Bunkhouse Theatre
Bunkhouse Theatre
4.5
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)
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
118 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
35
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Phillijo
2 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Friends
A wonderful touch of Stewart Island history and the special bond the community has told by the adorable wee Lola.
Thanks Penny for your hospitality.
Thanks Penny for your hospitality.
Written 28 February 2023
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.
Speedy
4 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Friends
Wonderful experience watching the movie & talking to Penny about life on the island and the history of the bunkhouse building. Great introduction to Stewart Island!
Written 23 February 2023
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
54 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.
JB R
36 contributions
Feb. 2021
The 40 mn film is a great way to discover the island and some of its quirky stories. And the narrator is a dog that you can meet in the lobby of the cinema...
Written 2 March 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.
JohnSB3
Wellington, New Zealand794 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.
Ezra710
Christchurch, New Zealand1,393 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.
Rich5050
5 contributions
Jan. 2021 • Couples
We enjoyed this movie of the history and life of Stewart Island. The popcorn was a treat self-made in the foyer machine. A great experience all round.
Written 8 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.
Patrick M
Madison, Wisconsin, United States26 contributions
Mar. 2020
Its a little theater that shows a silly movie about the history of Stewart Island. And you get the meet the star of the show, Lola the Dog.
Written 3 April 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.
ursula220
Cairns, Australia278 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.
Gillian S
20 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.
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Claim your listingBunkhouse Theatre: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bunkhouse Theatre
- Hotels near Bunkhouse Theatre:
- (0.14 km) The Bay Motel
- (0.08 km) South Sea Hotel
- (0.20 km) Kaka Retreat
- (0.13 km) Bunkers Backpackers
- (0.13 km) Jo & Andy's B&B
- Restaurants near Bunkhouse Theatre:
- (0.04 km) Fin And Feather Eatery
- (0.09 km) South Sea Hotel dining room and pub
- (0.19 km) KaiKart Takeaways
- (0.09 km) Oban Four Square
- (0.27 km) Church Hill Restaurant