Bunkhouse Theatre
Bunkhouse Theatre
4.4
About
The Bunkhouse Theatre has relocated. A LOCAL'S TAIL introduces local characters, community colour, and the struggles and triumphs of the island pioneers - past and present. This delightful, quirky 40minute film answers the myriad of questions that visitors have about the 'why' and 'how' of Stewart Island, from the most reliable of all sources - the pub (or more accurately, from the yarns overheard at the pub by a local dog). The film lets you browse through the island's history and gives you a tour of the whole island from the big screen in the comfort of the Bunkhouse, guided by a local dog Lola (08/05/2008 - 24/02/2022). The Bunkhouse is one of the historic Stewart Island whaler's base buildings. Give yourselves an hour and a half, to have time to - watch the film, have a coffee and a chat with the homeowner and film producer, view the historic Bunkhouse and find out about it's history, and learn about how the film was made. Call to arrange a suitable time (2-5 people)
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.4
119 reviews
Excellent
71
Very good
35
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Ezra710
Christchurch, New Zealand1,402 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
While different from expectations this was an enjoyable and informative 40 minutes. I had hoped for more direct input from some of the locals, but still enjoyed the story as told. EFTPOS is [now] available and they are willing to include the $2 cost of popcorn and give you the needed coin as change. DVD available for purchase [cheaper if you have seen the film]. 53 seat theatre. Fridays to Mondays.
Written 10 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarahlibrarina
Dunedin, New Zealand29 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The Bunkhouse theatre was our first stop after settling into our accommodation. We enjoyed the local film - great way to learn a bit about this special place. Lola the dog (and star of the movie) dings the bell to let you know the movie is ready to begin - make sure you bring cash to pay for your tickets, and $2 to use the popcorn machine.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gillian S
21 contributions
Jan 2020
I didn’t have any expectations but was taken back in time while watching a 40 minute movie about Stewart Island. Inside the theatre the heater was going and blankets provided. Pop corn was available for purchase, as well as the DVD. Cash only sales.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnSB3
Wellington, New Zealand734 contributions
Jan 2021
This is Oban’s only picture theatre and its standard feature is a film about Stewart Island made about eight years ago using a dog called Lola as the narrator. The Kinks song Lola is playing as you take your seats. The film was made locally and frankly it’s a bit naïve and is now out of date. However it does give viewers a feel for the history of the place and for the quirkiness of the island and its inhabitants over the years as they have battled the elements and forged a living in a tough environment. Film lasts 40 minutes. Worth seeing I suppose. Place smelt a bit musty.
Written 20 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glennandcaz
46 contributions
Jun 2021
The lovely lady put on a special viewing for us and a few other visitors to the island.
The movie is a little dated now, but there were blankets to keep us warm and we got to meet Lola at the end...and learned a few of the old tails of Stewart Island.
The movie is a little dated now, but there were blankets to keep us warm and we got to meet Lola at the end...and learned a few of the old tails of Stewart Island.
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ursula220
Cairns, Australia301 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
I was disappointed, like many information in Australia, history starts with white colonisation. And then it was about humans pillaging the earth, from logging, killing seals to whales to baby mutton birds and all the rest that is to kill. I'm encouraged to stay vegetarian after this film. Would love Lola to do another film including Maori history, focus on conservation and preservation. Plus a Kiwi narrator would be nice. Love that accent. Cinema is gorgeous and comfortable.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MangoMonkeyStewart
1 contribution
This film seems like more of a joke than a true representation of the 'island culture' that it is supposed to represent. From the beginning, being confronted by a talking dog speaking in a stereotypical Australian accent, it's all downhill. I've seen better cinematography from high school students, and better editing on YouTube.
The audio was horrible, with sound effects dubbed over the footage in an attempt to add comic value - even during the credits, where footage of a fire engine performing a three point turn is turned into a comic disaster with a voice over and sped up footage.
Common editing mistaks appear throughout, from incorrect exposure, to terrible font choices and transitions that look like they come straight from Windows Movie Maker.
Don't bother.
The audio was horrible, with sound effects dubbed over the footage in an attempt to add comic value - even during the credits, where footage of a fire engine performing a three point turn is turned into a comic disaster with a voice over and sped up footage.
Common editing mistaks appear throughout, from incorrect exposure, to terrible font choices and transitions that look like they come straight from Windows Movie Maker.
Don't bother.
Written 30 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
Auckland Central, New Zealand5 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
Amazing. Expected a very basic theatre, but found one that easily matched the smaller theatres found in Auckland's "art-house" cinemas.
Very pleasant experience. Manageress very helpful and willing to talk about theatre.
A visit to Stewart Island would not be complete without attending the Bunkhouse Theatre!
Very pleasant experience. Manageress very helpful and willing to talk about theatre.
A visit to Stewart Island would not be complete without attending the Bunkhouse Theatre!
Written 5 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rosieterry
Hastings, New Zealand170 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
What a great way to fill in a rainy afternoon with a 6 yr old. Very quirky look at life on the Island and most informative. The seats are very comfortable - more so than many city cinemas. Of course the antique popcorn machine kept the 6 yr old amused while waiting for the start and meeting the star. Lulu is a lovely dog. Let me know when she needs to be rehomed.
Written 26 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
24Becky
Dunedin, New Zealand91 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Disappointed to find this was 'shut for winter' during the October school holidays. You can hire a copy of the movie from 4 square but we unfortunately didnt have a DVD player
Written 10 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apologies we missed you. Hope you had a great time on the Island.
Written 15 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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