Kia ora, 

Welcome to autumn in Queenstown. The golden and red hues dominate the hills around the region and contrast with the deep blue of our lakes and rivers. It's a great season to visit - you can slow down, stay longer, and connect more deeply with Queenstown's surroundings. 

We've got some great updates for you this quarter. There are new product developments, we have TRENZ in Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington from 8-10 May 2024, alongside some great famils and industry events. 

If you have any questions you can contact us at any time or learn more about us on our website, join our Facebook group, or view our YouTube channel.

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

Queenstown Update

Our travel trade website offers a free visual library for all travel sellers to access. You can use these resources to promote Queenstown as a visitor destination in non-paid advertising and provided you agree to our Terms of Use. Please contact us if you have any questions.

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 Airline Connectivity and Maps & Guides.

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.

Regenerative News

Queenstown’s Appellation Wine Tours  has introduced electric vehicles to its transport fleet, highlighting a commitment to long-term sustainability, a reduction of its carbon footprint and promotion of environmentally-conscious tourism.

Check out the Love Queenstown website to find out how visitors can get behind local climate, conservation, and biodiversity projects to support a regenerative, carbon-zero future. Perfect for clients who want to give back whilst visiting Queenstown. 

Travel and Aviation

• Jetstar will add around 150,000 seats to its domestic and trans-Tasman routes with Auckland airport being the main hub for increased services in 2024. 
• Air New Zealand is set to launch the Skynest, offering economy class passengers a comfortable travel experience with bunk beds in the sky.  The expected launch is September this year. 
• Air New Zealand has been ranked as the safest airline in the world in 2023, narrowly surpassing Qantas by only 1.5 points.
• Christchurch Airport has resumed their Cathay Pacific Hong Kong flights now occurring three times a week as off mid December 2023. 
• United Airlines has begun services between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Christchurch Airport (CHC) on December 10 2023, establishing the only nonstop air connection between the U.S. and New Zealand’s South Island.

Accommodation

Queenstown House has created a new room type, giving agents more options when booking a room to best match guest needs. The Lake View Kitchen Studio features views of Lake Wakatipu & downtown Queenstown, balcony, fire-place, modern bathroom, breakfast bar, full kitchen and access to complimentary laundry facilities.

Guests now have the convenience of washing and drying their clothes on site at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel. 
The latest Maytag machines have just been unveiled located on the lower level, near the underground car park. 

The Monte Christo Cottages  located in Central Otago on the regions oldest winery vineyard, guests can choose from three exquisite cottages that are welcoming, contemporary and elegant. Offering free on-site parking plus ev-chargers for cars and cycles. Just minutes from Clyde township. Cycle trails and more cellar doors are close by.

Activities

Construction of the new chairlift up Remarkable's Ski Field is well underway, opening June 2024. Bigger, faster and longer, it will be twice as quick to ride as the old Shadow Basin chairlift, and will open up nearly 50% more lift-accessible terrain.

Cardrona and Treble Cone are introducing two new premium products for winter 2024. The Premium Family Private and the Premium Experience Private. Both offering full day private lessons for your clients. Read more here. 

Cardrona and Treble Cone are also reintroducing their product The Madarin First Timer Package this upcoming winter season, ideal for Madarin speaking adults wanting to ski or snowboard. Read more here.

Alpine Luxury Tours has partnered exclusively with Mora Wines to offer an exclusive Heli Wine Tour in Central Otago. Clients can enjoy the opportunity to sample some of Central Otago’s finest wines perched amongst the vines.

RealNZ has extended the service of their product the 'Queenstown Lake Cruise' aboard the Spirit of a Queenstown. Operating now until 2 April 2024. The lake cruise is the perfect way for guests explore Queenstown's Lake Whakatipu during the 1 hour 30 minute cruise. 

Big Sky Adventures in Central Otago offers single and/or multi-day all-inclusive packages for families and groups. Planning itineraries that link Queenstown, Central Otago and Dunedin with off trail adventures for your clients. Fully commissionable packages including accommodation, cycle gear and transfers.

The Cloudy Bay Shed is located in Cromwell, Central Otago.  Book wine tastings, private tastings or a luncheon to experience something special with a menu that highlights local, seasonal and sustainably sourced produce. Reservations recommended. This is a must-do for a memorable New Zealand wine experience.

Monte Christo Winery  is the birthplace of Otago wine being the Central Otago's first winery offering visitors a rich history, elegant wines and setting. Clients can enjoy wine tastings, platters and light bites, plus their new underground cellar with new experiences to come. 

Food and Drink

Introducing SUNDAYS, Frankton’s neighbourhood eatery and drink(ery). Serving up Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas, plenty of European-inspired share plates and a drinks list that puts local beer and wine front and center. Open daily from 12pm till late. 

Queenstown's latest eatery, Black Burger, has opened on Ballarat Street. Bringing its famous wagyu beef burgers to the table alongside a premium selection of Japanese-inspired beverages. Black Burger is a great new addition to Queenstown's burger restaurant scene.

Awards And Accolades

The HM awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence were held in Sydney at the end of last year with the following Queenstown hotels winning awards. 

The Sofitel Queenstown winning New Zealand best luxury hotel & also Australasians Hotel of the Year. 

The Carlin Boutique Hotel winning the award for New Zealand Boutique Hotel in the property awards. 

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites winning the award for New Zealand's Best Midscale Hotel in the property awards. 

Key Dates & Events

• 2 March: Motatapu 
• 29 Feb-3 Mar: Millbrook Resort NZ Golf Open 
• 16 Mar: Coronet Peak Rogaine
• 21 - 22 Mar: Love Queenstown Tourism Planting Days
• 25 - 28 Apr: Arrowtown Autumn Festival
• 30 May - 3 June: LUMA Southern Light Project

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

Your DQ Travel Trade Team