Summer in Queenstown brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and crisp alpine air. As the business events calendar eases, Queenstown and Wānaka’s operators are shifting into a lively summer season, ready to welcome leisure travellers from across the globe.
It's been a year of change and new beginnings for the Queenstown Convention Bureau (QCB). We're delighted to welcome Cyndi Feng, Account Manager - Asia, to the team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we're excited to have her join as part of the QCB and Travel Trade teams.
Throughout the year, we’ve enjoyed connecting with industry partners, event planners, and delegates - whether through industry events, site visits, or famils - and we're grateful to everyone who chose to bring business events to our region in 2025.
The QCB team will be taking a short break from 25 December to 4 January to rest and recharge before another exciting year ahead.
We wish you and your whānau (family) a joyful festive season and look forward to working with you in 2026 to share all that Queenstown and Wānaka have to offer.
Kind regards,
Jess, Stu, Cyndi and Luisa
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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.
From early beginnings as the Queenstown Promotion Bureau, through the evolution to Destination Queenstown, DQ has played an important role in the development of tourism and business events in the district. This milestone is also a celebration of the tourism operators, industry leaders, and community who have shaped our story – their vision, innovation, and warm southern hospitality is at the heart of Queenstown’s success. Watch the highlights video below.
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QCB joined Tourism New Zealand and 13 business events suppliers to showcase New Zealand as a leading business events destination at the largest ever IMEX America trade show in Las Vegas. The event brought together more than 17,000 participants, including 6,000 global buyers from the conference and incentive industry.
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On 12 November, our Queenstown Wānaka Webinar series took a deep dive into “Planning the Ultimate Incentive”. Joined by Anthony Mitchell, Sales Manager at HQ New Zealand, we uncovered how to design tailor-made itineraries, manage logistics with ease, and bring fresh, creative thinking to your incentive programmes. Watch the webinar here.
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QCB and four Queenstown C&I suppliers - Kinross, Millbrook Resort, Oxbow Adventure Co., and The Headwaters Eco Lodge - exhibited at the Business Events Expo 2025 in Auckland on 25 November. This was a great opportunity to connect with our New Zealand business event planners network and showcase the region's exceptional experiences, venues, and activities.
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Electrify Queenstown has been named a winner in two categories at The Bizzies, the inaugural Business Events Industry Awards. The categories were for Business Events Legacy Impact, and Excellence in Environmental Sustainability, recognising the event’s contribution to both community and environmental outcomes.
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Queenstown is the ultimate business events destination, recognised for its remarkable landscape, active community, and diverse range of activities. The region offers well-equipped venues, experienced business events suppliers, and an environment that supports creativity and innovation. Discover more in our blog: '10 Reasons to Meet in Queenstown'.
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The Forward Outlook resource indicates the current levels of forward-looking accommodation occupancy in Queenstown until May 2026. This interactive chart shows that between March and May could be an ideal time to plan your next business event. Contact the team or submit a Request for Proposal to find out how the team can help.
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NewZeal Teams creates retreats, workshops, and incentive programmes for up to 100, that empower teams to connect and grow. Blending movement, nature, and reflection, their experiences inspire clarity, resilience, and collaboration. Guided by their unique ‘Adventure Philosophy’, each journey challenges comfort zones and unlocks the potential for connection.
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- Air New Zealand will launch a new direct Queenstown – Brisbane seasonal route on 22 June 2026.
- Air New Zealand has started the first-ever non-stop service from Christchurch to Adelaide on Monday 27 October, operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays through to 27 March 2026.
- Qantas launched flights between Auckland and Adelaide on 31 October 2025. Nearly 20 years after it last operated the route.
- Cathay Pacific has returned to Christchurch Airport earlier than in previous years with bigger planes. From Monday 3 November, the airline began operating up to four flights per week direct between Christchurch and Hong Kong, a month earlier than last season.
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REGENERATIVE TOURISM INITIATIVES
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In October, more than 140 volunteers from the business community joined Love Queenstown’s Industry Planting Day, adding another 2,400 native trees to Jardine Park. Over 8,500 trees have been planted to date. Read more here. To see how your business can get involved, visit the and websites, or contact Ash Bickley, Community Fund Coordinator.
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RealNZ has raised over $250,000 for the rare Pukunui, Southern NZ dotterel, whose numbers are approximately 105 birds and urgently need support to survive. Most funds were raised from the annual Conservation Ball, as well as committing 1% of all their online booking revenue since July. Find out more here.
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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 to the skies above Tauranga.
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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.
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Experience dining reimagined with Le Petit Chef at Crowne Plaza Queenstown, where 3D animation meets world-class cuisine. Ideal for groups seeking something extraordinary, this interactive experience includes themed décor, entertainment, and costumed staff. Available for up to 24 guests, from December 2025 to May 2026.
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Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen’s Arrowtown venue now welcomes corporate events for up to 100 guests, with outdoor networking and entertainment permitted until 10:00PM. Featuring Central Otago wines and refined seasonal dining, this elegant garden setting provides an ideal backdrop for business celebrations, client receptions, and team gatherings.
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Pacific Jemm, Queenstown's only luxury super-yacht, is back on Lake Whakatipu, offering an elegant way to experience Queenstown from the water. With refined interiors and sweeping alpine views, Pacific Jemm provides an ideal setting for product launches, sponsorship opportunities, and networking events. Contact Briony Holmes, Event Manager at Imperium Collection, to find out more.
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Pavilion Bar & Kitchens now offers a private, character-filled space designed for long lunches, celebratory dinners or hosted corporate meetings. Featuring warm lighting, bespoke interiors and complete privacy, ideal for groups wanting an elevated, exclusive dining experience of up to 22 guests seated and 44 standing.
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Dorothy Browns Cinema, Bar and Bookstore in Arrowtown offers intimate, elegant, and versatile spaces. With two cinemas accommodating 44 and 20 guests, plus a Foyer and Balcony Bar, and bespoke catering through Aosta Restaurant, it’s an ideal setting for private cinema screenings, conferences, and product launches. Contact Manager, Nicky Saggers, to find out more.
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AJ Hackett Bungy has launched its Kawarau Swing at the historic Kawarau Bungy Centre. Designed for individuals, pairs or trios, it sends riders swinging up to 43 metres over the Kawarau River. Offering an accessible adrenaline experience for your corporate or incentive group, it sits perfectly between the full-on adrenaline rush of a bungy and the pure joy of a zip ride.
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Art Adventures NZ has launched a new art tour experience overlooking Lake Johnson, next to their Country Lane studio in Frankton. This scenic location offers uninterrupted views and a uniquely creative activity for incentive groups. Tours include quality materials and guided sessions for all skill levels. Ideal for groups of up to 16 guests.
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Opening soon on Brecon Street, The Bathhouse Queenstown Spa will offer hot pools, saunas, and wellness treatments, akin to the original luxurious European bathhouses. Ideal for corporate retreats, it provides a calm setting for your delegates to relax and recharge between meetings or after a full day of business activity in Queenstown. Visit their website to find out more.
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This Winter 2025, RealNZ’s 113-year-old TSS Earnslaw underwent a major four-month survey, including hull and engine work, the first time its engines have ever been lifted. Guest areas also received touch-ups, ensuring the Lady of the Lake continues to offer an exceptional experience. It remains the oldest passenger-carrying twin-screw steamer operating in the Southern Hemisphere.
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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.
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The QCB team attended the BEIA Conference and AGM 2025 in Auckland on 26-27 November. Organised by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), this was an engaging two-day programme of education, industry collaboration and networking opportunities at Cordis Auckland.
The New Zealand business events industry gathered on 26 November 2025 for New Zealand’s inaugural Business Events Awards at Cordis Auckland. Celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact across individuals and events, the Bizzies shone a spotlight on the people powering New Zealand’s business events sector. See all winners and finalists here.
The QCB team is looking forward to attending AIME 2026 from 9-11 February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, as part of the team NZ stand hosted by Tourism New Zealand. Applications to attend as a hosted buyer are currently open.
Hosted buyer applications to attend Meetings 2026 are now open for event organisers in New Zealand and Australia! Being held in Auckland on 17 & 18 June 2026. MEETINGS is the only national tradeshow in New Zealand for the Business Events industry, organised by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).
The passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill has ended New Zealand’s prohibition on advertising medicines at medical conferences and trade shows, estimated to generate $90 million in revenue over the next few years.
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), which opens in February 2026, has secured 28 international conferences to date, worth an estimated $62 million and around 147,000 visitor days.
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- Finalists in the Bizzies included HQNZ's Rachael Simpson, in the Exceptional Business Event Professional category, and Hannah Chalmers, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, in the Emerging Business Event Professional Award.
- 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 New Zealand's Leading Resort, while QT Queenstown is New Zealand'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 area, including jet-boat sprints and off-roading, and has several new projects in the pipeline. Read more here.
- Totally Tourism wins the Excellence in Tourism category at the Grand Business South Awards.
- 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.
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Discover more events in Queenstown & Wānaka with a complete guide to our best attractions
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YOUR QUEENSTOWN CONVENTION BUREAU TEAM
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