KIA ORA
As Queenstown welcomes snow-capped mountains and breathtaking winter scenery, new venues are coming, activity providers are fine-tuning and creating experiences for business event groups, and many properties are gearing up to welcome a vibrant winter season.
On the team front, we’d like to recognise Sarah McDonald’s incredible contribution during her three years as Queenstown Convention Bureau Manager. Sarah has been a huge part of our journey showing leadership, professionalism and a genuine passion for the business events industry.
We’re looking forward to welcoming the QCB Post MEETINGS Famil, hosting nine Australian buyers after MEETINGS 2025, along with Tourism New Zealand’s North America Famil group, who will explore the region. Next month, QCB will launch the Queenstown Wānaka Webinar Update, a quarterly series designed for business event planners and industry professionals. More details below.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the updates below, the QCB team looks forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Jess, Yangzi and Luisa
QUEENSTOWN UPDATE
The QCB Domestic Famil 2025 highlighted the very best of Queenstown and Wānaka’s business events offering. Across four immersive days, the group experienced a mix of cultural connection, natural beauty, and local experiences. Highlights included a traditional Māori welcome, an alpine landing, a scenic ebike ride, and a hands-on gin workshop. From site visits and supplier meetings, to jetboating adventure and elevated dining experiences, the famil offered an inspiring insight into the region’s capabilities.
Join QCB's new quarterly webinar series, Queenstown Wānaka Webinar Update, on Thursday, 17 July at 2:00 PM (NZST). Each session will explore fresh topics, regional updates, and industry insights. The upcoming webinar, “What’s New”, will highlight the latest products, experiences, and developments across the region's business events landscape.
Following last year’s inaugural event, Destination Queenstown, supported by Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce and principal sponsor, Aurora Energy, brought back Electrify Queenstown. This year's event was bigger, bolder, and even more inspiring with three days of talks, workshops, and field trips covering the latest advances in electrification and renewable energy.
The Forward Outlook resource indicates the current levels of accommodation occupancy in Queenstown until November 2025. This interactive graph shows that June could be an ideal time for a last minute corporate retreat or business trip, as you may benefit from greater accommodation availability and more competitive rates. Contact Jess Langelaan to see how QCB can help.
Queenstown has won the bid to host an inaugural international conference on landslide geo-education and risk (LAGER). The First International Joint Workshop of JTC1 & JTC3 on Landslide Risk Assessment, Communication and Geo-education will take place at Millennium Hotel Queenstown in April 2026.
TRAVEL & AVIATION UPDATE
Here is our latest Airline Connectivity resource for October 2024.
- Air New Zealand to add 36,000 seats to its domestic winter schedule, boosting capacity on its Auckland-Christchurch, Auckland-Queenstown, and Auckland-Dunedin routes.
- Air New Zealand's first retrofitted Dreamliner is now bookable.
- Air New Zealand has changed its climate target and how it defines it too and now expects to reduce net ‘well-to-wake’ greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% by 2030, from a 2019 baseline.
- Air NZ and Air India enter codeshare partnership. The agreement also includes an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore direct flights between India and New Zealand. Once in place there is also potential for an increase in Indian delegates attending conferences.
- Queenstown Airport will begin the next major project in its capital development programme, including a terminal building extension.
- Qantas & Jetstar now operate 80% of Australia’s 10 longest routes to New Zealand.
- Qantas will begin seasonal direct flights between Auckland and Adelaide on 31 October, through to 3 May, 2026.
- Qantas is launching a new international route between New Zealand and Australia, with direct flights from Auckland to Perth from 7 December 2025.
- Singapore Airlines is adding 46 return flights between Christchurch and Singapore from 24 November 2025 to 12 February 2026, offering over 23,000 extra seats for the peak summer season.
- American Airlines will launch new non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane from 5 December 2025 through January 2026.
- Malaysia Airlines will increase its weekly flights from eight to 10, from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland, starting in December 2025.
REGENERATIVE TOURISM INITIATIVES
From wooden boats in 1965 to today’s iconic thrill ride, Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s Shotover Jet continues to push boundaries. With a prototype electric jet boat now in testing, there are plans for high-performance commercial electric boats to eventually roll out across their entire fleet. Watch their episode in Destination Queenstown's From The Ground Up series.
Love Queenstown welcomes RYD, an innovative ride-share platform offering electric car hire by the hour. Ideal for business event attendees 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.
Air Milford and Glenorchy Air have integrated Southern Discoveries multilingual commentary app into their flights, offering content in eight languages to enhance accessibility for your international incentives. This creates a more inclusive experience, allowing your guests to explore the region’s stories and landscapes in their preferred language.
ACCOMMODATION UPDATE
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 first December 2025.
Set above Kinloch at the edge of the forest, the new Wai Area features an outdoor spa pool and a Clearlight infrared sauna. For those seeking a full wellness experience, the ice shower provides effective contrast therapy. Ideal after a day of meetings or outdoor activities in Glenorchy, it’s a refreshing way to relax, reset, and return to your team with renewed focus.
The Rees Hotel announced the appointment of Micka McDonald as General Manager, effective on 1 April 2025, following ten years in various roles with the property. Mark Rose, General Manager and CEO since the property’s opening in 2009, will continue in his Director’s role where he will oversee sales, marketing, yield and expansion, working closely with Micka.
VENUES UPDATE
The Grille by Eichardt's has expanded with a stylish 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. The refreshed space also accommodates groups of up to 130, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Ayrburn’s newest venue, Billy’s, opens July 2025 in the restored original homestead of the Ayrburn founders. Offering a modern Chinese dining experience for up to 54. It blends bold interiors with historic charm. A glass conservatory invites year-round dining under Otago skies, for up to 50 guests, honouring the past while embracing contemporary indulgence near Arrowtown.
The TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown’s most iconic ship, is taking an extended break this year until 9 September. In the meantime, your groups can cruise aboard the Spirit of Queenstown across Lake Whakatipu, arriving at Walter Peak for a delicious gourmet BBQ dining experience and farm show.
ACTIVITIES UPDATE
Rewarding your team, entertaining clients, or running an incentive programme in Queenstown? Start with an adrenaline hit at the Nevis Playground, AJ Hackett Bungy, charge into Oxbow Adventure Co’s extreme adventure park, then unwind with a premium wine tasting at Kinross. This new partnership, promises thrills, laughs and luxury all in one day.
Ngāi Tahu Tourism and Hollyford Wilderness Experience introduce the new Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape, a two-day, one-night adventure ideal for your incentive groups of up to 10. Beginning in Queenstown, the experience includes helicopter flights, guided walks, Māori history, fine dining, and a lunch cruise aboard the Fiordland Jewel before returning to Queenstown.
Alpine Luxury Tours has introduced a new product, the Paradise Wilderness Experience. Ideal for incentive groups looking to embark on day trip with a private heli flight, guided hike, thrilling jet boat ride, and gourmet lunch. They can explore the stunning landscapes of Mt Aspiring National Park, including Earnslaw Burn and the Dart River.
Introducing the Pure Fiordland experience with Heli Glenorchy – an exclusive helicopter journey perfect for incentive groups seeking something unique. Soar above Fiordland National Park with breathtaking aerial views of Milford Sound, Lake Quill, and Sutherland Falls. Land on a glacier and explore Earnslaw Burn – a remote adventure designed to reward and inspire.
Art Adventures offers full- or half-day guided art tours throughout the Queenstown Lakes region, an ideal bespoke activity for incentive groups. Choose from a range of stunning locations and enjoy an immersive art experience featuring outdoor sketching, painting in nature, and personal tutoring. Private and group tours are available for up to 16 people.
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 incentive groups seeking adrenaline pumping activities. This will make the Kawarau Bungy Centre home of three activities: Kawarau Bungy, Swing and Zipride!
Queenstown Expeditions has added a new 4WD luxury coach to its fleet, featuring 42 leather reclining seats and a panoramic glass roof, ensuring your delegates' journey into remote conference or gala dinner locations this winter are well taken care of. Their fleet also features Starlink WiFi, to improve communication and the overall guest experience.
INDUSTRY UPDATE
MEETINGS, organised by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is New Zealand's biggest national tradeshow for our industry. Bringing buyers and sellers of conference and incentive travel products together, this year, it will be held at the Auckland Showgrounds, from 11 - 12 June 2025. The QCB team and 22 Queenstown and Wānaka operators will be there representing our region. Register as a Day Buyer and pay us a visit!
The New Zealand Government is investing an additional $3 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to attract new international conference and incentive business.
New Zealand’s three new world-class convention centres are winning business and drawing international delegates interested in exploring beyond the conference.
SITE Australia & New Zealand have announced Early Bird Registration for their Incentivise Live Conference, taking place on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, at the new 1 Hotel, in Melbourne.
New Zealand Government announces it will eliminate a barrier to New Zealand hosting international medical conferences. The move will allow trade show exhibitors at medical events to showcase new products and research that are yet to be approved by the local regulatory body, Metsafe.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
- Queenstown has been selected as a nominee for Oceania's Best Incentive Destination 2025 at the World MICE Awards. Voting opens on 5 June, until 19 September. The date and location of the Gala Ceremony where the winners will be announced have not been disclosed at this stage.
- 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.
- The Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) is sponsoring the Venue of the Year category at the 2025 New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) Awards. While specific Queenstown venues nominated have not been disclosed, the awards celebrate excellence in event venues across New Zealand. Winners will be announced at the NZEA Awards Gala Dinner on September 2, 2025.
KEY DATES & EVENTS
20 - 27 Jun: NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival
21 Jun: Queenstown Mardi Gras
15 - 24 Aug: Winter Pride Festival
9 - 14 Sep: Snow Machine Festival
Discover more events in Queenstown with a complete guide to our best attractions
YOUR QUEENSTOWN CONVENTION BUREAU TEAM
