We are excited to share the latest news from our Southern Lakes region, Queenstown, Wānaka & Central Otago. We have a new newsletter format that allows you get straight into what matters most, the updates from our tourism operators. 

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. 

From 10–14 May 2025, Destination Queenstown proudly hosted the Southern Lakes Post-TRENZ Famil, welcoming travel trade reps from China, India, the US, Australia, Thailand, and the UK. Huge thanks to our tourism operators for helping bring this experience to life. Watch the highlights video here.

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. 

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 Rees Hotel has appointed Micka McDonald as General Manager, effective 1 April 2025, after a decade in key roles at the property. Mark Rose, GM and CEO since the hotel’s 2009 opening, transitions to Director, focusing on sales, marketing, yield, and expansion alongside Micka. 

The Remarkables Ski Area celebrates its 40th anniversary with a Spring Carnival from 26–28 September, marking four decades of snow sports and alpine community. A great addition to client itineraries, especially for those seeking a unique spring snow experience in Queenstown.

LyLo Queenstown has been awarded a 5-star Qualmark Backpacker rating, along with a Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award—recognising its high-quality accommodation offering and strong commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

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.

The shared services partnership between Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism is taking shape, with updates from Wānaka operators now also featured in these newsletters. As a business development team, we remain committed to deepening our knowledge of Wānaka's tourism offerings and will commence work on new assets to support trade training and education.

It's important to note that while we collaborate behind the scenes, the Queenstown and Wānaka brands will continue to stand independently—each retaining its unique identity and authentic sense of place. For all trade-related enquiries, our team is your main point of contact for both regions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

Capstone Hotel Management is delighted to announce the rebranding of Queenstown’s Nugget Point Hotel, which is currently undergoing a $30 million full-scale redevelopment. The boutique 40-room property will relaunch as Coronet Ridge Resort, a five-star luxury alpine retreat, and is bookable now for stays from 1 December 2025.

Hidden Lodge, located 5 minutes outside of Queenstown on the road to Glenorchy; Boutique 4 suite B&B, with uninterrupted views of Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak and the Remarkables mountains; a sanctuary from the hub of the busy resort town.  Guests are hosted by an experienced Kiwi husband and wife team. 

Unwind at Kinloch Wilderness Retreats new Wai Area, where nature meets relaxation. Your clients can enjoy the soothing outdoor spa, clearlight infrared sauna, and optional ice shower for contrast therapy. Perfect after exploring Glenorchy’s stunning landscapes. 

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Southern Discoveries’ new tour combines Kiwi hospitality with adventure: a 1-hour Te Anau farm tour with sheep shearing, dog demos, and morning tea, plus a 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise featuring stunning scenery and wildlife. Departs from Queenstown or Te Anau. Self-drive option available.

Aston Martin Touring presents the F1 Experience in the AMR23 Edition DBX707—Aston Martin’s F1® tribute and official medical car. Perfect for couples, groups, weddings, or families seeking to explore Queenstown and the Southern Lakes in style, with unmatched presence, performance, and precision. Seats up to four passengers.

Alpine Luxury Tours has introduced a new product, the Paradise Wilderness Experience. Embark on day trip with a private heli flight, guided hike, thrilling jet boat ride, and gourmet lunch. Explore the stunning landscapes of Mt Aspiring National Park, including Earnslaw Burn and the Dart River. 

Art Adventures, offering full day or half day guided art tours throughout the Queenstown Lakes Region. Your clients can choose from a selection of beautiful locations and share an immersive Art Experience with personal tutoring, outdoor sketching and painting in nature. Group or private tours available. 

AJ Hackett Bungy's Kawarau Swing will open in August 2025, at the Kawarau Bungy Centre in Queenstown, the 'World Home of Bungy'. The 43-metre, three-person swing is ideal for travellers FIT or groups seeking adrenaline pumping activities. This will make the Kawarau Bungy Centre home of three activities: Kawarau Bungy, Swing and Zipride! 

Onsen Hot Pools is expanding, with new facilities launching in Winter 2025. Highlights include two Tri-Ritual Experiences using hot and cold immersion for healing and stress relief, four luxurious Day Spa suites, a serene relaxation lounge, and upgraded changing areas with hair and makeup stations—offering guests an elevated experience of luxury, wellness, and comfort.

Wānaka: Wānaka Water Taxi introduces Shepherd’s Lookout Hike, a new boat-and-hike adventure on Lake Wānaka. Enjoy exclusive access to private trails on Mount Burke Station, guided by local experts. With panoramic views, rich storytelling, and serene landscapes, this unique experience offers groups an unforgettable way to explore Wānaka’s natural beauty and historic charm.

Central Otago: Big Sky Adventures – 'Insider’s Guide to Naseby'. Experience Naseby with a two-night stay including boutique B&B accommodation, high-country 4WD tour, night sky experience, curling, and complimentary e-bike hire to explore local trails. Optional add-ons include yoga, forest bathing, and farm tours. 

Central Otago: Carrick Winery's new Waikana Room offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu, premium tasting experiences, and panoramic views over Bannockburn Inlet. Onsite features include a Private Glasshouse for group dining and two exclusive Cabanas for personalised food and wine pairings.

Central Otago: Monte Christo Winery now offers a guided tour and private tasting experience in the birthplace of Central Otago wine (est. 1864). Guests will explore the winery, enjoy the Aroma Room, and finish with a private tasting in the underground barrel hall.

Central Otago: Highlands Motorsport Park introduces a thrilling new Supercar experience: ride in a Lamborghini Huracan. Reaching speeds up to 225kph on the 4.1km track, this Italian-German powerhouse is driven by a professional driver, delivering an unforgettable, adrenaline-charged adventure.

Central Otago: Clyde Dam now offers 2-hour guided tours, ideal for FITs and small groups. Explore restricted areas including the dam top, inside the walls, and the generator room, with insights into live energy trading and New Zealand’s sustainable power sources—from hydro and thermal to solar and wind.

From the team behind Waiheke’s Man O’ War Vineyards comes Swiftsure—a relaxed, stylish bistro in Arrowtown. Overlooking Buckingham Green, it offers indoor-outdoor dining year-round, with seasonal dishes, family-friendly menus, and wines from Waiheke to Bannockburn. Enjoy alpine views, summer sun, or a cozy winter fireside. A new local favourite in the making.

Ayrburn unveils Billy’s, a modern Chinese restaurant set in the beautifully restored original homestead of founders William and Bessie Paterson. Opening July 2025, Billy’s blends rich history with bold interiors and indulgent cuisine. Enjoy year-round dining in a bespoke glass conservatory, just 20 minutes from Queenstown, near the heart of historic Arrowtown.

The Grille Bar & Restaurant is expanding with an exciting front-of-house bar, enhancing their vibrant lakefront dining experience. Alongside local cuisine and stunning views, guests can now enjoy craft cocktails under Nighttime Stars—a sculptural floral installation by Gypsy West. Join us for our Winter Warmers and Happy Hour 3-5pm Daily.

Love Queenstown welcomes RYD, an innovative ride-share platform offering electric car hire by the hour. Ideal for clients needing flexible, sustainable transport. Book before 30 June using promo code LOVEQT for $5 off your hire. Every booking supports grassroots environmental initiatives in the Queenstown-Lakes region through a donation from RYD. Book a RYD.

Hulbert House, The Spire Hotel, and Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel have been nominated as New Zealand's Leading Boutique Hotel 2025 at the World Travel Awards, showcasing its continued prominence in luxury accommodation.

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, Sofitel Queenstown and The Rees Hotel have been nominated as New Zealand's Leading Hotel 2025 at the Worlds Travel Awards.

Hulbert House and Blanket Bay, received a nomination under New Zealand's Leading Lodge 2025 at the World Travel Awards.

Millbrook Resort, has been recognised in the category for New Zealand's Leading Resort 2025, at the World Travel Awards.

Air New Zealand has been nominated in Oceania's Leading Airline 2025 and Oceania's Leading Airline Brand 2025 categories at the World Travel Awards. Winners for all award categories listed above, will be announced 13 October.

The 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence finalists have been revealed, with Queenstown suppliers such as, Crowne Plaza, Little Blackwood, Odd Saint, Sherwood, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, The Dairy Private by Naumi Hotels, and The Rees Hotel, being recognised within the different categories. Winners revealed at the Awards Gala on June 10 – 11, 2025.

30 May - 31 August: LUMA Enchanted

21 Jun: Queenstown Mardi Gras

25 Jun - 5 Sep: Coronet Peak Night Ski

26 - 27 Jun: NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival

15 - 25 Aug: Winter Pride NZ

9 - 14 Sep: Snow Machine Festival 

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

Linda McIntosh
Trade Manager
+64 27 264 7533 lindam@queenstown-wanaka.nz 

Yangzi Zhang
Business Development Manager, Asia
+64 22 455 0973
yangziz@queenstown-wanaka.nz

Rose Wood
Trade Executive
+64 27 467 687
rosew@queenstown-wanaka.nz

Mat Woods
Chief Executive
+64 27 530 6265
mat@queenstown-wanaka.nz