Kia ora, 

Winter has arrived here in Queenstown. In the heart of the Southern Alps, with unrivalled alpine scenery, snow-capped mountains and fresh mountain air, Queenstown is New Zealand’s home of winter. We have many new product updates in this newsletter that will certainly elevate this season's visitor experience and beyond.

It was great to reconnect and meet many of you at TRENZ in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington last month alongside 29 of our Queenstown operators. 

If you have any questions you can contact us at any time or learn more about us on our website, join our Facebook group, or view our YouTube channel.

Ngā mihi nui (Thank you),
Linda, Yangzi, Rose

Queenstown Update

We recommend checking out the What's New section of our website for our latest product updates. This includes New Products, Major Developments, and our Accommodation Pipeline alongside our Airline Connectivity and Maps & Guides.

The latest Forward Outlook indicates current levels of forward-looking accommodation occupancy in Queenstown to help you choose a time when Queenstown will deliver the optimal visitor experience for your clients.

Regenerative News

Love Queenstown is a giving platform that invites our visitors, and the industry that supports them to protect this place, now and for generations to come. By supporting Love Queenstown, you're supporting the network of organisations driving meaningful environmental action across our region. Find out how you can be involved here.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown has teamed up with KiwiHarvest, a food rescue service, to redistribute fresh, high-quality surplus food to the Salvation Army's Queenstown branch. Book your clients accommodation knowing they are making a difference!

From a pioneering history to paving the way, Shotover Jet Queenstown is embarking on a journey to build the world's first commercial electric jetboat. Watch this installment from our ‘From The Ground Up’ series to see how Shotover Jet is making a difference to the environment and our community. 

Travel and Aviation

• Qantas is adding around 260,00 new seats to its trans-tasmans routes with Christchurch and the South Island benefitting the most. 
• Sichuan Airlines has returned its weekly service from Gendgu to Auckland after suspending the route in 2020. 
• Air New Zealand is extending its pause on its Chicago services, reintroducing two seasonal routes to Seoul and Hobart, and boosting capacity on flights to Singapore, Tokyo and Taipei. 
• Air New Zealand has selected Wellington and Marlborough Airports as the two hubs for its commercial electric aircraft demonstrator flights.

Accommodation

A high-end luxury accommodation development has started this month in Queenstown's Fernhill area. It’ll comprise of 19 luxury residences in 10 separate buildings with a total of 60 bedrooms altogether. There will be a central facilities building with a conference area and restaurant. The project is anticipated to take three years. 

Nugget Point Hotel, now owned by New Bay Group is committed to regaining its five-star rating. Elements of the redesign include a new lobby and reception area, and upgrades to the restaurant and all rooms. A full refurbishment will start end of August 2024 and the hotel will open in mid-2025 under a new brand name.

Eichardt's Private Hotel is currently undertaking a soft furnishing update to their rooms and lakeside apartments, including new fireplaces and air-conditioning. Due for completion end of June.

Carrick Winery's Towan House homestead accommodation is now available for private and exclusive use. The homestead offers six bedrooms and guests can meander through the vineyard and olive grove to Carrick’s winery restaurant for lunch or a tasting. 

Activities

Altitude Tours and RealNZ have collaborated to release their latest product, 'Milford Business Class'.  Redefining the Milford Sound experience with a curated service featuring unparrelled comfort, including seating, amenities, and attention to detail that promises a more luxurious experience. Launching October 2025.

Alpine Luxury Tours have introduced 'The Fiordland Highlights Tour'. A full day tour with the option of an overnight farm stay including private luxury vehicle and driver, accommodation pickups, jet boat tour, farm tour and refreshments. 

Alpine luxury Tours have also introduced the 'Central Otago Adrenaline & Aroma Tour'. This includes luxury transport through the region to Oxbow Adventure Co for the 'Epic Duo', Highlands Motorsport Park Go-Karts & Porshe Taycan experience followed by a three-course lunch and wine tasting at Carrick Winery and Restaurant.

Cardrona and Treble Cone have introduced Premium Packages for this years 2024 ski season. For couples or families they can maximise learning with experienced instructors. Includes 6-hours of full day lessons, express lane for rental and ticketing and detailed lesson report. Plus more inclusions depending on the package you choose.

Pacific Jemm by Eichardt's has launched this winter season, the Mulled Wine Cruise on Lake Whakatipu. Offering two 90-minute cruises daily at 12.30 and 3.00pm. 

iFLY Indoor Skydiving have reintroduced their virtual reality flights. Booked in combination with any standard package (2-4 minute flight). After flight, guests are equipped with VR headset and can choose between multiple flight videos.  

Obelisk Wine Tours offer private and bespoke full day wine tours for 2-6 guests in the heart of Central Otago’s wine region. Obelisk Tours is family owned & operated. They host guests, sharing their passion and knowledge about Central Otago – history, views, flavours and wines. 

Monte Christo Winery's new underground cellar with premium wine experiences is now open. Clients can enjoy a guided one hour journey in the intimate underground cellar with an educational wine tasting of their full range, including their limited-production subregional pinot noirs. 

Food and Drink

Tommy's Margarita Bar has opened in central Queenstown, in The Mall. Currently open Thursday, Friday and Saturday's. Tommy's, keeping with the fun theme, is Republic Hospitality groups nod to tequila. Guests can enjoy expert-crafted margaritas in their lounge bar. 

No5 Church Lane, a popular dinner venue in Queenstown, has introduced new flavours and feel to its menu. Inspired by South African and Indian cuisine, it is a must try for your clients when visiting Queenstown.

The historic Speights Ale House has been under reconstruction for the last year as it rebuilds from the devasting fire in early 2023.  They are expecting to reopen their doors on 31 July, in time for the winter season. 

Fino Wine Bar has now opened at Queenstown Marina, right on the lakefront and is only a short 10-minute drive from central Queenstown. They feature a wide range of local and New Zealand wines and handcrafted food. 

Giovi's the local Italian restaurant chain has opened up a new venue called Pronto, located in central Queenstown on Searle Lane. The new restaurant offers 'Italian to go' style food such as focaccia sandwiches, lasagne, gnocchi and dolce.  

The Bavarian restaurant is undergoing a full refit, converting to what will be an upmarket gastro style pub, named 'The Assembly'.

The Cargo Collective’s Cargo Brew Hall is opening 21 June. This new venue will be a premier destination for corporate and private functions of up to 220 people. Also offering custom team building activities, ensuring unforgettable experiences for your team. 

Awards And Accolades

• Ngāi Tahu Tourism-owned Guided Walks New Zealand has been awarded the Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award by Qualmark.
• Air New Zealand wins Best Premium Economy for 2024 AirlineRatings.

Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence Queenstown entries:

• Best Hotel - Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa, The Dairy Private Queenstown, by Naumi Hotels, and Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu.
• Best Restaurant - Botswana Butchery, Margo’s Queenstown, and White and Wongs Queenstown.
• Best Bar - Little Blackwood
• Best Cafe - Odd Saint 

Winners will be announced 30 July 2024.

Key Dates & Events

• 27-28 June: NZ Mountain Film Festival
• 28 June: Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai
• 6 - 21 July: NZ school holidays
• 6 July: Searchlight Brewery Winter Beer Festival
• 22 August: Winter Pride 2024
  
• 23 August – 9 September: Winter Games NZ
  
• 3 – 8 September: Snow Machine
  
• 28 September – 13 October: NZ school holidays
  
• 16 November: Queenstown Marathon

Discover more events in Queenstown with a complete guide to some great experiences.

Your DQ Travel Trade Team