Spring has arrived in Queenstown, bringing with it the anticipation of warmer days and longer evenings. This season is the perfect time to explore our beautiful region, as we shed our winter layers and embrace the outdoor activities that spring has to offer.

In this quarterly update, we'll share the latest news from Queenstown, Wānaka, and Central Otago. Stay informed about the new accommodations, activities, and dining options across our regions.

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.  You can find out more on our website, Facebook group, or YouTube channel.

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

DESTINATION QUEENSTOWN X LAKE WĀNAKA TOURISM                                         

We’re pleased to announce a closer collaboration between Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism. Moving forward, we will be your main point of contact for updates on new developments and travel trade information from both sides of the basin.

Our journey began with the groundbreaking Destination Management Plan and continued with our joint business plan for 2024/25. Now, the real excitement begins! Starting with this quarterly newsletter, you’ll begin to see a blend of Lake Wānaka’s unique offerings for travel trade. 

We’re gradually connecting with operators in Wānaka to better understand their trade and hospitality offerings. While this discovery phase will take some time, we’re here to assist with any inquiries you may have and look forward to working with you.

QUEENSTOWN LAKES AUSTRALIAN ROADSHOW 2024                                               

Join the Destination Queenstown travel trade team for the 2024 Queenstown Lakes Australia Roadshow this October and network with over 30 operators from Queenstown and Wānaka. Attend our relaxed, engaging events in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane to connect with industry peers and explore the latest developments. For more information and RSVP here.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR OPERATOR HOURS 

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.                                                           

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.

Driving through Gibbston, 'The Valley of the Vines,' you'll see the distinctive Peregrine Wines building with its unique roof, nestled among vineyards. Celebrated for its conservation efforts, organic farming, and all-electric frost fans, Peregrine Wines is a pioneer in sustainable vineyard practices. 

Scenic flight company Glenorchy Air has bought a second Daher Kodiak 100 aircraft, reinforcing its commitment to becoming the first Queenstown operator to utilise SAF when available. Read more.

Love Queenstown is a giving platform that invites our visitors, and the industry that supports them to protect this place, now and for generations to come. By supporting Love Queenstown, you're supporting the network of organisations driving meaningful environmental action across our region. Find out how you can be involved here.

Love Wānaka is a charitable funding platform that links visitors and the local industry to valuable projects in the Wānaka region through funding and volunteer opportunities. Discover how visitors can make a difference while in Wānaka. See here. 

 

Major Domo has introduced an exclusive product available only to travel trade: the Exclusive Upgrades Product. This offering is designed to create a hotel-style, private villa experience and includes a personal meet and greet, a welcome platter and wine, breakfast provisions, and daily linen changes for a truly luxurious stay.

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat has upgraded its self-catering area and introduced new Ecoscapes, enhancing the guest experience with a focus on wellness and nature. These upgrades aim to offer a more immersive stay, combining luxury with natural beauty for a rejuvenating retreat that embraces both comfort and the environment.

Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel has developed new photo and video assets for agents. Check out the latest tools available for your promotional marketing efforts. Ideally situated in central Queenstown, just a 5-minute walk from the CBD, the hotel provides free on-site parking and includes breakfast with your stay. Latest video, latest imagery.

Wānaka: Previously operating as a luxury lodge, Mahu Whenua has now transitioned to an exclusive-use villa. Set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s largest conservation project, the Mahu Whenua Homestead provides an idyllic destination for guests, with a range of on-site activities, including heli-skiing, heli-biking, hiking and horseback riding.

Wānaka: Edgewater Wānaka Hotel is currently undergoing a full refurbishment. By December 2023 30 of the rooms were completed. An additional 10 were refurbished in August 2024 and an additional 30 will be complete by January 2025. Full room inventory will be available throughout the summer. Check out the latest refurbishments in this video here. 

Central Otago: Monte Christo Cottages offers a stay in one of three newly built, elegantly appointed cottages on a vineyard. Founded in 1864, Monte Christo Winery is Otago’s oldest. Packages include a 2-night stay with a private tasting, charcuterie board, and more. On-site parking is available for e-vehicles and e-bikes.

Starting 1 October, 2024, the Nomad Safaris Macetown tour will be extended to a full-day experience. This enhanced tour includes a visit to the Arrowtown Museum, thrilling river crossings, a walk to the Homeward Bound Stamper Battery, and a light lunch. The adventure concludes between 5:00 and 5:30 PM.

The Helicopter Line have added a new addition to their helicopter fleet in Queenstown. An Airbus H130 T2. This helicopter is fitted with six passenger seats, Bose Headsets and fantastic panoramic windows allowing for epic views on any of their scenic adventures. This helicopter will be operational end of September once painted in the THL brand design.

Latitude 45, a new Queenstown wine tour company, offers an exclusive experience with local guides, luxury transport, and small-group tours. Guests explore top vineyards, discover hidden gems, and enjoy curated wines. The service features flexible itineraries, sustainable practices, and direct interactions with winemakers for deeper insights.

Fiordland Discovery is launching a new high-end lunch cruise this summer, showcasing the finest local and seasonal cuisine. Set on the boutique 24-meter catamaran Fiordland Jewel, this will be the only truly small-group luxury lunch cruise in Piopiotahi Milford Sound when it debuts on 9 November, 2024.

Wānaka: Southern Alps Air 'Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise'. Soar into the wilderness of 2 World Heritage National Parks and the rugged Southern Alps. View big glaciers, waterfalls, the Olivine Ice Plateau & Alpine highlights galore. Window seats for all, join our skilled team of professionals for 4 unforgettable hours.

Wānaka: The Southern Alps Air  'Siberia Experience'. Immerse yourself in nature, this is "That Adventure" with all of the elements for an unforgettable NZ experience. View waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, streams and native forest. See it all by air, land and water. Window seats for all. Departs from Makarora (one hour from Wanaka). 

Wānaka: Best Foot Forward NZ is a bespoke Wānaka adventure company. Owner/operator Bob McLachlan has spent a lifetime guiding in the great outdoors and provides authentic adventures for small groups throughout the four seasons. All experiences are fully customisable and can include rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking, pack rafting and winter snowshoeing. 

Central Otago: Highlands Motorsport Park has introduced a new top-tier 18-hole mini golf course, located alongside the outdoor go-kart track. Combo packs are available and include free access to the café and the 'Loo with a View.' Enjoy a unique experience with stunning views. The mini golf course opens in October 2024.

Central Otago: Maniototo Adventure Park in Naseby now offers a new product. In addition to year-round curling at the indoor Olympic-standard rink, you can also enjoy the Summer Luge. Ideal for groups, from educational tours to cycling clubs, the package includes equipment, tuition, rink hire, and access to the upstairs lounge with bar service and snacks. Pre-booked catering is available for groups.

Central Otago: Big Sky Adventures, bike tour company offers a personalised service and real 'attention to detail'. Perfect for small groups and FITs, our all-inclusive cycling itineraries span single or multi-day trips from Queenstown or Dunedin. Explore off-trail experiences such as wine tours, curling, historic site visits, and night sky tours.

Central Otago: Nzbiketrails operates in Wanaka, Cromwell, and Clyde, with private hires available in Queenstown. They offer one-day bike rides on top trails like Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge, Otago Rail Trail, and Wanaka Trails.

Central Otago: Carrick Winery Glasshouse, set on the expansive lawn in the pedal 'n Pour casual dining zone, offers pre-booked lunches for small groups with an organic wine tasting. Enjoy seasonal menus crafted by Carrick’s chef with locally sourced ingredients. Experience 5-star service and stunning views of the vineyard and Kawarau River.

Queenstown: Toast & Oak, situated on a one of the first streets of Queenstown, offers a European wine bar experience with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Inside, you'll find a blend of rich textures and natural hues, capturing the cozy, energetic ambiance of Europe’s intimate wine bars.

Queenstown: Renowned for its legendary burgers, Fergburger has expanded its empire with the opening of Fergbutcher in Arrowtown. This exciting new venue not only offers a range of premium meat cuts but also serves a diverse takeaway menu, including gourmet burgers, sandwiches, grilled sausages, coffees, and bakery items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Queenstown: After a big refurb and rebrand, Local Queenstown has opened up on Rees Street. Located in the heart of Queenstown, Local offers elevated pub food alongside nightly events, live sports, with live music and DJs. Relax on the outdoor deck, or cosy up inside by the fire. With a focus on friendly service and good times, Local is a must-do stop on your visit to Queenstown.

Wānaka: The Makarora Country Cafe located in the Wānaka region has now reopened under new ownership. The Makarora country cafe is located just shy of an hour outside of Wānaka, the last stop on the way to Mt Aspiring National Park. 

Central Otago: The Cloudy Bay Shed has a introduced tailored tasting. Hosted in the lakeview room, visitors taste rare wines and back vintages hosted by a Cloudy Bay Ambassador. Pre-bookings required for 2-20 guests.

Over The Top Helicopters has been shortlisted as a finalist in the upcoming 2024 Luxury Travel Gold List Awards.

Queenstown's Future Hospitality Group were nominated as a finalist for three awards in the national Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence 2024. They are finalists in 'Best Bar' with Little Blackwood, 'Hospitality Lead of the Year' (Bert Haines), and 'Chef of the Year' (Matt Tobin).

The TripAdvisor Awards have been announced, and Queenstown’s own Glenorchy Air has won the award for 'Best of the Best' with their Milford Sound 'Fly Cruise Fly' offering.

Queenstown operator Real NZ has been awarded Large Allied Operator of the Year at the annual Tourism Export Council (TECNZ) Conference for 2024. Glenorchy Air's James Stokes was also in the running this year.

Viator has announced its Viator Experience Awards: Top 20 for Australia and New Zealand. Winners include Shotover Jet, RealNZ, and Altitude Tours.

Gibbston winery Kinross has won the first-ever 2024 Qualmark New Zealand Wine Tourism Award. 

23 Aug - 8 Sep: Winter Games NZ 2024

3 - 8 Sep: Snow Machine Queenstown

5 - 18 Oct: At The World's Edge Music Festival

16 Nov: New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon

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