We’re excited to share the latest news from the Southern Lakes region, including Queenstown, Wānaka, and Central Otago. This edition is packed with product updates, but first, an update from our travel trade team.

Our Business Development Manager for Asia, Yangzi Zhang, departed at the end of last month, and our Trade Manager, Linda McIntosh, will leave on 5 September 2025. While we’re sad to see them go, we’re thrilled they’re continuing their careers in the industry—Yangzi as International Sales Manager for Asia at Skyline Incorporated, and Linda as Business Development Manager at Alpine Luxury Tours.

With these changes, we’re delighted to welcome Stu Cordelle as our new Head of Business Development. Stu brings a long history in the tourism industry and a wealth of knowledge to the role. We’re excited to have him on board and apart of our travel trade team. 

If you need to contact one of the team or have any questions, you can learn more about us and contact us at any time. Remember you can find many references and support on our website, in our Facebook Group or YouTube channel. 

If you missed our Spotlight on Queenstown operator feature series in July you can find these here. Keep an eye on your inbox at the start of next month for the next operator feature series for our Spring edition. 

Pure Tourism Group welcomes Nomad Safaris into its family from October, forming part of its iconic South Island experiences, which also include Pure Milford, Info & Snow and Info & Track. Nomad Safaris will continue to operate under its existing brand, supported by Pure Tourism Group’s central leadership and operational teams. 

Heliworks has been awarded Qualmark Gold, the highest level of certification for sustainable tourism in Aotearoa (New Zealand). The achievement recognises their commitment to exceptional visitor experiences, genuine care for the environment, and high standards across all areas of business, from safety to sustainability.

Lodge Lorien has been also been awarded the Qualmark 5-star Gold Sustainable Tourism Award, delivering exceptional customer experience while demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainable tourism. Learn more here. 

Construction of the 32km Kawarau Gorge Trail has officially passed the halfway mark, according to the Southern Lakes Trails Trust. The Kawarau Gorge Trail connects the four Great Rides in the Otago region, creating a 530km of continuous trail network across Queenstown, Central Otago and connecting through to Waihola near Dunedin.

With the shared services model now in place, the travel trade team joined the wider Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) team in Wānaka on Wednesday, 27 August, for a member meet-and-greet at the Wānaka Community Hub. Each department introduced their area of work, while the travel trade explored ways in which our Wānaka members can better connect and work within the trade channel. 

In this first year, the travel trade team’s focus will be on positioning Wānaka in both domestic and international markets, while supporting Wānaka members who already sell, or wish to sell, their product through the trade channel.

With the reopening of the Blue Pools track, near Wanaka, in June 2025, after a 2-year closure for renovations, the popular Lake Sylvan track near Glenorchy welcomed a new bridge which re-opened in August, providing safe access to this family-friendly scenic hike. 

One of the most endangered bird species in Aotearoa is getting a helping wing from South Island tourism business and conservation champion, RealNZ.

Only breeding on Rakiura Stewart Island, the pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel is on the brink of extinction. Just over 100 birds remain, with estimated breeding pairs numbering fewer than 30.

Until the end of September, RealNZ is donating 1% of all online bookings to support the Department of Conservation’s vital work in habitat protection for these critically endangered manu.

EVT Hotels & Resorts is significantly expanding its QT brand with the refurbishment and conversion of the existing 152 room Rydges Lakeside Queenstown hotel, integrating the property into the existing QT Queenstown. The new QT rooms will become available in stages throughout 2026, with the overall project due to be completed mid-2027.

Kamana Lakehouse Team Announces NOCTIS: Queenstown's $130m Luxury Resort Development. Set to open in late-2027, the elevated site will feature 10 meticulously designed luxury villas and suites, an infinity pool with signature lake and mountain views, a day spa and wellness facilities, yoga studio, and an intimate designer restaurant.

Wanaka: Introducing, Wanaka Peaks, representing two exclusive lodges: Cardrona Terraces, a grand 6 suite sanctuary boasting privacy along with expansive living and entertaining spaces, and Wanaka Haven, an elegant countryside retreat with eight suites and luxurious amenities. Together, they offer the discerning luxury traveller unparalleled group accommodation and comfort framed by panoramic alpine landscapes.

Central Otago: A PurePod stay offers stillness, isolation, and space to reconnect. Guests describe the experience as deeply grounding—“Watching the sky light morph in silence helped me reconnect, with myself and my partner.” Paired with a seasonal Central Otago hamper, PurePods combine comfort, nature, and conversation for an unforgettable spring escape

Central Otago: Kaihanu B&B Lodge, offering a luxurious escape for couples keen to explore Central Otago’s wineries, heritage, landscapes and trails. Enjoy a sustainable stay - powered mostly by the sun - with a tennis court, home gym and e-bikes included. Wineries on the doorstep assists in making this an oasis in your Central Otago itinerary. 

Central Otago: Olivers Lodge, transporting guests to a quieter, calmer time. Olivers offers boutique accommodation in two styles. Five rustic Stable rooms with schist walls and stable doors plus six elegant Lodge rooms with old-world charm. All are ensuited, with a freshly baked breakfast served daily in a 140-year-old schist-walled dining room.

Central Otago: Monte Christo Winery Cottages, luxury winery guest cottages & breakfast. Nestled within the winery grounds, three thoughtfully designed cottages offer a peaceful retreat. Choice of adding in-room continental breakfast featuring artisan pastries, seasonal fruit and local delicacies. Stylish interiors, natural textures and premium finishes make this an ideal base for exploring Central Otago.

Central Otago: The Lord Clyde Lodge, sophisticated luxury in a 120-year-old Clyde lodge. Nine light-filled, ensuited rooms offer elegant comfort. Guests enjoy local wine in the private garden overlooking the Clutha River or relax by the fire in the lounge. Each morning, a freshly baked breakfast is served in the beautifully decorated breakfast room.

Join Headwaters Eco Lodge for stories and stars in the world’s newest official Dark Sky Sanctuary. Your clients can enjoy a dinner, before heading outdoors to explore the night sky, take guided turns at the telescope, then gather by the fire in the cosy Scheelite Shelter with a hot drink and toast marshmallows under the stars.

Aluume will launch two new wellness experiences in Queenstown. Opening September 2025, Bathe Hot Pools will include communal and private pools for clients to enjoy moments of reflection and relaxation. By the end of the year, Thermae Floating Sauna will follow—New Zealand’s first Scandi-style floating sauna and cold plunge, set on Lake Whakatipu.

Cheeky Kiwi Travel is excited to announce the launch of a new tour beginning November 2025, Queenstown to Dunedin via Taieri Gorge Train (and vice versa).Your clients are collected in Queenstown and travel in comfort through Central Otago’s lakes and gold rush towns before boarding the iconic Taieri Gorge Railway at Pukerangi—an effortless way to combine history, scenery, and seamless travel into Dunedin. 

Introducing Queenstown’s newest adventure tourism brand – Watersports Ltd. Bringing together the region’s most iconic aquatic activities, Watersports Ltd is the ultimate hub for lake adventures. From thrill rides to scenic cruises, products include Hydro Attack, Thunder Jet, Paraflights, Jet Ski Tours, Boat Charters, and soon, Jet Cars – offering clients every way to experience Lake Wakatipu.

Qualmark Gold-accredited nzbiketrails has launched Biking the Best of the Queenstown Trails from Kinross Winery.
A one-day, self-guided e-bike journey between Kinross, Arrowtown and Arthurs Point. Covering 36km of stunning tracks, including the new Wharehuanui Trail, nzbiketrails also operates in Wānaka, on the Dunstan and Roxburgh Gorge Trails, and soon, the Kawarau Gorge. 

Updates to RealNZ Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise – from 1 October 2025, cruise time is adjusted from 3 to 2.5 hours, keeping the same breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere. This summer, a new 1pm departure adds flexibility and extra capacity, allowing your guests to enjoy Fiordland’s remote beauty while fitting more into their day without missing the magic of Doubtful Sound.

RealNZ, in partnership with Altitude Tours, introduces Milford Sound Business Class – launching 1 October 2025. This first-of-its-kind, small-group journey includes business-class transport, scenic stops, curated dining, and a two-hour cruise, with the option to return by flight or helicopter. A premium experience that blends comfort, adventure, and unforgettable Fiordland scenery.

RealNZ Introduces a New Experience at Walter Peak – Garden to Table – this 3.5-hour immersive journey begins with the historic TSS Earnslaw cruise. Guests forage through working kitchen gardens, sample fresh produce, plant native trees, and enjoy generous garden-to-table platters made from ingredients harvested moments before serving. A hands-on, sustainable experience connecting guests to the land and lakeside dining.

Alpine Wine Tours debuts a luxe new direction for 2025/26 — offering ultra-boutique, small group wine experiences (max 10). Curated tastings at iconic Central Otago wineries including Amisfield, Kinross (pouring Valli, Wild Irishman, High Garden & Hawkshead), Gibbston Valley, Peregrine, Te Kano, and Carrick. Effortless, intimate, and indulgent — this is wine tasting, redefined.  

Alpine Wine Tours relaunches the Queenstown Progressive Dinner & Wine Tour — a one-of-a-kind, luxury evening unlike anything else in town. This unforgettable experience pairs premium wine with stunning views and a two-course culinary journey across three celebrated venues: Fino Wine Bar, Swiftsure by Man O’ War, and Eichardt’s The Grille. A must for discerning travellers seeking an unforgettable Queenstown night out.  

For over 30 years, Air Milford has delivered personalised sightseeing tours. This summer, the 9:30am and 11:30am Fly/Cruise/Fly packages connect with Southern Discoveries’ newest vessel, Lady Stirling. Exclusively for Air Milford guests and limited FIT travellers, this VIP vessel carries just 48 passengers for a truly intimate experience.

Introducing Heli Glenorchy’s Glacier Expedition – a premium experience departing Glenorchy, flying over the Rees and Dart valleys, and landing on the Tyndall Glacier Shelves for spectacular alpine views. Pass five glaciers—Rob Roy, Bonar, Dart, Snowball, and Snow White—with Mount Aspiring/Tititea in sight, then finish with a 15-minute lakeside landing at Lochnagar, ideal for photos and a private alpine moment for clients.

Northern Fiordland Wild Foods Adventure with Heli Glenorchy – fly to the remote Awarua Wilderness Cabin and immerse your clients in pristine nature. Enjoy a guided wilderness walk, harvest and dine on the freshest local produce, then finish with a scenic helicopter flight home, touching down on a glacier. A true combination of adventure, nature, and gourmet experience.

Chef in the Wilderness with Heli Glenorchy – elevate your clients’ adventure with a private culinary experience set amid New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes. Guests are flown by Heli Glenorchy to a secluded mountaintop or riverside to enjoy a luxurious sit-down meal prepared by a private chef, creating an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that blends world-class dining with the serenity of the wilderness.

Heliworks Introduces Fiordland’s Finest Ultimate, a high-class journey through New Zealand’s iconic landscapes. Fly by helicopter to the Fiordland Jewel, your private luxury catamaran in Milford Sound, for a morning cruise with light local refreshments. Continue with glacier and alpine landings before concluding at Earnslaw Burn, where waterfalls and a hanging glacier create a spectacular finale. Duration: 3.75 hours.

Heliworks introduces the Heli-Cruise-Heli Ultimate, a pinnacle luxury experience combining scenic flight, cruising, and exclusive landings. Fly by helicopter to the boutique Fiordland Jewel for a chef-prepared two-course lunch with fresh local ingredients. Continue with landings at a glacier, Milford Sound, and Earnslaw Burn, enjoying world-class views and unforgettable adventures. Duration: 5.5 hours.

Early last month, Thrillzone launched a brand new product at, the Vortex XR - Touch N Play, an immersive Mixed Reality Experience for all ages, the first of its kind outside North America. They are also now working on games with the "Kiwi" touch to incorporate local wildlife in a playful way for all ages.

Wanaka: Catch a Fish, Trout & Salmon Fishing on New Zealand’s Southern Lakes.  Step aboard our custom-built boat and experience world-class trout and salmon fishing on the alpine lakes of Queenstown, Wānaka, and Hāwea. Guided by an expert skipper, you’ll cruise silently with our electric trolling motor, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Catch fish, connect with nature, and create memories in the pure serenity of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Wanaka: Discover Wanaka’s newest boat-and-hike adventure with Wanaka Water Taxi. Cruise across Lake Wanaka before hiking exclusive private trails through Mount Burke Station. Guided by local experts, uncover stories of history, nature, and sweeping alpine views. Perfect for groups seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-track experience with tailored options to suit your clients.

Central Otago: Monte Christo Winery introduces their Tour & Underground Cellar Tasting. Explore our sustainability-driven approach to winemaking on a guided tour through our state-of-the-art production winery. Hosted intimate groups settle into the unique Underground Cellar for a seated tasting of premium wines, including limited-edition subregional Pinot Noirs, paired with an artisanal charcuterie and cheese platter.

Central Otago: Kiwi Journeys are excited to be expanding their Central Otago suite of single and multi-day self-guided bike tour product with the much-anticipated Kawarau Gorge Trail. Bundle this together with one of their Lake Dunstan, Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge or Clutha Gold experiences for true Central Otago immersion.

Central Otago: Pitches Store, Romance in Ophir awaits. Unwind with a one-night escape at Pitches Store complete with a gourmet breakfast, starlit spa experience and a decadent six-course degustation dinner. Choose either wine matching or a bottle of Central Otago wine to share. A perfect indulgent retreat for couples who are enjoying a self-drive itinerary.

Central Otago: Enjoy a 1-night twin share at Inverlair Lodge including a guided night sky tour on the front lawn. Hosted by astrophysicist Paul Bishop of Naseby Night Sky Tours, journey from daylight to darkness. Learn celestial facts and unwind in 4 Star Gold Qualmarked comfort with panoramic views.

Central Otago: Big Sky Bike Adventures’ Trailblazer offers a premium 2-day Otago Central Rail Trail experience. Designed for discerning travellers, the package features ensuite accommodation, wine tasting, airport transfers and full support. Ideal for FITs or small groups seeking boutique cycling escapes in Central Otago.

Central Otago: Central Cycles Ride & Wine offers a one-day cycling adventure along the stunning Lake Dunstan Trail, from Smiths Way to Carrick Winery. Awaiting at the finish are private cabanas and award-winning organic wines, paired with delicious lunch platters. With state-of-the-art e-bikes and convenient Queenstown transfers, it’s an effortless, memorable, and uniquely Central Otago ride-and-wine experience.

Pavilion Bar and Kitchen, opened in Queenstown's 5 Mile precinct in May 2025, with Steak & Oyster Co. focusing on premium meat and succulent seafood, Ciao Brutto, purveyors of wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta, and Pavilion Bar serving local and international wines, beers, spirits, and house-crafted cocktails. 

Sofi opened in Wānaka earlier this year and has recently undergone an additional refurbishment to reopen in June. Sofi is the second restaurant for Sean Smith, who is the owner of Francesca.  Providing Turkish and Greek-inspired menu with seating on the waterfront.

Additional eateries that have recently opened in Wānaka include: Crumb Bakehouse (little sister to the already popular Scroggin), Verve, and expanding from their establishments in Queenstown are Tanoshi, and Bambina by Giovi.

Sherwood Queenstown has been awarded ‘Best Restaurant’ at the 2025 Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence. 

Crowne Plaza Queenstown has been nominated for NZ’s Best Ski Hotel 2025 at the World Ski Awards.

RealNZ won Large Allied Operator of the Year at the 2025 TECNZ Conference, with additional wins for Kathy Young from RealNZ as the Unsung Hero of the Year, and Cam Michel from RealNZ Cardrona x Treble Cone winning the YoungTEC Leadership Development Award. Read more here. 

At the 2024/2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards, Amisfield won American Express Restaurant of the Year, while Arrowtown’s Aosta earned its first two hats as Yellow Brick Road Regional Restaurant of the Year, with Chef Josh Phillips named Clyth MacLeod Rising Talent.

Many Queenstown and Wānaka operators were recognised in Trip Advisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards including: True South’s Milford Fly/Cruise/Fly, Skyline Queenstown, Altitude Tour’s Milford Sound Experience, Pure Glenorchy, The Dairy, Queenstown Park Boutique, Lakeside Apartments Wānaka, Jervois Steakhouse, and Bella Cucina.

Canyon Brewing won seven medals at the 2025 New Zealand Beer Awards, including the coveted Best in Class trophy for its Vacation Hazy Pale Ale. 

9 - 14 September: Snow Machine

20 September - 5 October: New Zealand school holidays

22 September - 14 October: Australian school holidays

24 October: Bike Glendu opening

15 November: NZ Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon   

5 December: Arrowtown Long Table (returning after break with new owners)

25 December - 4 January: DQ and LWT Christmas and New Year office closure

7 February: Gin Fest Arrowtown

26 February - 1 March: New Zealand Open 

7 March: Motatapu

15 - 19 April: Arrowtown Autumn Festival

Discover more events in Queenstown & Wānaka with a complete guide to some great experiences.

Stu Cordelle
Head of Business Development
+64 21 617 916
stuc@queenstown-wanaka.nz

Rose Wood
BD Executive
+64 27 467 6878
rosew@queenstown-wanaka.nz