Board Game Pop-Up Shop Otago, New Zealand

Board games that actually get played.

Lakes and Ladders is a friendly pop-up where you can learn a game in minutes, try it with your group, and grab a copy to take home.

See pop-up times Browse game styles Where we’ll be

Perfect for hostels, travellers, rainy days, and “we want to do something tonight” energy.

Quick recommendations

Tell us your group size + vibe (chill, chaotic, clever, competitive) and we’ll match a game fast.

Learn in 3 minutes

We teach rules clearly, set you up, and you’re playing—no 40-page manual suffering.

Want a “Game Night in a Box” vibe? We can recommend 1–2 games that fit your exact group and time window.

Ask for a recommendation

How it works

Simple, fast, no awkwardness

1) Pick your vibe

Party, strategy, co-op, two-player, quick filler, or “teach us something weird”.

PartyCo-opStrategy2-player

2) We teach the rules

We’ll do a crisp intro, first turn guidance, and set you loose.

Beginner-friendly
Fast setup
Zero intimidation

3) Play + take it home

Try before you buy when available, or grab a recommendation you’ll genuinely replay.

Gift suggestions
Traveller-friendly sizes
Group-proof picks

Find your kind of fun

Curated categories (replace with your real inventory later)

Quick & loud (10–20 mins)

Perfect for pre-drinks, common rooms, and big groups who want instant energy.

Easy to learn
Lots of laughter
Low downtime

Brainy & satisfying (30–60 mins)

For people who want clever choices, tense moments, and a proper win.

Strategy / tactics
Co-op puzzles
Light to medium weight

Chill & social (20–45 mins)

Talky games, deduction, storytelling, and “I can’t believe you just did that” moments.

Social deduction
Creative party
Conversation starters

Traveller-friendly (small box)

Easy to pack, easy to set up, and great in cafes or on rainy days.

Compact
Fast setup
2–6 players

Pop-up times & bookings

Add real dates/locations once confirmed

Upcoming pop-ups

Replace this block with your actual schedule (markets, hostels, cafes, festivals).

Friday: Example venue • 6pm–9pm
Saturday: Example market • 10am–2pm
Sunday: Example cafe • 1pm–4pm

Get directions Host us

Book a game table (prototype)

This is a placeholder. When you’re ready, connect a Google Form, Calendly, or a simple booking widget.

Group size
Time slot
Preferred vibe

Email to book Help me choose

Tip: use a dedicated email like admin@lakesandladders.com when you set up your domain.

Find us in Otago

Pop-up • markets • partner venues

Where we operate

We pop up around Otago. Follow socials for the weekly spot. (Replace these bullets with your real venues.)

Partner cafes / bars
Hostels & common rooms
Weekend markets
Community events

Map

Visit us at our current pop-up location.

Work with us

Hostels, bars, cafes, events

Host a pop-up

We bring games, teach rules, and create an easy “instant activity” for guests.

Game nights

Run a regular night at your venue—newcomer-friendly and staff-light.

Private groups

Birthdays, team nights, travellers—tell us the vibe and we’ll curate.

Let’s set something up. Email us your venue + preferred day/time, and we’ll propose a simple plan.

Email admin@…