Queenstown in summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and fresh alpine air. While the business events calendar slows down, Queenstown and Wānaka suppliers are gearing up for a busy summer season, welcoming leisure travellers from around the world.
It's been a great year for the Queenstown Convention Bureau (QCB). The final quarter included highlights like the Queenstown Lakes Australia Roadshow and Mega Famil, the Business Events Expo, and the BEIA Conference. We’ve enjoyed connecting with all of you who attended our events, reached out for inspiration, suggestions, and advice, and visited for site inspections and famils throughout 2024. A special thanks to everyone who hosted business events in our beautiful region.
The QCB team will take a short break from 23 December until 6 January to recharge, refresh and gear up for another great year ahead.
Wishing you, your teams and whānau (family) a happy festive season. We look forward to continuing to work with you to showcase Queenstown & Wānaka in 2025.
Kind regards,
Sarah, Jess, Yangzi and Luisa
|
|
|
Destination Queenstown, accompanied by 32 Queenstown and Wānaka C&I suppliers, hosted the Queenstown Lakes Australia Roadshow 2024 in October, with events in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Thanks to all our Australian contacts who joined us across the three networking events. It was great seeing you all, and we look forward to reconnecting with many of you at AIME in February.
|
|
|
|
|
In November, six lucky buyers who attended the Queenstown Lakes Australia Roadshow events, won an exclusive opportunity to witness first hand how our local event suppliers collaborate to create unforgettable experiences, on our Queenstown Mega Famil programme. A special thanks to national carrier, Air New Zealand for supporting the famil.
|
|
|
|
|
To round off the year of tradeshow events, QCB and six Queenstown C&I suppliers; TomTom Productions, Oxbow Adventure Co., RealNZ, Canyon Brewing, Ngāi Tahu Tourism and Alpine Luxury Tours, exhibited at the Business Events Expo 2024 in Auckland on 19 November. This was a great opportunity to connect with our New Zealand business event planners network.
|
|
|
|
|
The Forward Outlook resource indicates the current levels of forward-looking accommodation occupancy in Queenstown until May 2025. This interactive chart shows that between March and May could be an ideal time for your business event. Contact Sarah McDonald QCB Manager, or Jess Langelaan QCB Account Manager, to find out how the team can help.
|
|
|
- Air New Zealand restarted its South Korea seasonal service on 28 October 2024, running through to 29 March 2025.
- Qantas will boost its Auckland-Brisbane service with a 787 Dreamliner from 11 August 2025. The airline said it will be the first time it will operate a Dreamliner on the route, increasing its capacity by 40%, alongside its existing 737 and A330 flights.
- United Airlines returned to Christchurch Airport from Friday, 6 December 2024 with its Christchurch to San Francisco direct route.
- Cathay Pacific is increasing its seat capacity at Christchurch Airport by 88% this summer, offering four weekly flights between Christchurch and Hong Kong from December to February 2025, followed by three weekly flights in March.
- Jetstar will launch its latest Trans-Tasman route, Cairns to Christchurch, offering three weekly services starting April 2025.
|
|
|
REGENERATIVE QUEENSTOWN INITIATIVES |
|
|
|
|
A popular retreat venue, The Headwaters Eco Lodge in Glenorchy, received recognition for its sustainability and environmental initiatives as they become finalists in the Sustainable Business Network Transformational Leadership Award, and the SBN’s Next 95 list of innovators and entrepreneurs progressing sustainable business in New Zealand.
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a creative corporate gift with a story to tell? Chunky is on a mission not only with The Bottle Recycling Initiative, The Chunky Loan Cup System and the Carbon Action Initiative, but also giving emerging artists free reign to adorn their bottles, giving them a platform to showcase their talents. Contact the Chunky team to find out more.
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Lakes Sanctuary (SLS) and Over The Top Helicopters joined forces to offer a Hands-On Conservation Journey Back in Time experience. This half-day helicopter trip to Out the Back, New Zealand's smallest high country station, lets your eco-conscious incentive groups witness the efforts of SLS to protect wildlife like rock wren and kea, and support native species reintroduction.
|
|
|
|
|
Canyon Brewing a popular venue for business events is inviting nominations for changemakers who support local sustainability and volunteer efforts. Whether it’s rescuing food waste (like Canyon’s new Wonky Wheat edition beer) or planting trees, Canyon will feature stories on socials of individuals who go above and beyond for the environment.
|
|
|
|
|
Heritage Hotels has joined the portfolio of the TFE Hotels, an Australian-based global hotel group. This development allows Heritage Hotels to expand its reach and benefit from TFE Hotels' international expertise. Together, they'll enhance the guest experience, with future refurbishment plans. Heritage Queenstown is now rebranded and known as Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown.
|
|
|
|
|
Following the acquisition of Sherwood Hotel by RF Corval, EVT Hotels & Resorts has entered into a new hotel management agreement to operate the property. RF Corval will invest in upgrading the hotel rooms as part of the ownership transition and focus on reducing the carbon footprint across their portfolio, significantly aligning with Sherwood's achievements to date.
|
|
|
|
|
Ayrburn's new venue, The Bakehouse, offers a unique setting for your next corporate function. Combining rustic charm with modern elegance, it creates the perfect backdrop for your event. Delegates can enjoy the space indoors or gather on the terrace, which can be used on rainy days! The Bakehouse is well-equipped to host both intimate gatherings and larger groups.
|
|
|
|
|
AJ Hackett Bungy, renowned for its world-class adventure experiences, and TomTom Productions, experts in delivering cutting-edge audio-visual productions, are collaborating to turn the iconic Kawarau Bungy Centre into a premier destination for corporate events. The space is designed to hold up to 250 guests for cocktails and 200 for seated gala dinners.
|
|
|
|
|
Sherwood is a repurposed 1980s mock-Tudor inn with a sustainable ethos and a garden-to-table restaurant. The outdoor courtyard was been renovated to provide an enhanced al fresco experience. This space is perfect for hosting a corporate lunch or having your next business meeting, offering a relaxed yet professional setting for up to 80 seated and 120 standing.
|
|
|
|
|
The addition of Fino Wine Bar, Hustle & Flow reformer pilates, and The Boat Shed Bakery at Queenstown Marina enhances business events by offering stylish venues for networking functions, wellness activities for team-building, and gourmet catering options, providing a great setting for corporate gatherings.
|
|
|
|
|
The Rustic and Robust Royalburn Farm Tour by Alpine Luxury Tours offers a guided tour of Royalburn Station, a private wine tasting with Mora Wines and a delicious Kiwi BBQ lunch or a private chef-catered culinary experience at Prohibition House. This luxury tour is perfect for VIP corporate retreats, as it offers a unique blend of nature, fine wine, and exceptional hospitality.
|
|
|
|
|
Join The Cargo Collective for an immersive sensory adventure for your delegates to create their own gin. An activity that combines creativity, knowledge, and hands-on learning in a high-tech, versatile space just 15 minutes from Queenstown. Perfect for team-building, and corporate groups passionate about the art of brewing and distilling.
|
|
|
|
|
Totally Tourism has introduced the Fly-Cruise-Heli, a unique and unforgettable experience that lets your incentive group explore Milford Sound from both the sky and the sea. The adventure includes a scenic flight in a fixed-wing plane one way, followed by a helicopter ride on the return, along with a breathtaking two-hour cruise through the stunning fiord. For groups from six to 100 pax.
|
|
|
|
|
Enhance your next event with Miller Road Fragrances' signature Fragrance Bar experience, have your guests design a 10ml personalised fragrance in a matter of minutes with guidance from in-house perfumers. With 12 fragrances to choose from, this unique, luxurious activity is perfect for conferences, team-building sessions, or special celebrations.
|
|
|
|
|
RealNZ's iconic TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown’s most beloved ship is taking a brief break from 19 May to 8 September 2025. During this period, The Spirit of Queenstown will continue to offer its scenic cruises along Lake Whakatipu. Your group can still enjoy a remarkable journey across the lake, before arriving at Walter Peak for a delectable gourmet BBQ dining experience.
|
|
|
|
|
The Well Spa, located at 11 Earl Street, is Queenstown's newest luxury retreat, offering a serene escape in the heart of town. Specialising in relaxing massages, rejuvenating Manuka facials, and indulgent body treatments, The Well Spa provides a wellness escape for your VIP incentive group looking to relax and unwind at the end of their programme.
|
|
|
The QCB team attended the BEIA Conference and AGM 2024 in Taranaki on 25-27 November. Organised by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), this was an engaging two-day programme of education, industry collaboration and networking opportunities at The Devon Hotel in New Plymouth.
Sharon Auld, General Manager, Australia at BEIA, has been appointed to the SITE Australia & New Zealand board in the role of Vice President - Events.
Hosted buyer applications to attend Meetings 2025 are now open! Being held in Auckland 11 & 12 June 2025. MEETINGS is the only national tradeshow in New Zealand for the Business Events industry, organised by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).
The QCB team are looking forward to attending AIME 2025 in Melbourne next February. Not only will we be part of the team NZ stand hosted by Tourism New Zealand but we hope to see some of you at the AIME Education sessions. QCB Manager, Sarah McDonald, will be on the Building Global Connections: The Ripple Effect in the Incentive Travel Industry panel discussion and Destination Queenstown CEO, Mat Woods, on the Green focus: Taking sustainability to the next level panel.
Christchurch has been selected to host the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) Conference in December 2025. PCOA25 will take place from 7-9 December at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. This marks the second time the event has been held in New Zealand, with over 400 conference and event organisers from across Australasia expected to attend.
|
|
|
- TIA's Tourism Awards recognised several Queenstown businesses including RealNZ who scooped three awards: The Air New Zealand Supreme Award, the Johnston's Coachlines Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business), and the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award. iFly Queenstown was awarded the Wayfinder Community Engagement Award.
- The New Zealand International Wine Show recognised Queenstown winners including Wet Jacket, Mora, Cox’s Vineyard, Ayrburn, and Peregrine, whose Pinot Noir 2022 received a Double Gold Medal at the awards on Friday 18 October.
- Kinross is the first-ever recipient of the 2024 Qualmark New Zealand Wine Tourism Award. Recognised for sustainable tourism experiences, impact on the environment and their people. Read more.
- The Gibbston Valley 2024 Spirit of the Wakatipu Awards has recognised local individuals, organisations and groups for contributing to community. Read more.
- Gibbston Valley New Zealand's Best Resort Spa at the World Spa Awards for the fifth year running.
- Queenstown Airport has earned Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation for its sustainability efforts and progress towards decarbonisation. Launched in 2009, the program assesses airports' carbon reduction efforts, with Level 5 as the highest tier. Only 46 of over 40,000 airports globally have achieved Level 4+ or 5 accreditation.
|
|
|
YOUR QUEENSTOWN CONVENTION BUREAU TEAM |
|
|
|
