Below Zero Ice Bar was a bit like a 3D New Zealand tourism brochure in ice, if you melted the polar bear. Although the polar bear’s handy for holding vodka bottles, and plenty of vodka is needed to fill the ice glasses with Perky Penguin and Chilled Kiwi cocktails.

Ice gondola at Below Zero

Below Zero Ice Bar , Queenstown

The ice sculptures have changed since our visit, the jet boat may have gone but the gondola remains. The gondola comfortably seats two, although getting up close and personal isn’t a bad idea. After 30 minutes or so in Below Zero you’ll feel the cold begin to creep under the standard issue jacket, gloves and boots.

Ice jet boat at Below Zero

Playing air hockey on ice is one way to warm up, or channel your inner Russian and drink more vodka. Cheers comrades – smash your glass on the way out.

Play air hockey to warm up at Below Zero Ice Bar

To save yourself some cold hard cash at Below Zero see the Bookme entry and cocktail combo. Also take your camera – other ice bars often don’t allow personal cameras and charge for photos.

Take a seat at Below Zero Ice Bar in Queenstown