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Skip to main content
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The Adventure Collective

The Adventure Collective Discover, plan, and share your outdoor adventures with our global community of explorers.

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Unravel the Secrets of Garrett’s Gang: Escape Quest’s Murder Mystery in Queenstown

Unravel the Secrets of Garrett’s Gang: Escape Quest’s Murder Mystery in Queenstown

Ages 7+ • 1 hour • Based on a real gang of gold rush bandits!

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  4. Unravel the Secrets of Garrett’s Gang: Escape Quest’s Murder Mystery in Queenstown

Adventure Brief

Step into 1860s Queenstown and solve the mystery behind Garrett’s gang in Escape Quest’s thrilling indoor escape room. Race against time to uncover secrets, disarm traps, and bring a notorious gold rush gang to justice.

1 hour
challenging
From NZ$124.16

Keep the Adventure Going

More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders

Family Friendly
No Experience Required

Step back in time to the 1860s in Queenstown, New Zealand, where the notorious Garrett’s gang once roamed. At 53 Shotover Street, Escape Quest offers a gripping, hour-long escape room experience titled "Murder in the Prince of Wales Hotel 2," designed for adventurers aged 7 and up. This immersive game plunges participants into a gold rush era mystery, tasking you with uncovering the gang’s secrets hidden within the historic Prince of Wales Hotel’s shadow. With just 60 minutes to solve intricate puzzles, dismantle booby traps, and gather crucial evidence, you become the detective racing against time before the gang returns.

Queenstown, often celebrated for its stunning alpine scenery and adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities, also hosts this unique indoor adventure that blends historical storytelling with modern technology. Escape Quest’s innovative setup leverages advanced mechanics and interactive technology to create a rich environment where history feels alive. Unlike a typical escape room, this experience is built on well-researched regional lore tied to the real-life gold rush bandits, adding an authentic edge to your quest.

The Prince of Wales Hotel, a center piece of this adventure, once stood near the current Escape Quest location and was an infamous hideout during the region’s bustling gold rush. This historical link makes the experience especially meaningful, grounding players in Queenstown’s vibrant past and giving a fresh perspective on local heritage.

The adventure welcomes groups of two to seven players, emphasizing teamwork as you explore secret rooms and solve challenging puzzles. With a game master facilitating, participants receive guidance without spoiling the suspense, making the experience accessible yet stimulating even for seasoned escape room fans.

If you’re visiting Queenstown and seek a break from the usual outdoor thrills like bungee jumping or lake cruises, this escape experience offers a compelling indoor alternative. It ties together storytelling, critical thinking, and local history in a family-friendly, yet challenging format. Escape Quest stands out as a destination that enriches Queenstown’s adventure portfolio, merging culture and technology under one roof.

For families, friends, or teams looking for an offbeat adventure that sharpens the mind and entertains, "Murder in the Prince of Wales Hotel 2" is a must-try. Book your mission, step into the past, and help bring justice to Queenstown’s shadowy gold rush era.

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Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Participants must be at least 7 years old to join the experience.

Groups of 2 to 7 players can participate together; larger groups should book multiple sessions.

No, the game is designed to be accessible for beginners while still challenging for experienced players.

Key Highlights

Difficulty

challenging

Duration

1 hour

Fitness Level

Light physical activity; suitable for all fitness levels

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Kea parrots often heard in surrounding hills
  • Local freshwater trout in nearby rivers

History

The Prince of Wales Hotel was a key social hub during the 1860s gold rush, often frequented by miners and outlaws alike.

Conservation

Escape Quest follows sustainable practices by minimizing waste and encouraging responsible tourism in Queenstown.

Related Adventures & Guides

  • See other trips from Thrillzone
  • Explore more Queenstown adventures
  • Browse more land adventures experiences

Operated By

Thrillzone

Ages 7+ • 1 hour • Based on a real gang of gold rush bandits!

About Thrillzone

Thrillzone is a multi-attraction entertainment venue located in Queenstown, Otago. The business offers a broad range of immersive experiences including Hologate VR, Omni VR multiplayer, DX Race Simulator, and New Zealand's only glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf, Putt n’ Glow.

Thrillzone also operates a variety of escape experiences: indoor VR Escape Rooms, themed adventures such as Jackpot in the Miner's Cottage and Gold Heist in the Gold Rush, plus outdoor escape games like The Lost Artifact and the Outdoor Escape Adventure. Birthday Parties and Kidz Club packages are available, with customised durations and catering options to suit families and groups.

For groups who prefer outdoor activities, Frisbee Golf rentals include high-quality discs, a digital map and online scorecard. Many experiences include collaborative gameplay and team elements; for example, VR Escape Rooms provide team photos and character-based puzzles, while Outdoor Escape Adventure blends scavenger hunts, augmented reality and multiple difficulty levels. Sessions range from short 30-minute experiences such as the Race Car Simulator to longer 1.5-hour adventures like Jackpot in the Miner's Cottage.

The venue positions itself as a versatile events provider for birthdays, group outings and family visits in Queenstown. Staff support logistics for tailored parties and manage bookings for individual passes such as the 1-Hour Pass and Delux Deal options. Thrillzone's programming focuses on accessible play for diverse ages and interests within a compact Queenstown entertainment facility.

Bookings are available online or by contacting the venue directly for groups.

Indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf course with neon obstacles
Driver using immersive racing simulator with panoramic screens

Location

Queenstown, Otago

Central Queenstown entertainment venue.

Experiences

16 experiences

VR, escape, mini golf and outdoor games.

Party Options

Customisable packages

Durations and catering can be tailored.

VR & Tech

Omni & Hologate VR

Advanced immersive VR systems on site.

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Book Thrillzone Experiences in Queenstown Today

Reserve VR sessions, escape rooms, mini golf or a tailored birthday party — quick online booking and group options available.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early for Briefing

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to receive instructions and get settled.

essential

Work Closely as a Team

Communicate and delegate tasks to maximize efficiency during the puzzle-solving phase.

info

Mind the Time Limit

Stay aware of the 60-minute time constraint to ensure you complete all escape challenges.

essential

Trust the Game Master

If you’re stuck, subtle hints from the facilitator can help keep the game flowing without spoiling the fun.

info

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Shoes

Wear shoes that allow easy movement while exploring the themed rooms.

Essential

Light Jacket

Bring a jacket for cooler indoor temperatures during autumn visits.

fall

Smartphone

Useful for quick photo ops and navigation to the location.

Notebook and Pen

Helpful to jot down clues or solve puzzles collaboratively.

Queenstown Things To Do
  • Read our Queenstown travel guide