QUEENSTOWN & WANAKA UPDATE
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We’re excited to share the latest updates from across the Southern Lakes region -Queenstown, Wānaka, and Central Otago. In this edition, you’ll find fresh inspiration to share with your clients, from accommodation updates to new experiences that showcase the very best of our region.
This quarter brings some fantastic developments, including new product launches and exciting updates across the destination.
For those who attended TRENZ a few weeks ago, it was great to reconnect and meet many of you in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, we hope you had a great week.
Looking ahead, the full Business Development team will host our C&I and Travel Trade Australia Roadshow 2026 from 14 – 18 September across four key Australian destinations: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Further details, including how to register to attend, will be shared closer to the dates.
Ngā mihi nui (Thank you),
Stu, Rose, Charlotte & Cyndi
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NZSki Snow Fest launched this winter over King’s Birthday Weekend, marking the region’s earliest-ever start to the season. Hosted at Coronet Peak and across Queenstown, the two-day event blends iconic favourites with new experiences — building excitement and momentum ahead of the official winter season.
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If you missed our Spotlight on Queenstown operator feature series in April 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 winter edition.
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What makes Queenstown special isn’t only what you see, but the people who call this place home. In this edition of our Our People Our Home series, meet Antony from Air Milford and discover a local aviation story shaped by family, freedom, and a deep connection to place.
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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.
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- Pure Tourism Group has welcomed Michelle Herrick and Jo Brown to the team as the business continues to grow the Pure Milford, Nomad Safaris, Info & Track, and Info & Snow brands. Michelle joins as Group Sales & Marketing Manager, while Jo joins as Western Sales Manager. Anna Wang continues in her role as Eastern Sales Manager.
- Queenstown has been nominated as Oceania's Leading City Destination 2026 in the World Travel Awards. Voting is open until 7 August with the winners announced on World Tourism Day, 27 September.
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The Rees Hotel is undertaking a soft refurbishment featuring cushions and New Zealand-made wool throws by Astro Hospitality Ltd. Existing Ed Cruikshank furniture is being refurbished, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The refresh also includes an exclusive bespoke photography collection, showcasing Queenstown’s iconic landscapes.
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Wānaka: Edgewater is continuing its refurbishment programme from April–November, upgrading 16 guest rooms with double glazing, air conditioning, improved insulation, soundproofing, and renovated bathrooms. Suites and apartments will also feature upgraded kitchens and laundry facilities. Works will not disrupt guests, with 88% of rooms premium by November 2026.
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Wānaka: Edgewater has added a new Sun Stream Far Infrared sauna to its leisure facilities, alongside spa pools and all-weather tennis courts. The sauna accommodates up to four guests per session, with bookings required for 20–30 minute sessions. Use of the sauna is complimentary for guests and can be booked at reception.
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Central Otago: Marsden Lake Resort welcomed James Cunningham as Resort Manager in December 2025. He now leads the team as the resort continues to highlight its luxury accommodation, lakefront setting, and panoramic Central Otago views. The property will also introduce a series of soft enhancements across the resort in the near future.
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Glenorchy Air has launched Queenstown Air Charter, a private aviation service commencing October 2026 with a Tecnam P2012 aircraft, offering flexible point-to-point travel across the South Island and selected North Island destinations, enhancing premium regional connectivity for trade partners and discerning travellers seeking efficient, tailored air transport options.
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Appellation Wine Tours has launched the Twilight Wine & Stars Tour, an evening Central Otago experience featuring wine tasting, seasonal dining at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, dessert, and a 90-minute stargazing session at Waitiri Creek Wines, plus a complimentary astrophotography experience under the Southern Hemisphere night sky.
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Air Milford has introduced a new winter product, the Sunset Scenic Flight – “Golden Hour”. This 40-minute scenic flight departs daily at 4:30pm from 14 June to 31 August, offering guests the chance to experience three of Queenstown and Wānaka’s ski fields in the stunning early evening light with commentary from experienced local pilots.
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Alpine Luxury Tours presents the Te Ao Māori: Tāhuna Experience at Lake Hayes, an intimate cultural journey in partnership with Mana Tāhuna and tangata whenua featuring a whakatau welcome, storytelling, native tree planting and a traditional hāngī, offering guests a meaningful connection to the people, culture and landscapes of Tāhuna, Queenstown.
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Alpine Luxury Tours has launched The Ultimate Kiwi Farm Experience at Brightview, an immersive rural day hosted by fourth-generation farmer Chris featuring hands-on farm activities, sheep shearing, working dog demonstrations, native tree planting and a farmhouse lunch, delivering authentic southern hospitality and a strong connection to local New Zealand farming life.
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Alpine Luxury Tours has introduced the Skippers Canyon Explorer, a privately guided Queenstown adventure through dramatic canyon landscapes featuring gold mining history, a Skippers Canyon Jet boat ride along the Shotover River jet, and traditional gold panning, combining storytelling, scenery and adrenaline into an immersive full-day experience in one of New Zealand’s most historic regions.
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Southern Discoveries will introduce small-group travel from October using glass-roof Mercedes Sprinters for up to 12 guests. Launching the Small Group Travel & Discover More Cruise combining an intimate guided journey with its longest Milford Sound cruise of up to 2 hours 15 minutes on the fiord, with expert driver-guide commentary, an onboard Nature Guide, and picnic lunch included.
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Southern Discoveries will also introduce the Small Group Travel & Captain’s VIP Cruise in October, a fully hosted Milford Sound experience with priority boarding, exclusive access to the Captain’s VIP Lounge and a private indoor space with its own outdoor viewing deck, dedicated hosting, food and drinks, and freedom to explore the vessel throughout the cruise.
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Ziptrek Eco Tours has launched a new Accessibility Guide, helping trade partners confidently match their experiences to a wider range of clients. The guide outlines key details including terrain, physical requirements, and support available, alongside 360° footage. This initiative supports more inclusive itinerary planning, ensuring more guests can experience Queenstown’s iconic zipline adventure.
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Ziptrek Eco Tours Moa Sunset Twilight Tours return this season, offering a unique transition from golden hour to a starlit adventure. Guests experience the forest in a whole new light, with evening departures becoming increasingly immersive as darkness falls. This seasonal offering is perfect for clients seeking a memorable, atmospheric Queenstown experience.
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Cardrona Alpine Resort continues to expand into Soho Basin this winter with more groomed terrain, new snowmaking and a major water reservoir. Base area upgrades include a covered walkway and heated courtyard, while Treble Cone has refreshed its retail, restrooms and dining spaces.
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Coronet Peak is the first ski area in the South Island to introduce Snow Factory - a snowmaking technology that produces snow no matter the temperature. That means guaranteed snow on the lower Learner Slopes, and Snow Play zone, which allowed for an earlier opening this year on Friday 29 May.
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RealNZ’s coach fleet renewal programme continues to progress, with two new coaches now operating on Fiordland routes and another due before next summer. The company is moving to a schedule of one new coach per year, ensuring the fleet remains at the forefront in allowing the adoption of new green technologies as they become available.
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Heli Glenorchy has partnered with Dart River Adventures to launch the new Peaks to Paradise experience. Inclusive of a private scenic helicopter flight with three exclusive alpine landings and a jet boat journey through Mount Aspiring National Park - for a premium Southern Alps adventure.
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Skyline Queenstown operations transitioned on 18 March 2026 to its new Coronet Peak-side facilities, including a new Stratosphere restaurant and viewing platform. The wider redevelopment continues, with staged works underway and full integration of both buildings planned for 2029 to enhance visitor experience and capacity.
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From 1 June, Skyline Queenstown has expanded its PhotoPass to include free digital images at the Bottom Terminal and Viewing Deck. Complimentary Luge photos are now included with every Luge experience, adding even more value for all ticket holders and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
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Skyline Queenstown launched the new Vortex Slide in mid-May, a gravity-fuelled attraction featuring a 48-metre track with a 20-metre descent. Guests reach speeds of up to 35 km/h, delivering a fast-paced, high-adrenaline ride experience and a dynamic new addition to Queenstown’s adventure offering.
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Kawarau Gorge Trail is nearing completion and is expected to open at the start of next season. NZbiketrails has been confirmed as the first Official Approved Kawarau Trail Partner, with operations planned from day-one launch in September. A contingency plan is in place for any delays, including guest transfers to alternative experiences or refunds.
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Kinross is upgrading its Destination Wine experience with a winter refurbishment, including a bistro extension, expanded picnic lawn, new kitchen, enhanced parking and signage, and cottage upgrades. Improvements aim to boost comfort and guest flow while maintaining usual operations, throughout operatations, ready to launch in November.
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Hidden within the Nevis Valley, Ben Nevis Station is a 20,000-acre private retreat accessible only by helicopter. Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters offers exclusive access to this extraordinary destination, where guests enjoy gourmet dining, clay bird shooting, and thrilling hot laps with rally champion Hayden Paddon, surrounded by breathtaking Southern Alps scenery.
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Wānaka: Wanaka Helicopters has launched Tailored Horizons, a bespoke private heli-hike experience in partnership with Best Foot Forward NZ. Departing from Queenstown or Wānaka, this fully customisable adventure gives guests exclusive access to remote areas of Mount Aspiring National Park and the West Coast, creating a premium wilderness experience tailored to individual fitness levels and interests.
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Wānaka: Backcountry Helicopters has introduced The Wilkin Wonderland Explorer, a premium private heli-hike-boat experience departing from Queenstown, Wānaka, or Makarora. Combining exclusive helicopter flights, a private jet boat safari, and a guided hike through the Upper Wilkin Valley, this fully customisable full-day adventure offers active travellers an immersive way to experience New Zealand’s remote alpine wilderness.
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Central Otago: Cloudy Bay Central Otago - Te Wāhi Experience is a premium tour offering guests exclusive access to the estate before it opens to the public. Featuring exclusive pre-opening access to the estate, vineyard tastings, canapés and a private vertical tasting of Te Wāhi Pinot Noir for discerning FITs and small groups.
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Central Otago: Big Sky Bike Adventures is showcasing all-inclusive self-guided cycling tours through Central Otago, including the two-day Viaducts & Vines ride and the four-day Gold Rush Ride, with boutique stays, historic townships and the option to add the scenic Taieri Gorge Rail journey.
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Central Otago: Kiwi Journeys is launching premium self-guided eBike tours on Central Otago’s new Kawarau Gorge Trail, offering single and multi-day all-inclusive experiences linking Gibbston and Bannockburn on this newest New Zealand Great Ride.
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Fresca Pasta Kitchen is all about simple, fresh flavours, serving handmade pasta, focaccias, and quality coffee. Located in Wānaka with a Queenstown kitchen on the way, everything is crafted daily.
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- Our latest Airline Connectivity resource has been released for April 2026 and is available on our website.
- Air New Zealand will expand its international network from Christchurch Airport, with non-stop services to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth.
- Air New Zealand is rolling out new internally developed check-in kiosks across New Zealand’s airports.
- New Zealand’s valuable Chinese visitor market has been reinforced with Air New Zealand renewing its alliance with Air China through to 2031.
- United Airlines will introduce a lie-flat economy option on long-haul flights after licensing the Skycouch concept from Air New Zealand.
- Air Chathams has increased its prices on all bookings made from 1 April to help cope with the sharp increase in fuel costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
- Air New Zealand has successfully completed a trial of a new digital identity technology designed to reduce repeated passport checks and make travel more seamless. Read more here.
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KIWI PARK QUEENSTOWN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
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Kiwi Park Queenstown is celebrating 40 years, marking its transformation from a former rubbish tip once filled with cars, appliances and scrap into a thriving native wildlife sanctuary and conservation landmark at the heart of Queenstown.
It began in 1984 when Dick and Noeleen Wilson took on the overgrown site with a simple vision to create a kiwi and birdlife park, working through years of clearing broom, blackberry and waste before introducing their first kiwi.
Forty years on, the park is home to more than 20 native species including kiwi, tuatara, kākā and whio, supported by breeding programmes and more than 30,000 native trees planted across the site.
This birthday was made extra special when on March 26, the park welcomed a new Eastern Brown Kiwi chick on the park's first successful hatching in two years.
Now a major conservation hub, Kiwi Park continues its legacy of restoration, education and protection for Aotearoa’s wildlife for future generations.
Read more here.
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