear. You will move between five central venues, and the night includes time outdoors between bars. Bring only what you need, since a crowded party is not ideal for carrying a large bag.

Eat before the first shot, then make sure you also take advantage of the pizza. Keep some money available for extra drinks, since those are not included, and save the drink discounts for later nights in Queenstown.

If the weather is poor, expect the walk between bars to be less pleasant. One especially wet night was still described as a great time, but a waterproof layer will make the route easier.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later if you want to keep your plans flexible. The tour lasts about four hours, starting at 9 PM and ending just after midnight, though your own night can continue afterward.

Should you book the Kiwi Crawl?

Book it if you want a cheap, social, guide-led night with five venues, included shots, pizza, games, and a ready-made group. The high praise focuses on the hosts, the range of people, the easy route, and the fun of trying several Queenstown bars in one go.

Skip it if you want a small group, a quiet pub evening, a guaranteed list of specific venues, or a night without drinking pressure. The 4.2 rating from 131 ratings suggests a strong overall experience with some room for personal preference, especially around crowd size.

For most sociable adults aged 18 and over, $17 is a very fair entry price. Just treat the shots as optional fun, not a quota, and the night should give you a lively introduction to Queenstown after dark.

FAQ

How much does the Queenstown bar crawl cost?

The activity costs $17 per person. Extra drinks are not included.

How long does the bar crawl last?

The crawl lasts about four hours. You meet at 9 PM, and the organized part finishes in the final bar just after midnight.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet downstairs at The London Bar, next door to Fergburger in central Queenstown.

What is included in the booking?

The booking includes entry to all five bars, five free shots, free pizza, games, prizes, free photos uploaded to Facebook, and drink discounts for your whole stay in town.

What identification do I need?

You must be 18 or older and bring a valid passport or New Zealand driver’s license.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.