Whole-body VR beats the usual controller. Thrillzone Queenstown’s Hologate VR turns that idea into a real multiplayer session you share with friends and family.

I especially like how this feels family-friendly, not just for hardcore gamers. And I love the game variety you can choose from, including snowball showdowns, rhythm and beat battles, and even a cooperative zombie invasion.

One possible drawback: the whole experience is 30 minutes. If your group gets into it fast, you may finish wanting more time in the action.

Key highlights in 30 minutes

• Your body is the controller, so you don’t just press buttons
• A big menu of games like snowball fights, rhythm rounds, and zombie survival
• Team play or head-to-head, depending on how your group likes to compete
• Instructor-led in English, with help available during the session
• Private group setup, so it’s geared toward your party’s fun
• Headset + controllers included, meaning you show up ready to play

Thrillzone Queenstown and Hologate VR: the setup in plain terms

Thrillzone is in Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island, and the star is Hologate VR: multiplayer virtual reality that’s designed to be shared. The best part is the physical angle. Instead of a typical VR setup where you flail a handheld controller like you’re swatting flies, you use your body as the control input.

You get a headset and controllers as part of the experience, plus an instructor who guides you. Since the instructor is English-speaking, you can ask questions and get adjusted without needing to translate your own excitement.

This is also built for mixed ages. That doesn’t mean it’s timid. It means the core games are friendly enough for families while still feeling like proper games, not a kids-only demo.

Using your body as the controller: what makes multiplayer click

Here’s why this setup works so well for groups: your actions feel natural. When your body becomes the remote, you get movement that matches what’s happening in the virtual world, and that keeps everyone engaged.

In a multiplayer setting, that matters even more. You’re watching your friends move, reacting to their choices, and coordinating in real time—without needing anyone to be the designated strategist. If your group includes both confident gamers and first-timers, this style evens the playing field. The person with the fastest fingers isn’t the only one who can win.

You should expect a quick “how to use your body in here” learning curve. An instructor is there for that part, which helps a lot. Plan to start a little cautious. After a few minutes, most people loosen up and stop thinking about the tech and start playing the game.

The game menu: snowballs, rhythm battles, and zombie teamwork

The games you can pick from cover three very different moods, which is great when you’re traveling with people who don’t all like the same style.

Snowball showdown is the light, playful option. It’s the kind of game that gets laughs because it’s easy to understand and fun to do badly at first. Expect lots of movement and quick reactions.

Rhythm and beat battles shift the focus to timing and coordination. If your group enjoys music or wants a challenge that’s more brainy than brawny, this is the pick. It also tends to be great for mixed skill levels because everyone can sync up at their own pace.

Then there’s a cooperative zombie invasion scenario. This one is about teamwork and keeping each other alive. If you want a shared mission where you feel like you’re actually doing something together, this is the most “group bonding” style of play on the menu.

You can play together as a team or go head-to-head, so you’re not locked into one vibe. Pick based on your group’s energy: competitive if you want bragging rights, cooperative if you want shared problem-solving.

What your 30 minutes actually looks like

You’re booking a 30-minute session, and that time has to cover setup, briefing, gameplay, and wrap-up. So think of this as a focused burst of VR play rather than a long evening event.

You’ll start with the instructor taking care of the essentials—helping you get in the headset comfortably and explaining how the system wants you to use your body as the controller. With included equipment (headset and controllers), you’re not running around the venue trying to find gear.

Next comes your game selection and mode. Since you can choose from multiple game types and play style (team vs head-to-head), you’re steering the session. This is where I’d recommend trusting the group’s mood. If everyone’s energetic, go competitive. If people are mixed ages or mixed comfort levels, team play can reduce pressure.

During the gameplay, the setup is designed so you’re not just watching screens. You’re actively participating, moving, and responding to what’s happening. That’s the part that tends to surprise people who think VR is mostly sitting and grabbing a joystick.

Finally, you’ll finish with the instructor’s guidance and the session ending at the 30-minute mark. If you’re the sort of person who likes to feel totally “mastered,” you might find the session ends right as you’re getting confident—but that’s also what keeps it feel-fresh, not exhausting.

Value at $32 per person: worth it for families and groups

At $32 per person, this isn’t a bargain you can treat like casual street entertainment. But it also isn’t priced like high-end, long-form VR esports training.

The value comes from three things you can clearly feel in the session: the body-as-controller design, multiplayer gameplay, and instructor support. If you’ve ever tried to coordinate VR at home or on a friend’s setup, you know the friction is real. Here, the system is set up for you, and the instructor helps you get unstuck fast.

It’s especially good value when you’re traveling with a group. Multiplayer play means you’re not just buying a solo gadget experience. You’re paying for shared fun that keeps everyone engaged for the whole half-hour.

Also consider that you’re not stuck with one game style. Snowball play, rhythm battles, and zombie co-op are all on the menu. That variety helps you avoid the common problem of “we played one thing and now we’re done.”

Who should book this VR session in Queenstown

This is a strong pick if you’re in Queenstown with friends or family who like active, hands-on fun. It’s also ideal if your group includes at least one person who’s curious about VR but unsure they’ll enjoy it.

I’d also consider it if you want something different from the usual sightseeing rhythm. Queenstown has plenty to do outdoors. This gives your day a break from travel legs and replaces it with a short, structured, high-energy activity indoors.

If your group wants deep story immersion or a long adventure, you might feel the 30 minutes is short. But if you want an experience that’s easy to understand, quick to start, and built for group reactions, this fits well.

If you’re traveling with kids, family-friendly focus is the selling point. It’s not just “for kids.” It’s for groups with mixed ages who still want to play together.

Practical tips before you put on the headset

Keep these in mind and you’ll have a smoother time.

• Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Your body is the controller, so you’ll want range to swing, step, or react.
• Go in with a playful mindset. The first few minutes are where people get used to the system, and good humor helps.
• Choose game modes based on your group’s energy. Head-to-head is great for competitive groups; team play works better when everyone wants to participate without stress.
• Use the instructor’s help early. Don’t wait until you’re confused mid-round. Ask right away if something feels off.

Also, since the instructor is English-speaking, that’s a plus if English communication is easiest for your group. It reduces friction when you’re figuring out how the controller system wants you to move.

Should you book Thrillzone Queenstown’s Multiplayer Virtual Reality?

Book it if you want a short, shared VR session that uses your body as the controller and offers clear multiplayer options. The game variety (snowballs, rhythm, zombie co-op) is a big win for groups where everyone wants something different.

Skip it if your group’s idea of fun is mostly slow, quiet, or scenic—because this is movement-based play. And if you strongly prefer longer activities, 30 minutes may feel too brief.

If you’re debating, I’d make the decision like this: if your group will laugh, move, and react together, you’ll likely have a great time. If your group wants hours of VR progression, you may feel rushed. For the price and time, this is designed to deliver a quick hit of tech-forward fun with a human instructor guiding the way.

FAQ

Where is Thrillzone Queenstown?

It’s located in Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island.

How long is the Multiplayer Virtual Reality experience?

The session lasts 30 minutes. You can check availability to see starting times.

How much does it cost?

The price is $32 per person.

Is the session private?

Yes, it’s listed as a private group experience.

What languages are available?

The instructor is English, and the languages listed for the activity are English.

What’s included with the experience?

Headset, controllers, and an instructor are included.

Can we play together or compete?

Yes. You can play together as a team or go head-to-head in competitive gameplay.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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