Kia ora,

Spring in Queenstown sets a captivating stage for business events, blending mild weather, blooming landscapes, outdoor activities, and local flavours. Attendees can immerse themselves in the stunning alpine backdrop while enjoying diverse experiences, creating a memorable and inspiring atmosphere for any Business Events programme.

The big news for this quarter is that the New Zealand government has now removed all COVID-19 requirements that were still in place, such as the seven day mandatory isolation for all visitors entering New Zealand.

Not only are we looking forward to welcoming a range of business events to the region - throughout September and October - our Queenstown Convention Bureau team are excited to connect with many of you through upcoming opportunities to meet face to face in market, before the end of the year.

Kind regards,
Sarah, Tracy, Jess, and Luisa

Queenstown Update

The latest Nine Month Forward Outlook indicates the current levels of forward-looking accommodation occupancy in Queenstown until the end of April 2024. A great resource to use when planning a business event, as it gives you an idea on the most suitable time for your event.

We are committed to supporting Queenstown's regenerative tourism ambition which is why we are pleased to be partnering with Polestar New Zealand. Polestar is the official vehicle partner of Destination Queenstown, with two fully electric cobranded Polestar 2 cars already on the road since 1 July 2023.

Destination Queenstown is sponsoring the ‘Excellence in Sustainable and Regenerative Business Practice’ category of the Queenstown Business Awards 2023.

Te Wāhi Toi (The Arts Place) is now live! It is an online directory and what's on guide for all things arts and culture across our district. A one-stop-platform where groups can find local events to add to their itinerary, or plan their incentives around what's on. It also has a venue finder section, for venues and spaces that may be used for events and workshops.

Regenerative Queenstown Initiatives

Safari Hotels' new initiative to plant a tree every time a guest skips their daily room clean, enables your C&I delegates to help offset the CO2 impact of their stay by contributing to reforestation projects of Safari Greener Together.

Glenorchy Air have bought a turboprop aircraft that will use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). With government and Air NZ investment, New Zealand is currently conducting research to work towards the feasibility of establishing and operating a SAF production facility in the country. 

RealNZ and Outback New Zealand Ltd (trading as Info & Track/Snow) have received grants to begin electrifying their fleet. RealNZ will electrify two tender crafts in support of their overnight boat and Info & Track/Snow will replace one of their diesel 25 seat coaches with an electric alternative.

Nuskin incentive group from China took part in one of  the RealNZ's CSR projects. This venture marked the beginning of corporate engagement that leaves a positive mark on Queenstown, planting 169 plants at Walter Peak and donating 200 seedlings to the Walter Peak Land Restoration Project.

Travel & Aviation Update

Here is our latest Airline Connectivity resource for December 2023.

• Cathay Pacific will resume its seasonal Christchurch – Hong Kong service with three flights per week starting 16 December 2023 through to 29 February 2024.
• Batik Air is taking on Air New Zealand with flights from Auckland to Perth.
• Air New Zealand has restarted its season service between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast of Australia.
• Air New Zealand is adding more than 2,000 seats to its network to cater to the 'Swift surge' in demand following the announcement of Taylor Swift's Australian tour dates. New flights from Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland to Melbourne and Sydney to be added.
• Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Government have today announced a $2 million plus investment in next phase studies to consider the feasibility of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Aotearoa.
• Fiji Airways, the airline that was recently named the best in the region, has a new aircraft flying to New Zealand. Kiwis will get to experience the new plane on the Auckland to Fiji route, on which it will operate up to four times a week. The airline also uses the Boeing 737 Max 8 on the daily route.
• Airbus, the world's biggest aircraft maker, is betting that hydrogen-powered planes could be a solution for zero-emissions flying. It says it will have a model for commercial use by the middle of next decade. The company is converting the first A380 superjumbo that it ever built into a demonstrator aircraft, which is scheduled to perform flight tests of a hydrogen combustion engine mounted on its fuselage starting in 2026.

Accommodation Update

Eichardt's Private Hotel's recent renovations include all new carpets made from New Zealand wool by Bremworth, luxurious amenities from Ceutical Sans, whiskey flights in the guest parlour, and soon to be hand crafted soap from a local soap artisan. Perfect for your group VIP experience!

The Rees is one of the first hotels in the Queenstown to install Electric Vehicle charging stations. They provide a complimentary service to both their guests and the community. This is a great example of how they are committed to reducing their environmental impact.

Venues Update

Kinross have added two new wine tasting experiences to their portfolio, perfect for your incentive group looking to elevate their experience. 'Winemaker for a Day' and 'Meet the Maker' offer a unique insight into the world of winemaking and a chance to create your own blend.

SODA is Queenstown's newest lakefront restaurant, with woodfired meats, fresh seafood and authentic antipasti. It also has a generous bar area, balcony and courtyard, the perfect spot for business lunches or post-business event dinners.

Looking for a group activity with a difference? Queenstown Ice Bar is perfect for product launches, or corporate drinks with a difference. Enjoy a bespoke range of cocktails, surrounded by hand carved ice architecture and sculptures. Custom designs can be pre-ordered for special events.

After an action-packed day, your incentive group can unwind in style at Oxbow's bar, where they can kick back and relax with a perfectly chilled beer or savour the rich flavours of locally sourced wines, surrounded by a warm and vibrant ambiance.

The Red Barn is a character building surrounded by large established landscaped gardens in the heart of Remarkables Park, Frankton. The Red Barn is available for dry hire and is perfect for a wide range of business events. Ample parking is available at the venue.

Activities Update

AJ Hackett has announced three new VIP experiences at Nevis Bungy, ideal for incentive groups. From private hire and access to bungy pod or bungy bridge, to entire site hire. A thrilling option for groups of 20 to 24 depending on experience chosen.

The Pacific Jemm has welcomed in a full time Skipper and a new crew to service the growing demand for scenic cruises on Lake Whakatipu. This means the 80 Foot Falcon is ready to host any private charter, from two hour, to full day cruises, ideal for your business event delegates.

Elevate your incentive programme with Glenorchy Air's exclusive Milford Sound Charter Flights which offer guaranteed window seating, hosted VIP cruise packages, along with options for high tea, charcuterie, mimosas, and bubbles.

The Headwaters Eco Lodge now offers cooking classes for corporate groups, conferences, and incentive programmes. The two-hour classes are suitable for groups of up to 12, ending with a delicious lunch. A great way to add a unique and interactive experience to any corporate event. 

The Mountain Club Events and Experiences team assisted a conference in including a CSR activity into their 3-day programme. City Cave participated in supporting the local charity Baby Box by volunteering, bringing the group closer together but connecting them with the local community.

Golf Federation, an indoor golf centre in central Queenstown, has opened. It offers four golf simulator bays for hire, equipped with industry-leading technology (TrackMan), provides a club-fitting service, coaching and carries a range of golf apparel.

Industry Update

Business Events Expo 2023
Heading along to the Business Events Expo in Auckland on 22 November? Queenstown Convention Bureau will be there with five Queenstown suppliers. Head over to see the team or get in touch with QCB Account Manager Jessica if you’d like to set a time to connect with her during the show.

Incentivise 2023 – SITE Australia & New Zealand Conference
Last month, QCB Manager Sarah McDonald attended the Incentivise 2023 Conference hosted with SITE Australia & New Zealand chapter at the Intercontinental in Sydney. Not only was this a great event to connect with buyers and suppliers across the incentive business network, the programme dove into hot topics of AI, team development, the changing consumer and the future of the industry. See highlight reel here.

QCB will also be part of the wider New Zealand team at IMEX Las Vegas, PCOA Conference in Adelaide and AIME 2024 in Melbourne. If you are attending any of those shows, please do come and say hi. 

Awards and Accolades

• QT Queenstown received the ‘Best Hotel’ award, Botswana Butchery named the ‘Best Restaurant’, and The Locker Room taking the ‘Best Sports Bar’ award at the 2023 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.
• Amisfield (3 hats), Sherwood (2 hats), Rata (1 hat), Botswana Butchery (1 hat), Jervois Steakhouse (1 hat), The Cow, The Bathhouse, and Aosta have all been named in a list of 250 restaurants for Cuisine's Good Food Guide.
• Amisfield has been named American Express Restaurant of the Year in the Cuisine Awards, with Head Chef Vaughan Mabee also taking the Ora King Salmon Innovation Award.
• Aosta, Little Aosta, Blue Door and The Bathhouse also received the NIWA-Haku Kingfish Champion for Change Award.
• The Rees’ True South Dining Room has been given ‘Best Award of Excellence 2023’ by Wine Spectator for the 12th consecutive year.

Key Dates & Events

• 5 - 10 September: Snow Machine
• 21 - 23 October: Labour Weekend
• 18 November: New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon
• 23 - 26 December: Christmas Weekend
• 27 December: Lake Hayes Triathlon
• 29 - 31 December: Rhythm & Alps
• 5 January: Bay Dreams
• 3 February: Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert
• 6 February: Waitangi Day
• 25 March: Otago Anniversary Day
• 29 March – 1 April: Easter holiday
• 25 April: Anzac Day

Discover more events in Queenstown with a complete guide to our best attractions.

Your Queenstown Convention Bureau Team