Kia Ora! 

The spring season in Queenstown is upon us and brings conditions that allow for a diverse range of activities for your clients. With ski areas open until October, your clients can ski in the morning and either golf, bike or hike in the afternoons.  The warmer weather and longer days provide time to pack in as many adventures as you’d like in one day and experience everything Queenstown has to offer.  

In good news, we are pleased to share that all Covid-19 requirements have been lifted in New Zealand as of last month, including the seven-day mandatory isolation for positive cases. If this has previously been a deterrent for your clients, we hope this news encourages them to start planning those happy holidays down under! 

We're also excited to welcome Rose Wood as Business Development executive to the team. Check out all the updates below, and remember you can learn more about us, and contact us at any time if you have any questions.

Ngā mihi nui (Thank you),
Linda, Tracy and Rose 

Queenstown Update

Queenstown Airport has achieved a significant milestone in its Terminal Upgrade Programme by incorporating Airspresso cafe and bar into the domestic departures lounge through a stylish glass wall. Follwing security screening, passengers now enjoy an enhanced waiting space with delectable dining options. Additional choices are available at the landside food area with the introduction of new café Fuel to Fly, alongside Patagonia and Hikari.

We recommend you check out the What's New section of our website for our latest product updates. This includes New Products, Major Developments, and our Accommodation Pipeline alongside our Accommodation and Airline Connectivity Maps & Guides.

The latest Nine Month Forward Outlook indicates current levels of forward-looking accommodation occupancy in Queenstown to help you choose a time when Queenstown will deliver the optimal visitor experience for your clients.

Regenerative Tourism

The Hilton Queenstown launched its 100% Carbon Neutral Meetings in March 2023, offsetting all carbon for every meeting and event held at the hotel. Every event’s carbon footprint is now measured by LightStay which generates a meeting impact calculator report for each event, providing an itemised measurement of the event’s overall impact.

Our Love Queenstown Community Fund has launched. This giving platform has been set up to support local climate, conservation, and biodiversity initiatives - taking action to meet the greatest challenge and opportunity of our time: a regenerative, carbon-zero future.

Travel and Aviation

  • Our latest Airline Connectivity resource has been released for July 2023 and is available on our website.
  • Air New Zealand has streamlined the airport process with a new method for customs documentation when entering New Zealand. You can now complete a digital travel declaration instead of a paper passenger arrival card. 
  • Air New Zealand has restarted its season service between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast of Australia on 25 June.
  • Air New Zealand is adding more than 2,000 seats to its network to cater to the 'Swift surge' in demand following the announcement of Taylor Swift's Australian tour. New flights from Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland to Melbourne and Sydney to be added for February 2024.
  • Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Government have announced a $2 million plus investment in next phase studies to consider the feasibility of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Aotearoa.
  • Fiji Airways, recently named the best in the Australia/ Pacific region, has a new aircraft flying to New Zealand. Kiwis will get to experience the new plane on the Auckland to Fiji route, on which it will operate up to four times a week. 
  • Cathay Pacific will resume its seasonal Christchurch – Hong Kong service with three flights per week starting 16 December 2023 through to 29 February 2024. 
  • Batik Air is taking on Air New Zealand with flights from Auckland – Perth.
  • Airbus, the world's biggest aircraft maker, aims to have a solution for zero emission flying with a hydrogen-powered plane ready for commercial use by the middle of next decade. The company is converting its first A380 superjumbo ever built into a demonstrator aircraft, scheduled to perform flight tests of a hydrogen combustion engine mounted on its fuselage starting in 2026.

Accommodation

A fresh and exciting chapter unfolds for Jucy Snooze, renowned for their innovative, budget, snooze pods. This enterprising establishment has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as EVT's latest brand sensation: Lylo.  While the core concept remains steadfast, it has received a captivating 'lylo' makeover, that culminated in a grand reopening in June 2023.

The renovation of Swiss-Bell Coronet is currently in full swing, with significant progress being made on revamping their entrance, reception, lobby lounge, bar, and restaurant. An eagerly anticipated transformation is on the horizon, promising an exciting new experience for all.

Renovations are nearing completion at the Harvest Hotel at The Gate, Cromwell – re-opening September 2023. Contemporary reception and lobby area, permanent buffet restaurant and new restrooms. Local schist stone clads the exterior complimenting this 47 room hotel offering free on-site parking, Five Stags Restaurant, Forage Café, stand-alone Conference Centre plus a new cycle hub.

Activities

Glacier Southern Lakes & Romer Gallery have teamed up to launch a new experience  'The Commissioned Experience'. Join artist Stephan Romer on an exclusive heli-photography expedition, receiving a personalized commissioned piece.

AJ Hackett Bungy introduces three new VIP experiences at Nevis Bungy.  Options range from private hire with access to bungy swing pod or bridge, to complete site rental, accommodating 20 to 24 participants based on the chosen experience.

Discover the epitome of luxury with Glenorchy Air: Milford Sound Private Charter Flight + VIP Cruise. Experience a personalized scenic flight over the Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park. Land at Milford Sound airport, relish drinks and gourmet treats on a private cruise deck, then return via a scenic flight over Fiordland's alpine lakes. 

Glenorchy Air now offers a new experience to explore New Zealand's Rakiura (Steward Island), the third largest island. With direct flights from Queenstown, clients can join a full day of guided tours including the Real NZ Village and Bays Tour, along with the Ulva Explorer for learning about the island's unique wildlife. Lunch is provided, with the choice of a picnic or Fresh Fish & Chips.

Be a Winemaker for a day with Kinross. In this fun experience, groups will be lead by our wine advisors through an exploration of Central Otago wine. The group then creates their own blend, draws a label concept including wine name and back label description. Two-hour experience. Available 10:30am-4:00pm.

Meet the Maker - discover the wine-making process firsthand with Kinross. Experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Central Otago's wine world. Hear secrets, taste small batch vintages, and immerse yourself in the vineyard life's ups and downs. Allow 90 minutes.

Alpine Wine Tours  has launched a new wine, beer and gin tour with something for everyone, including the Gin garden by Broken Heart Spirits, the unique flavours of Kinross, wines in Gibbston and beer tasting at Cargo at Gantley's.

Altitude Tours is releasing a second Milford Sound departure for this season, departing Queenstown at 6:30am. This tour runs in addition to our 7:30am departure, offering more capacity on our top-rated small group Milford Sound day tours for this season and beyond.

Altitude Tours is also releasing a brand new full-day food and wine tour for the coming 23/24 season. Travelling into the heart of Central Otago, visiting four wineries across Cromwell, Bannockburn, and Gibbston, with private tastings at each location and a barrel room tour. 

Discover the ultimate combo: Altitude Tours 'Glenorchy & Paradise Explorer and Dart River Adventures' Wilderness Jet. Explore Queenstown to Paradise with stops, commentary, and morning tea. Then, enjoy a thrilling two-hour jetboat ride through Mt Aspiring National Park.

BLACK is excited to launch a brand new product in conjunction with The Bond Aston Martin Experience. A new 2.5-hour experience, and the perfect mix of a high-performance sports car, James Bond movie facts, and sightseeing. 

Headwaters Eco Lodge presents a captivating spring and summer events program in Glenorchy, featuring cooking classes, winemaker dinners, performing arts, morning yoga, concerts, and workshops.

NZ’s largest distillery, Scapegrace in Cromwell is in process of completing a 4500sq/m distillery and circular hospitality destination, perched on the banks of Lake Dunstan overlooking picturesque Mt Pisa Range. The distillery is due for completion February 2024, with the hospitality destination by September 2025 for FITs, GROUPS & MICE. 

Book a spectacular low carbon sustainable itinerary. The Seller’s Guide to Central Otago’s Great NZ Rides is your online resource. Match clients with the right cycle/walking Trail - whether a novice family group or cyclists who regularly travel abroad together. Build confidence and grow your knowledge (and commissions) with all inclusive cycle itineraries.  

Food and Drink

Lil Red at QT Queenstown is a new spot tucked away on level six. QT Chef Ryan Henley sources seasonal Central Otago produce, locally farmed meats and fresh seafood for a foraged feast in a homegrown hideaway. Open Wednesday - Sunday, 5:30pm - 9:00pm.

Baja Mexican, Queenstown’s newest Mexican restaurant has opened its doors. Bringing the beaches of Baja California to Beach Street. Enjoy their twist on Baja cuisine, blending sensational flavours of Mexico with the best of New Zealand produce, all with a dash of Californian style.

Wahlburgers, the globally franchised restaurant founded by actor Mark Wahlburg and brothers is expected to open in early September in Queenstown. The second outlet to open in New Zealand, the restaurant will be located beside King Pin in the Upper Village on Brecon Street. 

The Church Cellar Door & Café, previously known as Cargo Cellar Door, nestled in the scenic Gibbston Valley, welcomed back visitors starting from July 28th. Delight in an afternoon of indulgence as you savor their exceptional local wines, and dining options, whilst immersing yourself in their expansive outdoor gaming area.

Odd Saint, now offering a classic range of evening events packages and venue hire options. Their thoughtful selection of group dining menus, canapés and delightful cocktails offers a perfect mix for all occasions.

Awards And Accolades

  • The 2023 Hospitality Awards honored twenty-three outstanding winners, including QT Queenstown, Locker Room Sports Bar, and Botswana Butchery. Notable accolades comprised "Best Sports Bar" for The Locker Room Sports Bar, "Best Restaurant" for Botswana Butchery Queenstown, and the esteemed title of "Best Hotel" presented to QT Queenstown, solidifying its premier status in Queenstown's hospitality scene.
  • The TECNZ Awards were revealed during this year's annual Conference in Rotorua, with Martin Langford from Ngai Tahu Tourism  receiving the distinguished "Good Sort of the Year" award.
  • TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak secured a double victory at the Grand Pacific Tour Awards, triumphing in two categories: "Best Attraction - Signature Mid Size Group Touring" and "Classic Affordable Touring."
  • For the second year running, Lake Hayes’ Amisfield was named American Express Restaurant of the Year at the Cuisine Good Food Awards. 

Key Dates & Events

Your DQ Travel Trade Team

Linda McIntosh
BD Manager Western
+64 27 264 7533
lindam@queenstownNZ.nz		 Linda McIntosh
Tracy Cui
BD Manager Asia
+64 21 246 1828
tracyc@queenstownNZ.nz

Rose Wood
BD Executive
+64 27 467 6878
rosew@queenstownNZ.nz 
Mat Woods
Chief Executive
+64 27 530 6265
mat@queenstownNZ.nz