Question 1

WHAT IS ESCAPE QUEST?

Accepted Answer

Escape Quest is a “escape the room” game, located in Auckland Queenstown. Teams of 2-6 people are locked in a themed room and have 60 minutes to search for clues and solve puzzles in order to solve the crime and escape the room. Escape Quest takes players back to New Zealand's gold rush and each game has its own unique storyline and puzzles based on this early settler period. We have 5 games and each has a different crime to be solved: Gold Heist in the Gold Rush, Murder in the Prince of Wales hotel 2, Murder in the Old Man Range, Jackpot in the Miner’s Cottage and Stick Up In The Pub.

Escape Quest has 3 game rooms per location and each team of 2-6 people have their own dedicated, private game room. You’ll also have your own dedicated Escape Quest Game Master who will ensure your experience is fast paced and great fun.

If you have a group larger than 6 people, you can book multiple rooms. We have a gorgeous, comfortable lounge area so it’s perfect for larger groups including corporates, sports teams, hens & bucks parties.

Escape Quest is not scary and does not require any physical strength or fitness. It’s a fun, safe environment, so it’s great for all ages from 7 years and up. We recommend that children between 7 and 14 years are accompanied by an adult. Whilst the level of problem solving is likely to be too difficult for children under 7, they often enjoy the hunting and the exciting atmosphere.

Whilst the rooms are locked, players can exit the room at any time via a release button. This release button is not part of the game but is there for your comfort and safety. You can also communicate with your Escape Game Master at any time throughout the experience.

Escape Quest has fantastically themed game rooms that offer an unrivalled experience. After you’ve played the game you can also dress up in Victorian period costumes and have team photos. We’re open 7 days per week from 10am to late.

To book your experience, please click on the “book now” button and select your preferred day and time.

Question 2

WHY PLAY ESCAPE QUEST?

Accepted Answer

Escape Quest is an incredibly fun way to spend 90 minutes!! It’s challenging, surprising, intriguing, inspirational, bonding and just amazing fun! You’ll learn so much about yourself and your friends, family, colleagues or partner as you work together in a race against the clock to the escape the room in 60 minutes. It’s genuinely social and interactive as a live experience. It’s a new, exciting concept that everyone can play together. Being located in Queenstown and Auckland, Escape Quest will also introduce you to this beautiful region’s colourful, gold rush history. Our games are based on real New Zealand gold rush crimes, locations and people. As you step back in time in the 1860s and 1870's, you’ll be immersed in our stunning gold rush themed game rooms. It’s an exhilarating experience, especially when you escape in time!!

Question 3

HOW DO I BOOK?

Accepted Answer

Select “book now” on the website’s menu bar and follow the prompts to select your preferred day and time and complete payment.

We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover & PayPal for payment on our website. We don’t accept American Express or Discover over the counter.

Alternatively, please call us on +64 (0)3 442 4948 and we can book your experience over the phone.

Please note that Escape Quest is a live escape game and consequently once a booking is confirmed we cannot offer refunds.

Question 4

WHAT ARE 'INTEGRATED MECHANICS' & 'INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY'?

Accepted Answer

Integrated mechanics: Each game here at Escape Quest has its own unique narrative, along with its own order of play for a successful escape. We don’t want to give too much away, but appearances aren’t everything and some objects and features of the room may not always be what they seem. We want this experience to be both visually and mentally stimulating so in some cases, discovering or accessing a puzzle could be just as engaging as trying to solve it!

Integrated technology: These games were all built from scratch by our talented creative team, who have used technology in clever ways to make your game experience more enjoyable! Whilst our themes remain true to New Zealand in the 1860s and 1870's, beneath the surface the design is much more 21st century which we hope adds an extra level of fun and mystery to the experience!

Question 5

IS ESCAPE QUEST CHALLENGING?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is! Escape Quest is challenging, rewarding and awesome fun! Escape games are designed to challenge how you think, solve problems, connect disparate information and process it all with your teammates. All whilst trying to escape as fast as possible!

Question 6

HOW LONG IS THE EXPERIENCE?

Accepted Answer

We recommend allowing 90 minutes in Auckland and 75 minutes in Queenstown to complete an Escape Quest game. You’ll need a few minutes before you start the game to check in and be briefed by your Escape Quest Game Master. The game itself is a maximum of 60 minutes. You’ll also have the opportunity to dress up in Victorian costume and have team photos after you’ve completed the game.

Question 7

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

Accepted Answer

We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes prior to your game start time to allow time to check in. We have a super comfortable lounge area for you to wait in.

Question 8

HOW MUCH DOES THE ESCAPE QUEST EXPERIENCE COST?

Accepted Answer

Prices are NZ$35-$59 per person depending on the number of people per room. Please click on “Book Now” to view a full list of pricing.

Question 9

WHICH GAME SHOULD WE PLAY FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Escape Quest is a world class escape game and is as challenging as anything you will find in London, New York or Singapore. All our quests are challenging, otherwise it wouldn’t be fun! We think you’ll have the most fun playing either Gold Heist in the Gold Rush or Murder in the Prince of Wales 2 first, irrespective of being a first time player or highly experienced. We recommend Murder in the Old Man Range as an excellent second or third game experience. All our quests are unique and amazing so take the journey and do all 5! Escape with an all-time record and your team photo will be placed in our escape hall of fame!

Question 10

IS ESCAPE QUEST SCARY?

Accepted Answer

No, Escape Quest is a fun, safe environment suitable for all ages above 7 years old. It’s a thrilling experience racing against the clock to solve puzzles and crack codes, but it is not at all frightening. Whilst the game room is locked, there is a release button beside the door that enables you to leave the room at any time during the game. This release button is not part of the game, it is there to ensure your comfort and safety.

Question 11

CAN CHILDREN PLAY?

Accepted Answer

Escape Quest is great for children aged 7 years and up. We recommend that children aged 7-14 are accompanied by an adult. Whilst the level of problem solving is likely to be too difficult for children under 7, they often enjoy the hunting and the exciting atmosphere.

Question 12

HOW MANY PLAYERS CAN PLAY?

Accepted Answer

Each game room can accommodate 2-6 players. If you have a group of 6 or more people, you can book multiple rooms. Escape Quest has a total of 6 rooms, 3 per location.

We have a gorgeous, comfortable lounge area so it’s perfect for larger groups including corporates, sports teams, hens & bucks parties. If you have a larger group, please feel free to call us on +64 (0)3 442 4948 and we can help you book the right rooms and times for your group.
Click “book now” to view all the games and rooms available.

Question 13

I AM A POTENTIAL INVESTOR (FRANCHISEE/PARTNER), WHO DO I CONTACT?

Accepted Answer

You can contact us via email queenstown@escapequest.co.nz,(mailto:queenstown@escapequest.co.nz) and our management will get back to you in 2-3 business days.

Question 14

CAN I PLAY MURDER IN THE PRINCE OF WALES 2 IF I PLAYED THE ORIGINAL MURDER IN THE PRINCE OF WALES GAME?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Different murder, storyline and game, same 1860’s location! In the 1860s the Prince of Wales hotel stood close to where Escape Quest is today. Murder in the Prince of Wales 2 is based on a real gang of Central Otago gold rush bandits. As our newest game, this sequel takes the escape experience to a whole new level!

Question 15

ARE TEAM PHOTOS INCLUDED AND WHERE CAN I FIND THEM?

Accepted Answer

Yes they are! The Photo is included free of charge when you play at Escape Quest. The photo will be send via email with in 24h of your visit. If you have not received your photos please contact us under queenstown@escapequest.co.nz (queenstown@escapequest.co.nz)

Question 16

WHO CREATED ESCAPE QUEST QUEENSTOWN AND THE GAMES?

Accepted Answer

A husband and wife team (Australian and Kiwi) created and opened Escape Quest Queenstown in December 2014. They always had a dream of living in Queenstown, both love puzzles and have backgrounds in Management Consulting and Technology Sales. Their passion for Central Otago and the pioneering, gold rush era was poured into Escape Quest’s 1860s theming, storylines, crimes and characters. All six of Escape Quest’s unique, bespoke games have been handcrafted utilising mechanics, technology and antiques!
In 2023, Escape Quest decided to open a second location in Auckland, Takapuna.

Question 17

ARE ESCAPE QUEST GAMES FACILITATED AND WHY?

Accepted Answer

Yes they are! All of our games are designed to be challenging for 2-7 people and our highly trained staff know the games inside and out. We believe using QR codes in the rooms or having to ask for hints in person or via an intercom erodes the team working together and the immersiveness of the game. We don’t give hints for the sake of it, if you do get hint’s (by far the majority of teams do!) we’re always trying to subtly push you in the right direction rather than just give you the answer.

Question 18

IS ESCAPE QUEST SUITABLE FOR CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is! Escape Quest is an excellent Corporate team building experience, please see our dedicated page here for further details.

Question 19

IS ESCAPE QUEST SUITABLE FOR BIRTHDAY, BUCKS AND HENS PARTIES?

Accepted Answer

It’s absolutely the best way to get the party started. Please see our dedicated page here for all the details.

Question 20

IS ESCAPE QUEST SUITABLE FOR LARGE GROUPS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Escape Quest can accommodate mulitple teams per session with each team consisting of up to 6 people. Teams race the clock to escape in under one hour and also race head to head with each other to escape first. For groups larger that 30, multiple sessions can be booked and groups of up to 30 can be rotated with other activities in Queenstown. Escape Quest can provide up to 8-10 sessions per day.

Question 21

IS ESCAPE QUEST SUITABLE FOR A PRODUCT LAUNCH OR BRAND PROMOTION EVENT?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is! We have the ability to incorporate product placement within the games, host your brand in our plush reception area and provide branding in the reception area and team photos. Promoting your brand or product via Escape Quest allows for a fun, engaging, interactive and memorable experience that will have teams of customers talking about your product for hours afterwards. A brand/company can book Escape Quest exclusively then promote the event through their social and traditional media channels. Email queenstown@escapequest.co.nz (mailto:queenstown@escapequest.co.nz)to discuss the possibilities and your requirements.

Question 22

IS ESCAPE QUEST PART OF A GLOBAL FRANCHISE?

Accepted Answer

No it’s not. Escape Quest  is a fully independent escape game that is not associated with any other NZ based escape game or global franchise. Every element of Escape Quest from the marketing to the games has been designed and created from scratch by our talented, creative team.

Question 23

ARE CAMERAS AND MOBILE PHONES ALLOWED IN THE GAMES ROOMS?

Accepted Answer

No they aren’t. We don’t allow them in for a number of reasons. First off we don’t want you to know what you’re walking into. The world is filled with second hand information, it’s great to be surprised by what’s inside! The majority of people are addicted to mobile phones, leaving them behind promotes great team work, communication and being present in the room rather than endlessly scrolling through your news feed!

Question 24

IS FLUENT ENGLISH REQUIRED TO PLAY ESCAPE QUEST?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable English is required. All of our games are in English but not all of the puzzles require it. Without giving away what’s in the rooms, if you can read and understand this you should be able to play just fine. Many teams have played with 2nd or 3rd language English, take a look at our Trip Advisor reviews in German, Italian, Spanish, French & Russian.

Question 25

I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF QUEENSTOWN, CAN I PLAY AT ESCAPE QUEST?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Everything you need to escape the room is in the room. No prior knowledge of Queenstown’s History or Geography is required.

Question 26

ARE GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR ESCAPE QUEST?

Accepted Answer

Yes they are! Please click Book Now and then click Buy Voucher. To Redeem a voucher click Redeem Voucher in the same location.

Question 27

SHOULD I BRING MY READING GLASSES?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! A little bit of reading is required to complete our quests

Question 28

IS ESCAPE QUEST WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is! Lift access is available from the ground floor up to Escape Quest on level one. We recommend playing Gold Heist In The Gold Rush or Jackpot In The Miners Cottage.

Question 29

I AM NOT A GAMER, IS THIS EXPERIENCE FOR ME?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 100%! This is not a video game. It is an intuitive experience made for everyone, from 12 to 82. If you know how to talk, listen, walk and grab objects, you have all the skills needed to make it. The experiences are non violent and focused on cooperation between players. Excellent for families! Perfect for corporate events.

Question 30

IS THE GAME GOOD FOR TEAM BUILDING?

Accepted Answer

It is made for teams! You cannot escape alone! You must work together, and everyone has a role to play. The key to success is to talk, listen and collaborate. And High Five when you are done!

Question 31

WILL VR MAKE ME SICK. IS IT FOR ME?

Accepted Answer

No worries! Ubisoft Escape Games are designed to avoid motion sickness. A common trigger for motion sickness comes from bad performance or low frame rate, issues Ubisoft have accounted for when designing the game. Less than 1% of our players experience motion sickness.

Question 32

I HAVE THE FEAR OF HEIGHTS, ARE THESE EXPERIENCE FOR ME?

Accepted Answer

Your feet will always touch the floor, you are 100% safe, but your brain might think otherwise ☺ Our experiences can be challenging for people with strong fear of heights! But they are also amazingly rewarding when you go through!

Question 33

CAN I WEAR GLASSES AND PLAY VR?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our headsets are able to accommodate most glasses. However, we cannot guarantee all prescription glasses will fit within the VR headset. Those who are able to seek alternatives, such as contact lenses, are encouraged to do so.

Question 34

CAN I PLAY VR IN A WHEELCHAIR?

Accepted Answer

your specific chair. Please call or email Escape Quest to discuss your options.

Question 35

HOW FAR DO I HAVE TO WALK?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 1.5km on level ground that is wheel chair accessible.

Question 36

IS THE OUTDOOR ESCAPE WEATHER DEPENDANT?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this experience is fine weather dependent, please check conditions before booking you Outdoor Escape

Question 37

LARGE GROUP BOOKINGS

Accepted Answer

For large group bookings please contact us on email below, we can currently host groups of 30+ or even more with notice: queenstown@escaepquest.co.nz(mailto:queenstown@escaepquest.co.nz)

Question 38

HOW CAN WE RACE AGAINST OTHER TEAMS TO ESCAPE FIRST?!

Accepted Answer

Book multiple slots at the same time and race to complete your mission first.

Question 39

CAN HEARING IMPAIRED PEOPLE PLAY?

Accepted Answer

Only with at least 1 hearing able person in the team. We plan to add accessibility and language features soon.

Question 40

CAN CHILDREN PLAY?

Accepted Answer

We recommend 14 years and over or any age with accompanying adults.

Question 41

ARE CLUES PROVIDED DURING THE GAME?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! A number of clues are provided for each puzzle with no penalty (time etc) for use. We encourage you to use them if you are stuck.

Question 42

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE THE LOST ATRIFACT?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate depending on how many clues you choose to use.

Question 43

I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF QUEENSTOWN, CAN I PLAY?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Everything you need to escape is provided. No prior knowledge of Queenstown’s history or geography is required.

Question 44

I'VE PLAYED SOME OF YOUR ESCAPE ROOMS ALREADY IS THIS A NEW GAME?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is! Completely new and made from scratch right here in Queenstown, NZ.

Question 45

DO I HAVE TO DRIVE?

Accepted Answer

No, The Lost Artifact requires walking within Queenstown's CBD only.

Question 46

WILL MY PHONE OR TABLET WORK FOR AR?

Accepted Answer

If your device is under 3 years old, it should support the app. Try downloading the app first before purchasing the game. Supported Platform is Android. Android versions 27, 28 and 29+. iOS is currently unavailable!

Question 47

I HAVEN'T RECEIVED MY EMAIL INSTUCTIONS

Accepted Answer

Please check your SPAM folder first, the email will be from printplayescape.com. If nothing has arrived within 24h of purchase then please reach out to us via email with name and email used for puchase queenstown@escapequest.co.nz(mailto:queenstown@escapequest.co.nz)

Question 48

MY DEVEICE IS ASKING ME TO ENTER A CODE ON THE FIRST AUGMENTED REALITY PUZZLE?

Accepted Answer

Please go to our play at home page and download the latestest version of the Empire Escape app.

Question 49

HOW CAN WE RACE AGAINST OTHER TEAMS TO ESCAPE FIRST?!

Accepted Answer

Each team needs to purchase a copy of the game. Individual teams will need to download the print the mission dossier and then get ready to play. If playing Empire Escape, each team will also need to have the app downloaded to a device. Set up a zoom/skype session with teams and let the banter begin. Once all teams are ready, simultaneously press the start game button and try to Escape first!

Question 50

SHOULD ALL TEAM MEMBERS LOG INTO THE ONLINE PORTAL TOGETHER?

Accepted Answer

It's not recommended. We suggest one person logs into the online game system and shares screen via Zoom/Skype if team members are in separate locations.

Question 51

IS A PRINTER REQUIRED?

Question 52

CAN WE PLAY WITHOUT A PRINTER FOR EMPIRE ESCAPE?

Question 53

DO I NEED TO PRINT THROUGHOUT THE GAME?

Question 54

CAN HEARING IMPAIRED PEOPLE PLAY?

Question 55

CAN I BUY NOW AND PLAY LATER?

Question 56

CAN I PLAY THE GAME MORE THAN ONCE?

Question 57

ARE CLUES PROVIDED DURING THE GAME?

Question 58

DO I NEED TO FOLLOW CUT AND FOLD INSTRUCTIONS?

Question 59

HOW MANY PAGES NEED TO BE PRINTED?

Question 60

IS COLOUR PRINTING REQUIRED?

Question 61

DO I NEED AN INTERNET CONNECTION TO PLAY?

Question 62

CAN I PLAY THE MISSING GOLD ESCORT ON A MOBILE PHONE?

Question 63

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE MISSING GOLD ESCORT?

Question 64

I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF QUEENSTOWN, CAN I PLAY?

GENERAL FAQ’S