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.
We’re looking forward to welcoming the QCB Pre-MEETINGS Famil, hosting eight Australian buyers who will be attending MEETINGS 2026, along with Tourism New Zealand’s North America Famil group, who will also explore the region. At the end of the month, QCB will host the Queenstown Wānaka Webinar Update, a quarterly series designed for business event planners and industry professionals. More details to come.
Looking ahead, the full Business Development team will host our C&I and Travel Trade Australia Roadshow 2026 from 14 – 18 September across four key cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Further details, including how to register to attend, will be shared closer to the dates.
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,
Ben, Stu, Cyndi and Luisa
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The New Zealand & Australia Famil 2026 welcomed a high-value group of corporate buyers from New Zealand and Australia to experience firsthand what makes Queenstown Lakes a leading business events destination. Across four days, the programme showcased innovative suppliers and local producers committed to shaping a positive future for the region, leaving delegates inspired with new ideas for their next business event.
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Over three days, Electrify Queenstown 2026 sparked thousands of conversations, countless new connections, delivered packed sessions and hands-on experiences, and generated valuable insights. The conference created significant momentum around the opportunities electrification presents for homes, businesses, communities, and New Zealand as a whole.
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The Forward Outlook resource indicates the current levels of accommodation occupancy in Queenstown until October 2026. 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 Ben Owens to see how QCB can help.
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Celebrating 40 years in 2026, Kiwi Park Queenstown has transformed from a former rubbish tip into a native wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Queenstown. Home to more than 20 native species, including kiwi, tuatara, kākā and whio, the park offers corporate groups an authentic conservation-focused experience with a strong local story.
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Queenstown has been nominated as Oceania's Leading City Destination 2026 in the World Travel Awards. Voting is open until 7 August, with the winners announced on World Tourism Day, 27 September.
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Edgewater is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this July. They are in the midst of a phased refurbishment programme (which has been ongoing for three years) and will have 80% of guest rooms complete by November 2026.
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- Air Chathams has increased its prices on all bookings made from 1 April to help cope with the sharp increase in fuel costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
- Air New Zealand will be the first carrier to fly internationally from Western Sydney International (WSI) to Auckland, starting on 26 October 2026.
- Air New Zealand will expand its international network from Christchurch Airport, with non-stop services to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth, from October 2026.
- Air New Zealand is rolling out new internally developed check-in kiosks across New Zealand’s airports.
- Air New Zealand has opened bookings for its new Skynest product (economy bunk beds) for flights from November 2026, starting at NZD $495 per session.
- New Zealand’s valuable Chinese visitor market has been reinforced with Air New Zealand renewing its alliance with Air China through to 2031.
- United Airlines will introduce a lie-flat economy option on long-haul flights after licensing the Skycouch concept from Air New Zealand.
- Air New Zealand has successfully completed a trial of a new digital identity technology designed to reduce repeated passport checks and make travel more seamless. Read more here.
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REGENERATIVE TOURISM INITIATIVES
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Founded to replace diesel generators, NRG Event Batteries delivers silent, stable, three-phase battery power for destination events and business events. A cleaner, more efficient alternative for events that require reliable power without compromising production standards, NRG is based in Queenstown, backed by TomTom Productions, and serves events across Otago.
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Ziptrek Ecotours has launched a new Accessibility Guide, helping event planners confidently book experiences that suit delegates. The guide outlines key details, including terrain, physical requirements, and support available, alongside 360° footage. This initiative supports more inclusive itinerary planning, ensuring more guests can experience the ziplining adventure.
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Southern Discoveries and RealNZ are investing in new conservation initiatives across Fiordland, backing predator control and species recovery. Southern Discoveries and DOC will also collaborate to enhance education and awareness opportunities. Looking ahead, RealNZ plans to translocate pukuputuku (little spotted kiwi) from Kāpiti Island to Cooper Island in 2028.
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Brookfield Asset Management has acquired Sofitel Queenstown as part of a NZ$250 million investment in two New Zealand hotel properties. With plans to reposition the hotel and enhance its performance through active asset management and targeted capital investment, reflecting continued investor interest in accommodation assets in Queenstown.
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The Rees Hotel is undertaking a soft refurbishment featuring cushions and New Zealand-made wool throws by Astro Hospitality Ltd. Existing Ed Cruikshank furniture is being refurbished, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The refresh also includes an exclusive bespoke photography collection, showcasing Queenstown’s iconic landscapes.
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Recently refurbished, the Lakeside Residence at Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa offers spacious apartment-style accommodation ideal for corporate groups. Featuring fully equipped kitchens, in-room laundry facilities, and generous living spaces for longer stays, the residence combines comfort and convenience with stunning views of Lake Whakatipu and The Remarkables.
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Kinross Winery is undertaking a winter refurbishment to enhance its award-winning 'Destination Wine' experience. Popular with corporate groups, the upgrades include expanded dining and picnic spaces, improved parking and signage, refreshed vineyard cottages, and improved guest flow. With refreshed spaces set to launch in November 2026.
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Reward your incentive group with a dining experience at Elevation Bar & Restaurant, located inside Coronet Ridge Resort. Perched above Shotover River in Arthurs Point, guests can enjoy contemporary New Zealand cuisine, Central Otago wines and sweeping alpine views in a relaxed setting perfect for group lunches, celebratory dinners or post-event drinks.
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The Dreamery offers a unique and interactive setting for functions, team-building events, and celebrations of up to 50 guests. Featuring immersive activity zones, the venue encourages guests to connect, engage, and have fun in a memorable way. Drinks and canapés are taken care of, allowing event planners to focus on the experience for their delegates.
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Alpine Luxury Tours' new and exclusive, Te Ao Māori: Tāhuna Experience offers an intimate cultural journey. In partnership with Mana Tāhuna and tangata whenua, the experience includes a whakatau welcome, storytelling, native tree planting, and traditional hāngī. Ideal for conference and incentive groups, it creates meaningful connections to people and place.
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Air Milford has launched a new winter experience ideal for corporate and incentive groups. The Sunset Scenic Flight – Golden Hour operates daily from 14 June to 31 August. This 40-minute flight showcases Queenstown and Wānaka’s ski fields in stunning evening light. A memorable addition to any incentive itinerary or executive programme.
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Skyline Queenstown launched the new Vortex Slide in mid-May, offering the business events market an exciting new group activity. The attraction features a 48-metre track with a 20-metre descent, reaching speeds of up to 35 km/h. Ideal for incentive groups and offsite delegate experiences, it adds another high-energy option to Queenstown.
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Queenstown Air Charter by Glenorchy Air is the new brand focusing on high-end, corporate C&I travel. Their Tecnam P2012 (9 seats) will have the capabilities to fly in most weather conditions and offer onward travel out of Queenstown for those multi-destination itineraries. For larger groups, this will be supported by Glenorchy Air's core modern fixed-wing fleet.
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Alpine Luxury Tours' new The Ultimate Kiwi Farm Experience at Brightview is an immersive rural day hosted by fourth-generation farmer Chris, featuring interactive farm activities, sheep shearing, working dog demonstrations, native tree planting and a farmhouse lunch, delivering authentic southern hospitality. Perfect for incentive groups seeking a hands-on adventure.
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As the light softens, Ziptrek Ecotours adventure takes on a new feel with their Twilight Tours. Clients can zip through the treetops as the sun dips behind the mountains, with the tour becoming increasingly immersive, creating a unique setting for team connection and incentive groups of up to 10 guests, or continuous tours for larger groups.
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Appellation Wine Tours has launched the Twilight Wine & Stars Tour, an evening Central Otago experience featuring wine tasting, seasonal dining at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, dessert, and a 90-minute stargazing session at Waitiri Creek Wines, plus a complimentary astrophotography experience under the Southern Hemisphere night sky. For groups of up to 12 guests.
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RealNZ’s coach fleet renewal programme continues to progress, with two new coaches now operating on Fiordland routes and another due before next summer. The company is moving to a schedule of one new coach per year, ensuring the fleet remains at the forefront in allowing the adoption of new green technologies as they become available.
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MEETINGS, organised by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), is New Zealand's only national tradeshow for the Business Events industry. Bringing buyers and sellers of conference and incentive travel products together. This year, it will be held at the NZICC, from 17 - 18 June 2026. The QCB team and 20 Queenstown operators will be there representing our region. Register as a Day Buyer and visit our stand!
BEIA estimated that international delegates arriving between January and March contributed around $54.1m to the New Zealand economy.
Tourism New Zealand says it has helped assemble 89 bids for business events worth $140 million so far this year and is on track to win $185m worth of bids by the end of June.
SITE Australia & New Zealand have opened registrations for their Incentivise Live Conference, taking place on Tuesday 18 August 2026, at the W Hotel in Sydney.
Spice Magazine will host Events Uncovered at Hyatt Regency Sydney on Tuesday 1 September 2026, bringing together industry professionals to explore the latest technology, products and services, and gain insights from expert-led knowledge sessions.
Jan Tonkin has been recognised for services to the business events sector in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List, becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
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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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