In Queenstown we're excited to embrace the start of our vibrant summer season! With new bike trails, eateries, hiking, golf and a number of outdoor experiences, this is the perfect time to explore our region and what makes Queenstown such a popular summer destination. This edition is full of updates for you from places to stay and new experiences to share with your clients. 

It was wonderful to reconnect and meet so many of you during our DQ Australia Roadshow in October and fantastic to witness such strong connections and business exchanges taking place between our tourism operators and industry. 

Please note our office will be closed from 23 December to 6 January 2025. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. 

Remember you can find many references and support on our website, in our Facebook group, or YouTube channel.

We look forward to continuing our commitment to servicing the trade channel with all of the latest updates for you and your clients.

Ngā mihi nui (Thank you),
Linda, Yangzi, Rose 

We have created a resource detailing the opening hours of Queenstown businesses during the holiday season. Share this with your clients to help them plan their festive activities while visiting Queenstown. See resource here. 

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.

Check out our latest one-minute Queenstown travel trade video asset, in which we encourage our visitors to slow down, stay a while, and experience more. If you wish to share this video, you are welcome to do so; please click here. 

The latest Forward Outlook indicates the 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.

Skyline Queenstown is actively protecting the Wakatipu basin’s natural beauty by partnering with the Whakatipu Wilding Conifer Group (WCG) to tackle wilding pines through the WCG Adopt-a-Plot programme. Staff and volunteers have cleared thousands of invasive trees, with public volunteers earning a Skyline Gondola Annual Pass for their efforts. Skyline also led the Love Queenstown Industry Planting Day at Jardine Park, planting 2,000 native trees with over 100 volunteers. Skyline is committed to preserving and restoring the area’s environment for future generations.

Queenstown Airport has earned Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation for its sustainability efforts and progress towards decarbonisation. Launched in 2009, the program assesses airports' carbon reduction efforts, with Level 5 as the highest tier. Only 46 of over 40,000 airports globally have achieved Level 4+ or 5 accreditation.

Kinross is the first-ever recipient of the 2024 Qualmark New Zealand Wine Tourism Award. Recognised for sustainable tourism experiences,  impact on the environment and their people. Read more.

Completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration has never been easier. Your clients can now complete online prior to departure so their arrival into New Zealand is as seamless as possible. 

Go to TravellerDeclaration.govt.nz for more information. 

Aro Ha is a luxury eco wellness retreat, located just 40 minutes from Queenstown, offering transformative wellness programs. Enjoy an all-inclusive experience with daily massages, yoga, plant-based meals, hiking, sauna, and eco-friendly accommodations. Suitable for all levels. For commission details, contact retreat@aro-ha.com

Swiss-BelResort and Villas Coronet Peak  is excited to introduce their new Two- and Three-Bedroom Family Villas. These spacious villas feature three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living area, and patio, offering the perfect base for families or groups. With easy access to resort amenities and local activities, they combine comfort, style, and adventure for an unforgettable Queenstown stay.

EVT Hotels and Resorts is the new operator of Sherwood Hotel in Queenstown. The property has joined EVT’s portfolio under the Independent Collection by EVT (ICbE). This appointment reflects EVT’s dedication to delivering exceptional and personalised guest experiences, driven by their flexible operational model and strong local presence.

Kakara Moana Queenstown, a new property by Major Domo, is a central villa just a minute’s walk from the lakefront. This three-level villa offers 4 ensuite bedrooms, an internal garage, expansive living areas, a cosy media room, and stunning lake views from nearly every room. The large balcony is perfect for summer dining or relaxing in the sun, making it an ideal space for entertaining.

Mizumi Queenstown, a new property by Major Domo, is a newly-built four-bedroom villa inspired by Japanese design, located in Fernhill. It features a spacious deck with lake views and a separate, self-contained unit. With amenities like a hot tub and drying room, Mizumi is perfect for ski holidays or summer getaways. 

Supreme Lakefront Queenstown, the final property acquired by Major Domo, is a stylish 4-bedroom villa in exclusive Kelvin Heights. With breathtaking lake views, it features luxurious bedrooms, elegant living spaces, high ceilings, and curated artwork. The outdoor terrace is ideal for sunbathing, while a private jetty offers water taxi access to Central Queenstown, providing a scenic way to explore. 

Baywaters Queenstown, a new property by Major Domo, is a newly renovated 4-bedroom villa with stunning lake views of Wilson's Bay. Set on 3.9 acres, it offers premium amenities, including a sauna, spa, tennis court, gym, fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen with barbecue and year-round heating. Just a short walk from Lake Wakatipu, it provides direct access to the 7-Mile Scenic Reserve.

Central Otago: Inverlair Lodge, 
Located in the heart of Central Otago, offers an intimate escape with mountain and valley views. Relax in our modern accommodation with outdoor activities on your doorstep; cycling, hiking and fly-fishing. We offer personalised service, stunning setting and a lodge designed to deliver relaxation alongside adventure.

Miller Road Fragrances is a New Zealand-made, female-owned luxury brand. Their hands-on 2.5-hour workshops invite guests to design their own 30ml fragrance, creating unforgettable sensory experiences for groups, couples, families, and individuals. Proudly accredited with Qualmark Silver, they look forward to working with more travel trade and currently feature an offer on Tourism New Zealand’s Explore programme. 

Experience the Rustic and Robust Royalburn Farm Tour by Alpine Luxury Tours. Explore sustainable farming at Royalburn Station, meet its stewards, and enjoy a private wine tasting with Mora Wines. Savor a delicious Kiwi BBQ, or a chef-curated lunch at Prohibition House. This 5-hour luxury tour includes private Mercedes transfers for ultimate comfort, style, and convenience.

Totally Tourism has introduced the Fly-Cruise-Heli, a unique and unforgettable experience that lets guests explore Milford Sound / Piopiotahi from both the sky and the sea. The adventure includes a scenic flight in a fixed-wing plane one way, followed by a thrilling helicopter ride on the return, along with a breathtaking 2-hour cruise through the stunning fiord.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary and Over The Top – The Helicopter Company offer eco-conscious travellers the Hands-On Conservation Journey Back in Time experience. This half-day helicopter trip to Out the Back, New Zealand's smallest high country station, lets guests witness the efforts of SLS to protect wildlife like rock wren/pīwauwau and kea, and support native species reintroduction.

Southern Discoveries introduces the Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Sound Track tour, offering two unique experiences: a scenic cruise and a walk on the iconic Milford Track. Enjoy a 10-minute boat ride, up to 4 hours on the track, and a 2-hour cruise, with chances to spot seals, dolphins, and penguins. Includes commentary, free tea/coffee, and a licensed bar.

An update from Ziptrek Eco Tours: Guests presenting a Gondola ticket at treehouse check-in will be given a (Kea) stamp which allows them to take the gondola back up  after their Kea 6 Line tour. This will allow guests to zip 6 lines and then still have the opportunity to explore everything Skyline has to offer! 

Cheeky Kiwi is launching a new product out of Queenstown to Franz Josef. Daily departures began on 1 November, offering convenient travel between Queenstown, Franz Josef, and Christchurch. This new service provides an exciting opportunity for travelers to explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, with seamless connections between these popular destinations.

Evolve Rentals offers seamless car rental experiences in Queenstown, providing top-quality vehicles with convenient door-to-door delivery. With a strong focus on personalised service and transparent pricing, Evolve ensures hassle-free journeys for every customer. Their team also shares valuable local insights, helping enhance every adventure and make your time in Queenstown truly unforgettable.

Wanaka: Wanaka Water Taxi & 4x4 Explorer is run by Brent & Krystle and their small team of passionate guides and skippers who pride themselves on offering quality guiding and authentic experiences to the remote corners of Lake Wanaka.
From the hidden gem, Mou Waho Island, to the bespoke boat access 4WD tours onto Mt Burke Station, they take you off the beaten path.

Wanaka: Ridgeline Wanaka has introduced a new product, a 4WD adventure through Wānaka’s Matukituki Valley and Rob Roy Glacier featuring stunning landscapes, wildlife, and a short walk to Wishbone Falls. Enjoy refreshments at Mt Aspiring Station, with views of the glacier. Available year-round with scheduled and private departures.

Wanaka: Living the Dream Tours is a wine tour company based in Wanaka. Join local guide Michelle as you sip, swirl, and taste the best wines in the region, meeting winemakers and exploring off-the-beaten-path wineries. Enjoy gourmet lunch platters, great stories, and more wine! Full Day, Half Day, and Private Tours available.

Central Otago: Big Sky Bike Adventures has introduced new 2-5 day Rail Trail Tours, supported by a dedicated tour concierge. Our Concierge Series and Insider Getaway packages go beyond the trails, offering unique off-trail experiences from vineyard tastings, 4WD adventures and historic train journeys. One day adventures also available.

Sherwood is a repurposed 1980s mock-Tudor inn with a sustainable ethos and a garden-to-table restaurant. Recently, the outdoor courtyard was renovated to provide an enhanced al fresco experience, featuring inviting tables and a cosy fire; offering guests a refreshed and elevated setting to relax and enjoy.

Ayrburn's newest venue, The Bakehouse, is set to open in early December. With all-day dining, it features a diverse breakfast menu and specialty coffees to start your day. For lunch, enjoy elevated dishes, wood-fired pizzas, rotisserie chickens, freshly baked breads, and cold beer on tap. The Bakehouse has something for everyone.   

Central Otago: Introducing the Wooing Tree Cellar Door and Kitchen, opened in November 2024. Offering visitors a relaxed dining experience, delicious share plates and beautifully curated platters complementing award-winning red and white wines.  Ideal lunch or afternoon stop-off, centrally located across from Cromwell township.

Central Otago: Penny Black reopened in October 2024 under passionate new owners, serving high-quality food with a Kiwi twist and cocktails. The team, with experience from top restaurants, offers honest dishes and a warm welcome in a historic lakefront building at Cromwell Heritage Precinct, Central Otago.

Central Otago: Lovers of gardens and quality food will relish their visit to The Orchard Garden with new owners at the helm. Located on the outskirts of Clyde, Central Otago, the experience begins with a maple-lined driveway leading to expansive gardens and a hedge maze. Local produce is grown and expertly prepared.

TIA's Tourism Awards recognised several Queenstown businesses including RealNZ who scooped three awards: The Air New Zealand Supreme Award, the Johnston's Coachlines Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business), and the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award. iFly Queenstown was awarded the Wayfinder Community Engagement Award and Go Rentals received the Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award.

Queenstown-based scenic flight operator Air Milford has made the regional winner’s list in this year’s Deloitte Fast 50 programme.

Headwaters Eco Lodge in Glenorchy has been recognised for its sustainability efforts, with founders Paul and Debbi Brainerd being awarded a commendation in the Transformational Leadership category for the 2024 Sustainable Business Awards and featured on the SBN’s Next 95 list of innovators. 

Millbrook Resort has been awarded Oceania's Best Golf Hotel 2024 and New Zealand's Best Golf Hotel 2024 in the World Golf Awards. See the full list of winners here.

23 - 26 December: Christmas weekend

29 - 31 December: : Rhythm & Alps

18 Jan: Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert

1 Feb: Gin Fest Arrowtown

27 Feb - 2 Mar: New Zealand Open

1 Mar: The Motatapu

24 - 27 Apr: Arrowtown Autumn Festival

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

Linda McIntosh
BD Manager Western
+64 27 264 7533
lindam@queenstownNZ.nz

Yangzi Zhang
Account Manager, Asia
+64 3 441 0700 ext. 101
yangziz@queenstownNZ.nz

Rose Wood
BD Executive
+64 3 441 0700 ext. 218
rosew@queenstownNZ.nz

Mat Woods
Chief Executive
03 441 0700 ext. 203
mat@queenstownNZ.nz