We enjoyed a nice evening out at Cinema Paradiso. Cool vibes with good pizza and brews. Definitely recommend ordering the fresh baked cookie for half time (intermission). Two thumbs up! read more

Cinema Paradiso is a cool throwback to the drive in days. It's a popular spot so make sure you drop in or call to reserve your tickets in advance. There's only three theatre rooms. Pretty dope that you can bring food and drinks into the theatre. We dropped in earlier during the day and bought tickets for the last show of the night. It's $15.00 NZD/ticket for adults. There's an intermission halfway through the movie (15 minutes) to grab cookies and drinks. Everyone comes here for the comfy couches and cars to sit in. It's a fun spot with a cafe inside. There's drinks (beer, wine, cider, coffee and tea), popcorn and pastries available. Their speciality is homemade ice cream ($4.50 NZD) and cookies ($4.00 NZD, three kinds). Cool that they also have a few board games to keep you entertained. We came back to eat dinner. The menu is small but there's pizza, snacks, salads and burgers. We shared two dishes. - Lamb burger ($16.00 NZD) - lamb was excellent; cooked perfectly and had a great spice rub. We also liked the beets and cabbage slaw along with the bun. - Spinach ravioli ($15.00 NZD) - won't blow you away but it was a solid ravioli. Great spot to watch a movie on a rainy day. Food is pretty solid too. read more

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The coolest movie theater ever!!! We NEVER go to the movies at home (Honolulu, Hawaii). Not really interested in paying for the overpriced ticket and overpriced junk food. Also not interested in dealing with the crowds when we could just as easily enjoy a movie from the comfort of our own living room. Having said this, we definitely weren't interested in seeing a movie while on vacation. That was UNTIL we read the description of Cinema Paradiso while researching things to do in the Wanaka area. After which, we HAD TO go. Cinema Paradiso is more movie house/cinema with only 3 screens (versus the mega-plex theater concept in the U.S.). They also have a cafe serving hot foods (pizza, baked goods, etc.), beer and wine - in addition to popcorn. The seating in the theaters are a mix of standard theater seating with comfy couches, recliners and even a classic car or two to sit in. Our girls, of course, picked the car while mom and dad sat nearby. Patrons are welcome to bring their purchased refreshments into the theater to enjoy during the movie (desserts served on real plates with real utensils, btw) making the experience very homey. The movie is stopped midway for an intermission. During this time, everyone gets up to go to the restroom, refill their wine glass, or get a snack (like freshly baked cookies!!!). Our girls opted for popcorn (in a old school popcorn box!) and I indulged in a slice of delicious carrot cake. After a while, the theater attendant comes in and asks if everyone is back and ready to resume the movie (how freaking polite). Great concept and a fun experience that everyone in the family enjoyed. Oh, and the price was right! $15 NZD for adults and $8 NZD for kids!!! read more

Seriously, lads, this is a must visit experience in Wanaka. A small quirky theatre with couches, cars and random seats to really stretch out and enjoy the movie. Seating is first come, first served so get in early to nab your favour berth. There's even an intermission to grab the excellent chocolate chip cookies or a glass of wine or tea or coffee to bring back in for the second half. Fabulous. Do not miss if in town. To some extent, the movie doesn't matter. Go for the retro vibe. read more

A regular of ours movie & meal . We even get a discount being 60+ food Devine great salads . Unique cinema experience .

Love this movie theatre. Every time I am in Wanaka I have to go and see something! I even went twice by myself in the last 2 weeks! They have unique comfortable seating and amazing food options - sweet and savoury! The intermission is a nice way of making sure you can top up on that popcorn/food/drink and go to the bathrooms, I think every movie theatre should have that! Also the prices are very good. Try out the apple crumble cider when you're there as well! read more

A friend told me about this place before I left for New Zealand, but I really had no plans to see a movie while exploring a new country. Then it rained...and on the wet rainy night, I decided that it might be cool to check it out...and man, I'm glad I did. I saw a movie that I could have seen anywhere in the world, Guardians of the Galaxy, but I saw it in a totally unique way. First, Cinema paradiso is a cute little place that looks like a house or a cafe from the outside. When you go in, you are treated to friendly staff in a very quaint, comfortable environment...think the opposite of a normal big movie theatre lobby. I got a veggie burger and a glass of wine. What I got was one of the freshest and delicious, home made veggie burgers I've ever had. The wine was local and wonderful. I finished my meal, got a beer, and got in line for entry. When I got in to the actual theatre, it got even better; in stadium style (so all good seats) there were regular movie chairs mixed in with various sofas and loveseats, and even a couple of cars converted into seats. SO ecclectic, fun and comfortable. Enjoying the movie in this intimate, fun venue, while enjoying a beer was fantastic. Also great was the intermission....yes an intermission was given to allow for bathroom, drinks, and they even had freshly baked cookies available. If you are in Wakana, and looking for a place to see a movie, and/or a place to eat and drink, Cinema Paradiso is a unique experience that will leave a smile on your face. read more

Cinema Paradiso - The actual theatre is a unique and comfortable venue to watch a good movie, with great and varied seating options - Cinema Near Me - Wanaka, OTA

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SO AWESOME!!!! Sounds weird to say it but this was one of our trip highlights--it was nice break from all of the hiking and driving. Enjoy a movie in a quirky theater with a slew of extremely comfy sofas/chairs/love seats! Delicious cafe food, baked goods, pizza, local wine and beer, house-made ice cream and TO DIE FOR cookies (there's an intermission where you can buy a warm one)! We called ahead to put movie tickets on hold. Staff was so nice and even fast forwarded the credits at the end of the Avengers movie! Tickets were 15 NZD PP. read more

(Cinema Paradiso is actually in Wanaka, 120km away from Queenstown) The coolest cinema in the whole world!! Like having a big screen in your living room - well, your granny's living room, as the sofas and armchairs all seem to be from the 70s. The café sells great food, desserts and traybakes and you can bring your food and drinks in to watch the film. They even have an interval so you can go out for a fresh drink, or to get one of their wonderful freshly baked hot cookies. If you're in the South Island, go to Wanaka! read more

Yep, definitely one of the coolest cinemas in NZ. If you are going, Cinema 1 is a bit more interesting and slothful than Cinema 2.

Amazing experience! Half time break with fresh cookies so good. Comfy chairs and great movie experience

We loved it! Went to see Immitation Games, the movie was great and we loved the intermission, with all the cookies, ice cream, and drinks. This reminded me of the 80s in the US when we had them! We were first in line and had first dibs on the seats. read more

Everyone loves this place and for good reason. Its well worth checking out, whether you are a local or tourist. Seats aren't assigned so get there early if you want one of the coveted "popular" seats in the cars. Yes, cars. There is an eclectic collection of seats, my favourite being one of the comfy couches - best way to watch a movie yet. Paradiso's is famous for its cookie at intermission; these are large, freshly baked and best of all delicious. read more

Last here 8 years ago, in the old theatre, and remembered the sofas and freshly-baked half-time cookies. Very pleased to find the same formula, now in a 2-cinema set-up with adjoining restaurant and bar. Enjoyed the home made cookies and ice cream. Cinemas like this have redefined the movie-going experience. Love it. read more