Queenstown’s iconic aprés ski haven & gourmet destination
Originally established in June 1997, The Bunker started as one of the few upmarket après-ski bars in town, offering locals and skiers a warm and inviting space to enjoy cocktails, cognac, cigars, and old-school music by the fire. Today, The Bunker encompasses a restaurant, a private group dining room, and an upstairs cocktail bar/terrace.

The Bunker prides themselves on delivering exceptional food and drinks in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with friendly and attentive service. Their cuisine, described as ‘rustic premium dining,’ features uncomplicated yet perfectly matched international flavors, passionately prepared with the finest local and domestic produce.
The wine cellar at The Bunker exclusively features Antipodean wines, focusing on local Pinot Noir and offering a generous selection of wines by the glass using a Coravin system. Named for its literal concrete box structure with no windows, The Bunker provides the perfect escape from the outside world. Head Chef Ty Rapona emphasizes local ingredients, foraging from the surrounding area and constantly updating the menu based on seasonal availability and specialty items. The extensive wine list showcases the best from New Zealand and Australia, particularly Central Otago, with special releases that are hard to find elsewhere.
The Bunker strives to make a premium dining experience accessible to everyone, favouring the term ‘premium fireside dining’ over ‘fine dining.’ They aim to make every guest feel as comfortable as they would at home, offering world-class food and service without any snobbery. Whether it’s a special anniversary date night or a post-outdoor excursion dinner, they welcome all with no judgments. The upstairs bar remains a popular late-night venue, transitioning from a relaxed cocktail bar to a lively party spot with resident DJs after 10 pm, ensuring a guaranteed queue every Friday and Saturday night.
Owner Cam Mitchell took a significant risk in early 2021, expanding the restaurant amidst challenging times. A renovation project that started in February 2021 extended into a seven-month endeavor, expanding the restaurant from 28 to 70 seats and adding a second bar. Since reopening in November 2021, The Bunker has received outstanding feedback from both locals and first-time visitors. The expansion has allowed them to better serve the town and accommodate more guests. Additionally, they recently opened a sister bar, Hyde Liquor & Social in Arrowtown, extending The Bunker’s atmosphere to the neighboring town. The Bunker takes pride in offering the best cocktails and food in town, with Aitkens providing top-notch glassware and plateware, integral to creating a first-class experience for their guests.

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