Spring is a unique season in Queenstown. With longer, warmer days surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it's the perfect time to explore the region and all it has to offer. It also marks the beginning of our business events season, running from September through November, an ideal time to bring people together in our region.
On the team front, our Business Development Manager for Asia, Yangzi Zhang, departed at the end of last month. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re thrilled she is continuing her career in the industry and wish her all the best.
We are also pleased to welcome Stu Cordelle as our new Head of Business Development. Stu brings a long history in the Tourism industry and a wealth of knowledge to the role, and we’re delighted to have him on board and part of our Queenstown Convention Bureau team.
In this newsletter, you'll discover new venues, accommodation, activities, and opportunities to connect with the QCB team at several industry events, including The Business Events Expo, IMEX America and AIME 2026.
Kind regards,
Jess, Stu and Luisa
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Electrify Queenstown has redefined what’s possible when hosting a business event in the region. As the first feature in our new No Ordinary Business Event case study series, this three-day event brought together changemakers, innovators and Queenstown community members, delivering an exceptionally low-impact event. Planning a Queenstown programme? Discover practical tips on how to create a memorable, sustainable business event in the Queenstown Lakes region.
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QCB, alongside 22 Queenstown and Wānaka suppliers, attended MEETINGS 2025 from 11-12 June at Auckland Showgrounds. Over two appointment streams, QCB held 54 scheduled appointments across two days, resulting in
nine leads for the region. Additionally, Jess Langelaan presented at the TNZ Knowledge Hub, sharing the latest updates on our destination.
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Following MEETINGS 2025, from 13-16 June, QCB hosted eight Australian and one Singaporean buyer, on a Post Meetings Famil. The group experienced Queenstown and Wānaka's business events offering, connected with local suppliers and professional event planners. Some of the highlights included mountain top landings, wine tasting, gin making and a guided nature walk.
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In August, Business Development Manager – MICE, Jess Langelaan, represented Queenstown and Wānaka at key Australian industry events, including the Incentivise Live Conference in Melbourne, joined TNZ sales calls in Melbourne and Sydney, and attended Events Uncovered in Sydney alongside TNZ, BEIA, and other NZ industry colleagues, presenting a united national presence.
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The Forward Outlook resource indicates the current levels of forward-looking accommodation occupancy in Queenstown until February 2026. This interactive chart shows that October could be an ideal time for a last-minute corporate retreat or business trip. Contact Jess Langelaan to find out how the team can assist.
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Our recently updated Business Events Guide connects you with experienced local suppliers who know how to bring exceptional events to life. It’s a great starting point for event planners when developing programmes in the region. Need more information or want to connect with the Bureau team? Get in touch for free, impartial advice to bring your business event vision to life.
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With the shared services model now in place, QCB joined the wider Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) team in Wānaka on Wednesday, 27 August, for a member meet-and-greet at the Wānaka Community Hub. Each department introduced their area of work, while QCB also explored members’ potential business events offering.
In this first year, QCB’s focus will be on building awareness of the business events sector and supporting members as they consider opportunities to engage in this space. We’ll continue to provide updates as this work progresses.
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- China Eastern Airlines will launch a new service connecting its Shanghai Pudong Airport hub to Auckland Airport and then Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport in Argentina from December 2025.
- Air New Zealand is adding more than 34,000 seats to its North America routes between October 2025 to March 2026.
- Air New Zealand has announced it will boost capacity across the Tasman this summer, including the Sydney - Queenstown route, increasing from daily to nine flights a week over December through to February.
- Air New Zealand, Air China, and Tourism New Zealand's new partnership is aimed at strengthening travel from China to New Zealand.
- China Southern Airlines will return to Christchurch Airport this November for the summer season, operating the Guangzhou–Christchurch route with a 26% increase in capacity and an extended schedule that includes the Chinese New Year period.
- Dunedin Airport's first international flight in five years begins with the arrival of Jetstar flight JQ189 from the Gold Coast.
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REGENERATIVE TOURISM INITIATIVES
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Tourism Innovation Group (TIG), the team behind Altitude Tours and Black, two suppliers popular with corporate and incentive groups, is showing how businesses can make a difference. From tree planting and staff-led sustainability initiatives to donating 1% of profits to the Love Queenstown Community Fund, TIG is combining high-quality corporate experiences with positive local impact.
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Heliworks and Alpine Luxury Tours have been awarded Qualmark Gold, the highest level of certification for sustainable tourism in Aotearoa (New Zealand). The achievement recognises their commitment to exceptional visitor experiences, genuine care for the environment, and high standards across all areas of business, from safety to sustainability.
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Hosting a business event in Queenstown offers more than memorable experiences; it’s also an opportunity to leave a positive legacy. Through Love Queenstown, business event planners can contribute directly to local climate, conservation, and biodiversity projects that protect this unique region for generations to come. Discover how your business event can make a meaningful difference.
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Roki Collection opened its doors on Monday, 1 September. With fifteen suites, including the exclusive seven-bedroom Grand ROKI Suite, the property offers privacy, sophistication, and outstanding service for high-end incentive groups. Exceptional dining, bespoke wellness at ROKI Pure, and panoramic lake and mountain views make it an ideal choice for VIP programmes.
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EVT Hotels & Resorts is significantly expanding its QT brand with the refurbishment and conversion of the existing 152 room Rydges Lakeside Queenstown hotel, integrating the property into the existing QT Queenstown. The new QT rooms will become available in stages throughout 2026, with the overall project due to be completed mid-2027, bringing the total offering to 222 rooms.
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Kamana Lakehouse Team Announces NOCTIS: Queenstown's $130m Luxury Resort Development. Set to open in late 2027, the resort will feature 60 bedrooms across all suites, residences and a 10-bedroom penthouse, an infinity pool with lake views, a day spa and wellness facilities, a yoga studio, and a restaurant. With the capacity to host up to 120 banquet style and 200 cocktail style.
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Pavilion Bar and Kitchens offers versatile spaces for corporate dinners, client celebrations, and product launches. The mezzanine level overlooks the kitchens and dining area, while the ground-floor private dining room and the space beside the artisan dough room provide exclusive options. The venue can accommodate up to 300 seated or 500 standing.
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The Dishery, Arrowtown, will change ownership with a handover date of 1 October 2025. The new owners have a well-established group of hospitality businesses, such as The Boatshed Cafe and Canyon Brewing, that will help support the development of The Dishery. The Dishery will close for a short refresh from 28 September to 6 October, reopening on 11 October 2025.
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Pure Tourism Group has acquired Nomad Safaris, Info & Snow, and Info & Track, strengthening its position as a leading provider of premium experiences across the South Island. Nomads Safaris will continue to operate under its existing brand, supported by Pure Tourism Group’s central leadership and operational teams. The official takeover date is 1 October 2025.
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AJ Hackett Bungy will introduce New Zealand's first three-person swing. Set to launch late October 2025, the Kawarau Swing will complement the existing bungy and zipride activities, providing a softer, more inclusive option for larger groups. A must-try addition for incentive programs, team-building events, and networking activities.
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Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters now offers exclusive access to Ben Nevis Station! A remote, high-country location with an outdoor spa pool, fire pit and pizza oven. With a range of activities, from adventure buggy tours, clay target shooting, archery and e-bike tours, it's ideal for luxury incentive experiences and executive retreats.
Contact Tegan Worthington to find out more.
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RealNZ, in partnership with Altitude Tours, will launch Milford Sound Business Class on 1 October 2025. This first-of-its-kind, small-group experience features business-class transport, scenic stops, curated dining, and a two-hour cruise, with the option to return by flight or helicopter. Perfect for incentive groups, it offers an elevated level of comfort and exclusivity.
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Alpine Wine Tours debuts a luxe new direction for 2025/26, offering ultra-boutique, small-group wine experiences for up to 10 guests. Curated tastings at iconic Central Otago wineries, including Amisfield, Kinross, Gibbston Valley, Peregrine, Te Kano, and Carrick. Perfect for team-building, client entertaining, or incentive programmes in a relaxed, private setting.
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Aluume will launch two new wellness experiences in Queenstown. Opening September 2025, Bathe Hot Pools will include communal and private pools for clients to enjoy moments of reflection and relaxation. By the end of the year, Thermae Floating Sauna will follow, New Zealand’s first Scandi-style floating sauna and cold plunge, set on Lake Whakatipu.
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Black's new custom-built, glass-roof Mercedes X-Clusive van is designed for both style and comfort. Seating up to 16 guests, it offers larger groups a premium travel experience that combines luxury, spaciousness, and elegance. Perfect for corporate transfers, private tours, or team outings.
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The QCB team will be attending IMEX America 2025, the largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. Hosted at Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, from 7–9 October 2025.
The Business Events Expo, a key event for organisers of conferences, meetings, incentives, corporate travel, trade shows, and more, will take place on Tuesday, 25 November at the Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland. Have you registered as a buyer yet? Register here and connect with the QCB team in person.
The BEIA Conference will take place at Cordis, Auckland, from 26-27 November 2025. This two-day programme offers education, industry collaboration, and networking opportunities, empowering delegates with the knowledge and skills to drive both organisational and industry-wide success.
Applications are now open for international and domestic hosted buyers to join the AIME 2026 Hosted Buyer Program. The tradeshow will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9–11 February 2026, offering a unique opportunity for buyers to connect with exhibitors, explore new business opportunities, and engage with industry leaders.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins, has been appointed to the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) APAC Regional Advisory Board (RAB) for a two-year term. Hopkins is the only member of the 15-strong team representing a country.
New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has secured two of Australasia’s largest medical conferences for 2026, following recent legislative changes around the advertising of medicines.
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- Sherwood Queenstown has been awarded ‘Best Restaurant’ at the 2025 Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence.
- RealNZ won Large Allied Operator of the Year at the 2025 TECNZ Conference.
- The 2024/2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards saw Amisfield take the top prize, winning the American Express Restaurant of the Year. Aosta, Arrowtown, was also recognised as the Yellow Brick Road Regional Restaurant of the Year, obtaining a two-hat status for the first time, with Chef Josh Phillips winning the Clyth MacLeod Rising Talent Award.
- Many Queenstown and Wānaka operators were recognised in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards, including: True South’s Milford Fly/Cruise/Fly, Skyline Queenstown, Altitude Tour’s Milford Sound Experience, Pure Glenorchy, The Dairy, Queenstown Park Boutique, Lakeside Apartments Wānaka, Jervois Steak House, Rata, FOGO and Bella Cucina. Read more.
- Canyon Brewing won seven medals at the 2025 New Zealand Beer Awards, including the coveted Best in Class trophy for its Vacation Hazy Pale Ale.
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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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