Minus 5 Ice Bar, Queenstown

You never know what you’ll stumble into while taking a walk around town. During our first trip to Queenstown we thoroughly enjoyed three days in the self-proclaimed ‘adventure capital of the world,’ and spent most of our time outdoors. That is, until we found the Minus 5 Ice Bar located right along Lake Esplanade, one of the most picturesque parts of the town. Sure it may have been dead winter outside with a temperature of 14 degrees (F), but that didn’t stop us from giving this icy adventure a go!

We donned the coats and hats we were given at the door and headed into the bar. Side note, they had us put the coats OVER the coats we already had on, so we pretty much looked like overstuffed sausages the whole time. Oh well, we can just look at the pictures and laugh at ourselves.

The ice bar wasn’t as cold as I originally thought it would be, which was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting to be shaking in my boots as I slowly drank my ice cold beverage…served in a glass of ice.  The room was filled with all sorts of cool glass sculptures that were backlit by an ever-changing LED light (you’ll notice the crazy colors of my pictures). I have yet to buy a flash for my camera, so the pictures came out kind of color washed.

We had a great time at the bar, and would love to go again! Maybe next time in the summer?

TRAVEL TIPS:  It’s not super crazy cold in there. You don’t have to wear thermals, regular clothes, your own coat, AND the coat they provide. Learn from our mistakes. If you have a wide angle lens, bring it! It’s hard to capture the room without one (I wish I had one for this trip). Be sure to try one or two of the cocktails, they’re absolutely delicious!

Entrance fee: $20 per adult, with cocktail $35. (Check out more pricing options here)