Spring is a unique season in Queenstown, blossoming with new colours and surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains still holding winter’s charm. Longer, warmer days provide more time to explore the region and all it has to offer.
With the arrival of Spring, our business events season kicks into high gear. The coming months are packed with conferences, incentive groups, and community events. September through November is the perfect time to bring people together in our region, where the beauty of nature meets the buzz of business.
In this newsletter, you'll discover new venues, activities, and opportunities in our business events world. From connecting with our team at the Queenstown Lakes Australia Roadshow next month, to engaging with suppliers at IMEX or closer to home in Auckland, our QCB team will be out and about, showcasing why Queenstown is the ultimate business events destination.
As we look ahead to 2025 and 2026, and we see significant forward planning and Request for Proposals (RFPs) submissions, there’s still time to consider Queenstown for your end-of-year events. Explore our Forward Outlook and get in touch with our team today to plan those festive gatherings.
Kind regards,
Sarah, Jess, Yangzi and Luisa
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During Meetings 2024 in June, The Queenstown Convention Bureau welcomed Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand's incentive famil groups for event specialists from North America and Asia. They explored Queenstown as part of a multi-destination programme, experiencing its finest offerings for corporate events and incentive groups. Below, the North American participants take in the stunning views from one of Queenstown's majestic mountain peaks.
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The Business Events Expo 2024 is set to take place on Tuesday, 19 November, at the Auckland Viaduct Events Centre. This will be the first time in New Zealand where both national and international business events solutions will be showcased under one roof in one day. Exhibitors will represent regions from across New Zealand, along with Australia, the Pacific, Asia, and beyond.
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The Forward Outlook resource indicates the current levels of forward-looking accommodation occupancy in Queenstown until February 2025. This interactive chart shows that October could be an ideal time for a last-minute corporate retreat or business trip. Contact Sarah McDonald QCB Manager, or Jess Langelaan QCB Account Manager, to find out how the team can help.
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TRAVEL AND AVIATION UPDATE |
- Starting 10 October, Qantas will increase its non-stop flights between New York and Auckland to six times a week, up from four weekly flights during the summer season.
- Air New Zealand will suspend its Auckland–Nouméa service from 10 June to 28 September, 2024.
- Qantas will shift its daily late evening flight from Queenstown to Sydney to an early morning departure beginning in November. The 8:00pm service will now depart at 7:00am.
- Air New Zealand will introduce its innovative SkyNest economy class bunk beds in 2024. The first SkyNest units will be available on select Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner routes, including flights from Auckland to New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
- Cathay Pacific will resume its Hong Kong to Christchurch service for the upcoming summer season with increased frequency. From 2 December, 2024, to 27 February, 2025, flights will increase from three to four times per week.
- United Airlines will relaunch its San Francisco to Christchurch service this summer season, operating three flights per week.
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The LUMA Southern Light Project is an annual light-based event that transforms Queenstown Gardens into a stunning, immersive experience. It's focused on inclusion and sustainability, with initiatives like the zero waste program DISHrupt. Giving you an insight on how to incorporate this into your business event programme. Check out the latest episode of From The Ground Up.
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Love Queenstown, Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Mana Tāhuna are once again organising a Tourism Industry Planting Day on Thursday, 26 September 2024, at Welcome Forest, Jardine Park in Kelvin Heights. To explore planting day opportunities for your next Queenstown programme, contact Ash Bickley, Community Fund Coordinator.
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Aro Ha Wellness Retreat proudly achieves NetZero Energy by harnessing nature's forces of sunlight and water. It combines solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, micro-hydro technology, and sustainable timber. For over a decade, Aro Ha has powered itself with 100% renewable resources belonging to its unique local environment.
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The vision behind The Headwaters Eco Lodge is to create a slow tourism destination experience that supports regenerative design. Recycled and reclaimed building materials have been used giving the Lodge a unique character. The property features 589 solar panels, while water-saving measures like composting toilets conserve approximately 400,000 litres annually.
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Nugget Point Hotel, managed by Capstone Hotel Management, will undergo an extensive transformation to modernise the property to a five-star luxury standard. The property features guest rooms, each with private balconies or patios. The renovations, which also include a rebranding of the hotel, are expected to be completed by mid-2025.
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Hulbert House, a beautifully restored Victorian villa from 1888 blends historic elegance with contemporary service. Situated just a short walk from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, this boutique hotel offers six exclusive suites, making it an ideal choice for a VIP incentive group seeking a unique and luxurious experience.
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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat the perfect spot for your delegates to unwind after your conference programme has ended, is expanding its wellness area with a new sauna, spa, massage and ice shower. Situated next to the Yurt amongst the bush, inhouse guests can enjoy this space for an additional fee.
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Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa is partnering with luxury French brand L’Occitane en Provence to rebrand its spa as Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane, making this L’Occitane’s first luxury spa in New Zealand. Open since last month, the spa offers beauty treatments, massages, and rituals using L’Occitane products, with buy-out options for incentives and groups.
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Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters is now offering its spacious hangar as a unique, blank canvas ready to be transformed to fit any theme or style. Picture helicopters as impressive centerpieces with the Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop. The hangar can accommodate up to 350 guests, making it an ideal venue for larger gatherings.
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Kingpin Queenstown has a spacious open bar area ideal for welcome functions. It also offers a variety of activities like bowling, arcade games, karaoke, virtual reality experiences, and escape rooms, making it a great option for a morning conference followed by activities. The venue accommodates up to 150 guests in a theatre setup or 600 for a standing event.
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The Assembly, Queenstown's new Kiwi Gastropub, formerly know as The Bavarian Queenstown opened its doors last month. Their versatile space can be tailored to suit groups of all sizes, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Located in the Upper Village - five minutes' away from Queenstown town centre - it's the perfect spot for larger gatherings.
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Te Atamira offers 22 unique spaces, including an art gallery, dance studios, performance areas, a recording studio, music rooms, a pottery studio, an art workshop, and a community project space, making it ideal for a range of business events. The gallery, with a capacity of up to 120 guests, is perfect for welcome functions or intimate board meetings.
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In2Food Catering is now Queenstown Catering, reflecting 20 years of service in the Queenstown-Lakes district. A new brand proposition aligns with the company’s vision to promote more sustainable catering practices within their operations. The rebrand also represents growth and the inclusion of many long-term employees as company shareholders.
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Launching October 2025, Milford Sound Business Class, a collaboration between RealNZ and Altitude Tours, is designed to deliver unparalleled comfort and luxury. With high panoramic windows and bespoke seating, it provides a business class-style experience ideal for VIP incentive groups of up to 15 guests, ensuring a personalised and intimate journey.
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Latitude 45, a new Queenstown wine tour company, offers an exclusive experience with local guides, luxury transport, and small-group tours. Guests explore top vineyards, discover hidden gems, and enjoy curated wines. The service features flexible itineraries, sustainable practices, and direct interactions with winemakers for deeper insights.
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The Playground has introduced the new Corporate Team Building Experience, designed to elevate team dynamics through fun, adventure, and strategic challenges specifically tailored for corporate groups. By merging the Old School Playground with the Adventure Team Challenge, they offer a memorable experience that strengthens bonds and boosts collaboration.
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Join us for the Queenstown Lakes Australia Roadshow 2024, where you can connect with over 30 C&I suppliers from Queenstown and Wānaka in a relaxed networking environment across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Don’t miss this chance to discover the latest offerings from the region and possibly win a spot on a Queenstown famil in November! Register here to secure your place.
Are you heading to IMEX Las Vegas 2024 in October? Queenstown will be well represented with local DMC, HQ New Zealand and venue AJ Hackett Bungy Centre exhibition alongside other New Zealand partners on the Tourism New Zealand stand. Get in touch with Sarah McDonald if you’d like an introduction to our ZQN contact to make an appointment.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa has recently announced that MEETINGS 2025 and 2026 will be hosted in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau. Make sure you mark 11 - 12 June 2025 and 17 - 18 June 2026 in your calendars now.
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YOUR QUEENSTOWN CONVENTION BUREAU TEAM |
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