In the Queenstown region of New Zealand, two notable arenas and stadiums stand out: the Queenstown Ice Arena and the Queenstown Events Centre. The Queenstown Ice Arena, located in Queenstown Gardens, serves as an ice sports and public skate center. Initially established as an outdoor ice rink in 1966, it underwent reconstruction in 1996 to become an indoor arena. The facility is home to the Skycity Stampede in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League (NZIHL) and hosts various events, including public ice skating sessions, ice hockey games, curling, and the unique attraction of ice bumper cars in the Southern Hemisphere.
Since its inauguration in 1997, the stadium has accommodated up to 19,000 spectators, with 6,000 seats being permanent. It serves as the venue for a wide array of events, such as international cricket matches, Highlanders rugby games, trade shows, exhibitions, seminars, and concerts. Additionally, the Queenstown Events Centre offers diverse activities like cricket, rugby, swimming, golf, fitness training, indoor and outdoor tennis, indoor and outdoor netball, and indoor rock climbing.
Both the Queenstown Ice Arena and the Queenstown Events Centre contribute significantly to the entertainment and sports landscape of the region, catering to a broad spectrum of interests and preferences for visitors seeking diverse experiences in Queenstown.