We’re excited to share the latest updates from across the Southern Lakes region -Queenstown, Wānaka, and Central Otago. This edition is full of updates from places to stay to new experiences to share with your clients. 

It’s been a pleasure connecting with so many of you throughout the year, whether through trade events, industry gatherings, trainings, or famils. We truly appreciate your support and the enthusiasm you bring to promoting our region to travellers around the world.

Please note our office will close from 24 December to 4 January 2026. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. 

We look forward to working with you in 2026 and continuing our commitment to servicing the trade channel with all of the latest updates for you and your clients.

Ngā mihi nui (Thank you),
Stu, Rose & Cyndi

Destination Queenstown celebrated 40 years as Queenstown’s regional tourism organisation – four decades of sharing our place with the world and championing the people, experiences, and landscapes that make it extraordinary. Watch the highlights video. 

Every Thursday till 8pm, Arrowtown will be open for late night shopping. Boutique shops and the museum are staying open, while restaurants are getting behind the initiative too with live music, specials and cocktails. Come and enjoy the festive atmosphere and vibrant Arrowtown buzz.

This winter 2025, RealNZ’s 113-year-old TSS Earnslaw underwent a major four-month survey, including hull and engine work — the first time her engines have ever been lifted. Guest areas also received touch-ups, ensuring the Lady of the Lake continues to offer unforgettable journeys. She remains the oldest passenger-carrying twin-screw steamer operating in the Southern Hemisphere.

The latest 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.

A new Wānaka brand video, “The Mountains Are Calling”, is now available. It provides a clear snapshot of what a visit to Wānaka, New Zealand, can offer. Share with your clients to give them a visual sense of the destination and inspire ideas for their next trip.

As part of Air New Zealand's Next Generation Aircraft programme, and the innovation journey the airline is on to understand how different technology might work in New Zealand and globally in the future, it has made its first electric aircraft test flight. On Friday 17 October, the fully electric BETA ALIA CX300 took flight in the skies above Tauranga.

RealNZ’s Kārearea Project begins its 7th season this spring after a strong year monitoring 14 nests, 12 successful, with 23 chicks fledged. In September, RealNZ raised over $275,000 for the Pukunui (Southern NZ Dotterel) through its 1% campaign, the Conservation Ball, and other initiatives, continuing its significant contribution to regional conservation efforts.

Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown have awarded $85,505 in Impact Grants to 12 grassroots organisations across the region. This funding will enable a mix of native restoration, biodiversity monitoring, predator control, waste reduction, wetland protection, and community engagement projects, reflecting a growing commitment to regenerative tourism and long-term environmental stewardship in the district. 

Blue Peaks Lodge has completed a full renovation of its Triple Rooms, Family Rooms, and Two-Bedroom Units, now featuring modern kitchens, new flooring, upgraded beds and furnishings, and coffee machines throughout. One two-bedroom unit is now fully wheelchair accessible. Combined with on-site parking and a prime central location, these upgrades elevate guest comfort, with room rates adjusted to reflect the enhanced offering.

Central Otago: Just five minutes from Clyde, Earnscleugh Castle Coach House is now open and offers boutique accommodation with a strong sense of history. Three beautifully appointed bedrooms combine heritage character with contemporary comfort. With river and mountain views, this property suits families or small groups looking for a unique and memorable Central Otago stay

Central Otago: Seven Skies is a new eight-room lodge opening in Autumn 2026, overlooking the Bannockburn Inlet, just moments from Lake Dunstan and the Kawarau Gorge cycle trails. Set on a ridge opposite the hosts’ hill-country farm, it sits among mountains, vineyards and orchards. Each room features its own ensuite, offering a generous, contemporary lodge experience in an idyllic Central Otago setting.

Limousine Services Queenstown is introducing a fully custom-built Mercedes 519 Sprinter to its Executive van range. Imported as an empty shell and custom-fitted by RVE in Auckland, the new 15-seat VIP van features tiered seating for superior visibility, ultra-wide leather seats, USB ports, and air suspension for a smooth ride, offering delegates a luxurious travel experience.

Opening soon on Brecon Street, The Bathhouse Queenstown spa will offer hot pools, saunas, and wellness treatments inspired by classic European bathhouses. It’s set to be a relaxing new addition for visitors looking to unwind after a day of adventure or exploring Queenstown. A great option to include in itineraries for travellers seeking a touch of wellness.

Alpine Luxury Tours has expanded into Christchurch, offering private day tours through the Canterbury region, Akaroa, Arthur's Pass, Kaikoura and Nelson. It offers multi-day touring options connecting Queenstown, Mt Cook, Christchurch and the upper South Island, and will develop new partnerships with leading local activity operators, wineries, and luxury accommodation providers.

Nomad Safaris has officially joined the newly formed Pure Tourism Group. Exciting collaborations are already underway, with new combo products in development that pair Routeburn guided walks and Lord of the Rings tours with Pure Milford’s premium Piopiotahi/Milford Sound experiences. A seamless new way for guests to explore the best of the South Island - more details coming soon.

Skyline Queenstown’s Stratosfare has added 1:45pm and 2:00pm lunch sittings from 29 December–1 March. In March, Stratosfare will close 13–22 March as operations transition into the new Coronet Peak–side extension for final commissioning. Skyline’s wider redevelopment continues, with the new building and gondola walkway due in March 2026, and full integration of both buildings planned for 2029.

RealNZ Whitewater Rafting returned this November, bringing the thrill of Queenstown’s rivers back for summer. Guests will enjoy a smoother start to their adventure with the newly upgraded check-in area at the Arthurs Point base. The refreshed space streamlines arrivals and helps groups move through quickly, allowing them to focus on the excitement of their rafting experience.

RealNZ offers a relaxed guided horse trek at Walter Peak, following lakeside trails and rolling farmland for stunning high-country views. The experience pairs perfectly with a TSS Earnslaw cruise, creating a memorable outing for families, couples, and small groups. Suitable for ages 7+, with a minimum height of 120 cm and a maximum rider weight of 95 kg.

Art Adventures NZ has launched a new art tour overlooking Lake Johnson beside their Country Lane studio in Frankton. The stunning setting offers uninterrupted views and a uniquely creative experience. Each tour includes quality materials and guided sessions for all skill levels, with time to explore Country Lane’s growing artisan village for boutique shopping, dining, and local creative experiences.

The MICHELIN Guide will launch in Aotearoa New Zealand in mid-2026, marking its first entry into Oceania. In partnership with TNZ, the guide will showcase the country’s rising culinary reputation, featuring Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, with marketing tools available to support trade storytelling.

The 2degrees Queenstown Business Awards 2025 were announced on Saturday 8 November. Winners included The Headwaters Eco Lodge - Excellence in Sustainability and Environmental Business Practice, and 2degrees Supreme Business of the Year; The Boatshed Bakery - Small Business of the Year; iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Excellence in Community Contribution; Cardrona Alpine Resort - Excellence in Marketing; Kinross - Employer of the Year; and Glenorchy Air - Excellence in Customer Experience.

Hulbert House was recognised as New Zealand's Leading Lodge 2025 at the prestigious 32nd Annual World Travel Awards. Millbrook was named NZ's Leading Resort, while QT Queenstown is NZ's Leading Conference Hotel. Read more here.

Queenstown Airport has been named Large Airport of the Year at the 2025 New Zealand Airports Awards. Read more here.

Oxbow Adventure Co. is celebrating its fifth birthday. The company delivers high-octane adventures in the Gibbston valley, including jet-boat sprints and off-roading, and has several new projects in the pipeline. Read more here.

NZONE Skydive marks a huge milestone this year - 35 years since it launched as NZ’s first tandem skydiving operator, in 1990. Read more here.

5 Dec: Arrowtown Long Table 

29-31 Dec: Rhythm and Alps

31 Dec: Queenstown New Year's Eve Fireworks

10 Jan: Lake Hayes A&P Show

16-25 Jan: Queenstown Bike Festival

24 Jan: The Valley festival 

31 Jan: Wānaka Summer Concert 2026

7 Feb: Gin Fest Arrowtown

26 Feb - 1 Mar: New Zealand Open

7 Mar: Motatapu

3 -19 Apr: New Zealand School Holidays

15-19 Apr: Arrowtown Autumn Festival

 

Discover more events in Queenstown & Wānaka with a complete guide to our best attractions

Stu Cordelle
Head of Business Development
+64 27 264 7533
stuc@queenstown-wanaka.nz

Rose Wood
Account Manager - North America
+64 27 4676 878
rosew@queenstown-wanaka.nz

Cyndi Feng
Account Manager - Asia
+64 21 145 6505
cyndif@queenstown-wanaka.nz