Queenstown Ice Arena | Queenstown

The Queenstown Ice Arena is a popular recreational facility located in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand. It offers visitors a chance to enjoy ice skating and ice sports in a fun and family-friendly environment. The rink is open year-round and provides a unique indoor experience in a region known for its outdoor adventure activities. Here’s a detailed look at the Queenstown Ice Arena:

1. Location and Accessibility

The Queenstown Ice Arena is situated in the Queenstown Gardens, just a short distance from Lake Wakatipu and the town center. It is a convenient spot for both locals and tourists looking to try something different in Queenstown, especially during the colder months or when the weather is not ideal for outdoor activities.

• Address: 29 Park Street, Queenstown, New Zealand
• Proximity to Town: The ice arena is located within walking distance of the central Queenstown area, making it easy to visit between exploring other local attractions or dining out.
• Transportation: If you’re staying outside Queenstown, you can easily access the ice arena by car, taxi, or public transport.

2. Ice Skating

The Queenstown Ice Arena offers a large indoor ice rink, providing a great place for recreational ice skating, whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater.

• Public Skating Sessions: The rink is open for public skating sessions, allowing visitors to enjoy a fun time on the ice. Whether you’re skating solo, with family, or with friends, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.
• Skate Hire: For those without their own equipment, the rink provides skate rentals in various sizes. You can easily rent skates when you arrive at the venue.
• Beginner Friendly: The ice arena caters to skaters of all levels, with helpful staff available to offer tips to newcomers. If you're not confident on the ice, there are also skating aids (such as frames) available to help beginners stay balanced.

3. Ice Hockey

The arena is also home to a local ice hockey league and offers opportunities for both amateurs and competitive players to get involved.

• Local Leagues: Queenstown Ice Arena hosts several ice hockey leagues and tournaments throughout the year, making it an ideal venue for enthusiasts of the sport. The league consists of local teams, and the arena has equipment and facilities for training.
• Public Ice Hockey: If you want to try playing ice hockey yourself, the arena often has sessions where anyone can get on the ice and join in a pick-up game. It’s a great way for newcomers to experience the sport and get a feel for it.

4. Curling

The arena also offers curling, a sport that is growing in popularity in New Zealand. Curling involves sliding stones on ice towards a target area and is often described as chess on ice due to the strategy involved.

• Learn Curling: If you're interested in trying something new, the Queenstown Ice Arena offers curling lessons. These lessons are perfect for people who want to learn the basics of the sport and try it out in a fun and relaxed environment.
• Curling Events: The arena hosts curling events and tournaments, often involving local teams or visitors who want to compete in a friendly setting.

5. Figure Skating

For those interested in more artistic ice sports, the Queenstown Ice Arena also hosts figure skating activities.

• Figure Skating Lessons: Beginners and more advanced skaters can take part in figure skating lessons, which are available through the rink. Lessons range from introductory to more advanced techniques, including jumps, spins, and choreography.
• Shows and Performances: On occasion, the arena holds figure skating performances and exhibitions, where local and visiting skaters showcase their skills.

6. Ice Parties and Events

The Queenstown Ice Arena is a popular venue for hosting special events, such as birthdays, corporate functions, and ice skating parties. It offers a unique setting for group events and celebrations.

• Birthday Parties: The arena is a great place to host an ice skating birthday party. Party packages typically include skate rentals, a designated party area, and food and beverage options. It’s a fun way to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family.
• Corporate Events: For companies or organizations looking for a fun and unique team-building activity, the ice arena offers corporate packages. This might include ice skating, ice hockey, and curling sessions, along with catering and event facilities.
• Themed Events: The rink occasionally hosts themed ice skating nights, such as disco skating sessions with music and lights. These events are especially popular for families, couples, or groups looking for something fun and different.

7. Facilities and Amenities

The Queenstown Ice Arena is equipped with all the facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for everyone:

• Changing Rooms: There are changing rooms available for skaters to get ready before hitting the ice.
• Cafe and Refreshments: The rink has a small cafe where you can grab a hot drink, snack, or light meal to enjoy before or after your skating session. It’s a cozy place to warm up and relax.
• Pro Shop: The arena also features a pro shop where you can purchase ice skating gear, from skates to accessories like gloves and pads.

8. Events and Competitions

Throughout the year, the Queenstown Ice Arena hosts various events, ranging from local skating competitions to larger ice hockey tournaments. These events often draw visitors and participants from around New Zealand and internationally, making it a hub for winter sports enthusiasts.

• National Tournaments: Some of the larger competitions held at the arena include New Zealand ice hockey tournaments, and occasionally, figure skating events.
• Public Spectators: These competitions often offer an opportunity for the public to watch skilled athletes perform and compete, adding an exciting aspect to a visit to the arena.

9. Best Time to Visit

The Queenstown Ice Arena is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for:

• Winter (June to August): Winter is the peak season for ice skating and related activities, as it aligns with the colder weather and a more festive atmosphere. It’s an excellent time to visit if you want to experience a cozy indoor activity while Queenstown is bustling with tourists.
• Summer (December to February): While Queenstown is known for its outdoor adventure tourism during summer, the Ice Arena provides a cool indoor break. It’s also a fun option if you're visiting during the warmer months and want to escape the heat for a while.

10. Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: The Queenstown Ice Arena has a regular schedule with specific hours for public skating sessions, ice hockey games, curling, and other activities. It’s a good idea to check the website or contact the arena for current session times and availability.
• Ticket Prices: Tickets are generally affordable, with different pricing depending on the activity (e.g., public skating, hockey sessions, or lessons). Discounts may be available for children, students, and group bookings.
• Special Offers: The ice arena often offers special promotions and discounts, particularly for local residents or during off-peak times.

Conclusion

The Queenstown Ice Arena provides a unique indoor recreational experience, offering ice skating, curling, ice hockey, and figure skating in one venue. It’s an excellent place to visit for families, friends, and anyone seeking a fun, active way to enjoy Queenstown in a cozy, ice-cold environment. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a first-timer, the arena caters to all levels and is a great way to experience the fun of ice sports.