Queenstown Blog

More than 80% of Kiwis intend to travel within New Zealand over the summer holidays and Queenstown is their most sought after destination according to a survey by Travelbug , the travel website run by Trade Me.

The online survey of 11,000 New Zealanders showed Queenstown as the best destination people had visited in New Zealand (attracting 16% of the vote), and the most preferred in terms of the "next place you want to visit" (15%).

Head of Travel at Trade Me, Daniel Bridges, said Queenstown was massively popular because it was built for visitors.

"It's no longer just a winter playground - there's so much to see and do and it really is an exhilarating place to be all year-round. It's exciting, unlike anywhere else in the country and offers world-class visitor experiences.”



He said "the Queenstown obsession" was strong amongst the younger crowd, with 26% of those aged between 18 and 29 picking it as their number one holiday destination.

Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt was delighted with the result.

“Domestic tourism has been strong for Queenstown this year. Continually improving air access – more flights, more routes and bigger aircraft – is making it easier for Kiwis to come and enjoy the spectacular lake and alpine scenery and experiences Queenstown has to offer.”
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Queenstown is heating up for an action-packed summer with new international concerts, New Year’s Eve celebrations, food and wine festivals, street parties, free community events, and sporting matches.

And with the sun rising at 5am and setting as late as 10pm in the four-season lake and alpine resort during summer there’s plenty of time to make the most of the warm sunshine and long twilights.

The nearby historic gold mining village of Arrowtown will celebrate the start of summer on 2 December by closing off its picturesque main street for the inaugural Arrowtown Long Lunch. Along with live music and entertainment, a row of tables featuring the differently themed cuisine of local cafes and restaurants will span the length of the street for diners to enjoy festive summer dining at its best.

In late December the region moves into holiday mode with visitors joining in the festive fun.

New Year’s Eve traditionally goes off with a bang in central Queenstown with a spectacular lakeside fireworks display, live music and parties in the streets. The celebrations kickstart the month-long Summerdaze Festival filled with sporting, arts, cultural, musical and family entertainment.



This New Year’s Eve, Queenstown will also host a new annual music festival EarthTonz which features more than 30 hours of live music over two days. On 30 December there’s a great line up of Kiwi bands at Gibbston Valley Station while on New Year’s Eve the big guns come out with Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) & DJ Aero, big beating Americans Crystal Method, British break beat band The Freestylers, DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill), Kraak & Smaak, AK 1200/DJ Dara/MC Messinian (Planet of the Drums), Boombox, Ana Sia, Heatbox, NZ’s own Minuit, and other international dance and electronica acts.

January is full of events action, beginning with the Glenorchy Race Day. This iconic event has been running for more than 40 years and is a true southern Kiwi experience. Locals turn out in force to cheer on the competitors, many of whom are local horse trekking staff and stockmen/women, so competition is fierce!



The hugely popular and colourful national Rugby Sevens tournament is also on in January, and is considered one of the sporting highlights on the summer calendar. The two-day event in central Queenstown is famous for its fun, laidback atmosphere and attracts capacity crowds.

Town meets country each January at the Lake Hayes A&P Show. This is a great family day out with heaps of attractions including a petting zoo, parades, show jumping and wool shearing as well as live music, a BBQ cook off and a variety of food, wine and craft stalls. ‘World famous in NZ’ comedian Te Radar is back by popular demand as MC.

Wine and food enthusiasts from around the world come together in late January for one of New Zealand’s premier wine events, the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration, which showcases Central Otago’s best wine, cuisine and scenery.



Music lovers are spoilt for choice in February with several major international acts performing around Queenstown. Legendary rock bands the Doobie Brothers and Little River Band will play all their greatest hits against the stunning backdrop of Gibbston Valley Winery, one of Central Otago’s most internationally recognised vineyards, while Australian roots band the John Butler Trio and funky American soul singer Aloe Blacc & The Grand Scheme will perform at Peregrine’s award-winning winery. And after their hit concert last year, Creedence Clearwater Revisited will return for a gig at Queenstown Events Centre.

Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt said the diversity of events during summer really added to the buzz of Queenstown.

“There’s plenty to appeal to locals and visitors alike and the warm days and long evenings are the perfect motivator for getting out and about and enjoying the events on offer. Add to that Queenstown’s huge activity offering, hiking and biking trails, water sports, award-winning food and wine, and vibrant social scene, and you have all the ingredients for a great summer holiday,” he said.

For a full calendar of summer events plus more information on how to get to Queenstown and where to stay, play, shop, eat and drink please visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz .

Influential travel authority Lonely Planet has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012 for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery.

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Queenstown’s appeal as a business tourism destination continues to grow after securing several key visitor industry events for next year.



Destination Queenstown (DQ) has successfully bid to host next year’s Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) conference, considered to be New Zealand’s premier business tourism event. The conference will be one of four key visitor industry events to be held in Queenstown in 2012.

The others are the Australia New Zealand Agent Workshop (ANZA), which will bring together educators and education agents in February, New Zealand’s largest travel trade event TRENZ which will be held in May, and the Holiday Parks Association of NZ (HAPNZ) Conference and Trade Exhibition in June.

Destination Queenstown’s (DQ) Convention Bureau Manager Kylie Brittain, who bid for the CINZ conference on Queenstown’s behalf, was delighted with the result.

“Hosting this conference will give us a fantastic opportunity to showcase Queenstown as a business tourism destination to key people in New Zealand’s Conference and Incentive industry.

“While the conference will be the main focus over the three days, there’s also plenty of time for delegates to get out and enjoy the scenery, activities, and cafes, bars and restaurants.”

The CINZ conference will be held at the Millennium Hotel from 7-9 November 2012 and up to 180 industry representatives from around the country are expected to attend. Queenstown last hosted CINZ in 2005.

CINZ CEO Allan Trotter said the bid’s success reflected the strength of Queenstown’s offering.

“Queenstown ticks all the boxes as an inspirational and motivational destination with stunning scenery, easy international flight access, high quality accommodation and conference venues, destination management experts, exciting group and adventure activities, and award-winning food and wine.”

Earlier this year Queenstown received global recognition for its business tourism after being voted ‘Best Incentive Destination’ at the micenet AUSTRALIA* awards in Melbourne.

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The Southern Hemisphere’s hottest biking destination is gearing up for summer with trails guaranteed to spin everyone’s wheels, from beginners to extreme bikers.

New and improved trails around Queenstown offer a host of world-class terrain across hills, mountains, tracks and bike parks, from easy scenic rides to adrenaline-pumping downhill, cross-country, freestyling, and heli-biking.



Now extended to an eight-month season, New Zealand’s first gondola-assisted ‘bike lift’ has opened up a whole new dimension for mountain bikers in the heart of Queenstown.  Riders can load their bikes onto the iconic Skyline Gondola and enjoy panoramic lake and mountain views as they’re lifted high above Queenstown to the new bike park.  Here there are more than 30km of trails ranging from fast groomed tracks to rock gardens and natural single tracks, with runs graded green, blue and black for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders.

Back road cycling over at Walter Peak has also been extended, running from October to April.  The trip, which can be done independently or in small guided groups, begins with an unforgettable 45-minute cruise across the lake aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship.  Riders can then cycle part or all of the spectacular 55km trail from Walter Peak high country farm to Mavora Lakes. 

Another increasingly popular pastime is exploring some of Central Otago’s vineyards by bike.  Take a leisurely pedal down scenic back roads and on the new 8.5km River Trail through the spectacular Gibbston valley, stopping off at award-winning wineries along the way.  Or take a ‘cycle de vine’ guided tour on a comfortable cruiser to see the vines that grow some of the world’s best pinot noir.  Taste the end result at cellar doors and meet some of the wine makers.

The new Manse Road trail, 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, is an easy way to explore picturesque Arrowtown and its historic Chinese Village.  Another option specially developed for families is Jardine Park which connects to stunning lakeside trails around Kelvin Heights Peninsula and out to Jacks Point.

With more than 400km of trails across five mountain ranges, Queenstown offers the most heli-bike options in the world.  Heli-biking is a great opportunity for riders to experience amazing descents and epic scenery on a trip tailored to suit their ability.

To make biking around Queenstown easy, experienced bike operators and rental providers offer a range of hire packages and guided tour options, whether it’s for an hour or a multi-day trip.

The surge in biking popularity has also promoted some new events and the return of firm favourites.

Biking season gears up before Christmas with a Family Bike Jam, the Wakatipu Trail Blazer and a Dirt Jump Opening Jam.  At Easter, the Queenstown Mountain Bike Festival returns for its second year with a number of serious and fun events for all capabilities, while the brand new Orion Health GODZone Adventure race, 7-14 April, will be a multi-day, non-stop, expedition-style adventure race for serious athletes.

Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt said biking was fast becoming recognised by national and international visitors as a great way of getting out and enjoying what Queenstown has to offer.

“Whatever your ability and wherever you go there’s amazing scenery and experiences.  You can cycle between towns, vineyards or golf courses, go heli-biking, take to the parks for downhill action and technical riding or just have some fun with the kids.  Add to that our huge range of activities, award-winning food and wine, vibrant social scene, day spa options, and accommodation to suit all budgets, and people can build their perfect holiday,” he said.

Influential travel authority Lonely Planet has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012 for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery.


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The $1.6 million upgrade of the final section of Gorge Road is set to get underway next week, Queenstown Lakes District Council project manager Lane Vermaas said.

The completion of the three-year project involves the upgrade of Gorge Road from the Watties Track intersection (just beyond Industrial Place) to the McChesney Road intersection at Arthurs Point. A further feature is the widening of McChesney Bridge located over McChesney Creek.

“The upgrade of the road and the widening of McChesney Bridge, are part of wider improvements to the length of Gorge Road between Queenstown and Arthurs Point. The project improves safety for motorists and cyclists, with the benefit of reducing waiting times associated with queuing on either side of the bridge,” Mr Vermaas said.

Two bus stops on the East and West side of Gorge Road near where the old Arthurs Point Pub used to be will also be constructed.

“Council contractors will endeavour to keep interruptions to a minimum and will ensure one-lane traffic remains open wherever possible but we will need to call on driver patience,” Mr Vermaas said.

The intended program of work begins next week with earth works to the south of McChesney Bridge, which will continue to 23 December.

“We will then put all work on hold for the peak season and recommence on January 15 with the road upgrade, which will take us through until June,” Mr Vermaas said.

The bridge widening project would get underway from February in conjunction with the upgrade, with completion of the two-lane bridge planned for July 2012.

“It’s a big program of work with a great end result,” Mr Vermaas said.

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With its world renowned multi-day hiking tracks and walking trails now open for summer, Queenstown is buzzing with visitors keen to explore the magnificent scenery.

New this season is the spectacular 8.5km Gibbston River Trail which takes in stunning views framed by the Kawarau River on one side and Gibbston vineyards on the other, with easy access to prominent wineries and historic and archaeological sites.

Another popular new walk just 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown is the Manse Road trail which provides an easy way to explore picturesque Arrowtown and the historic Chinese Village.  Ten minutes away, the 8km Lake Hayes Loop offers 360-degree lake and mountain views and stunning lakeside picnic spots.

Queenstown’s surrounds are also a haven for more adventurous hikers with a number of New Zealand’s Great Walks, such as the world-famous Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn, Dart/Rees, Caples and Greenstone tracks, within a short driving distance of Queenstown.  Some have guided options with the luxury of showers, beds and three-course meals, or can be walked independently using Department of Conservation huts or campsites which need to be booked well in advance.

Mr Everitt said Queenstown was considered one of New Zealand’s most popular walking and hiking destinations and, together with its range of activities, provided the perfect mix of action and relaxation for an unforgettable summer holiday.

“With dawn as early as 5am and dusk settling around 10pm, the long days and evenings are perfect for enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, diversity of landscapes and vast range of things to do. 

“It’s easy to fit in a solid day’s walk and then come back and enjoy all that the town has to offer or, alternatively, do a multi-day hike and tack on a few extra days for some time out.  If you’re after adrenaline pumping action there’s a multitude of world-renowned adventure activities to choose from or there are plenty of more leisurely pursuits like spa treatments, a round of golf or a tour of award-winning wineries to sample local produce and some of the world’s finest pinot noir.”

To view footage of some of the region’s great walks and what hikers say about them visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99QUyidSVrM&feature=youtube.  For more information about Queenstown visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz. 

Influential travel authority Lonely Planet has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012 for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery.

Tags: Summer, Press Release, hiking, Destination Queenstown

SOUTHERN LAKES, New Zealand (31 October, 2011) - Influential travel authority, Lonely Planet, has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012.
The Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland is the only New Zealand region to feature in the new book, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 – the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year.

Queenstown and Southern Lakes is ranked eighth in the book’s list of Top 10 Regions for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery. An excerpt from the book reads, “There isn’t a bad time to turn up in the world’s top adventure playground. There’re nonstop outdoor activities year-round in the resort towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau, as well as the surrounding mountains, lakes and parks… Where else can you ski in the morning and golf or water ski in the afternoon? Add excellent wineries and superb restaurants and what more is there to say?”

The Southern Lakes region is renowned as one of the most diverse and spectacular regions in the world, encompassing the tranquil beauty of Lake Wanaka, the international four-season resort of Queenstown and Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes, all surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.

Lonely Planet New Zealand spokesperson Sarah Bennett said, “This news is hardly the shock of the century. Anyone who lives in or has visited the Queenstown region will back up this accolade. Words like breathtaking, jaw-dropping, exhilarating and stunning are grossly overused in the tourism industry but the Southern Lakes region has a right to them all.”

Tony Everitt, CEO of Destination Queenstown, said featuring in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 would bring significant benefits for the region’s profile.
“To receive this kind of endorsement by Lonely Planet is priceless for Queenstown and the Southern Lakes as well as New Zealand,” he said. “Lonely Planet is a giant of the travel industry so making it onto their Top 10 must-visit regions for 2012 will give our region global recognition and provide inspiration for their readers to visit.”

Lisa Sadler, manager of Destination Fiordland, said the power of Lonely Planet could not be underestimated, “We are aware of the power of Lonely Planet in influencing the travelling community about where the best experiences are to be found, so the news that Fiordland has been acknowledged, along with our Southern Lakes neighbours as amongst the world’s top 10 leading regions is superb.”

Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager James Helmore said Lonely Planet communicates to a core audience that enjoys what the region has to offer. “With its diversity of activities, striking landforms and freedom to do your own thing in the ultimate alpine playground, Wanaka and the Southern Lakes is the perfect fit for the Lonely Planet reader. Appearing in Best in Travel 2012 will considerably enhance our profile and allow more international travellers to discover what everyone who lives here is so passionate about.”
Queenstown and the Southern Lakes shares the Top 10 Regions list with destinations such as Borneo, Sicily, Northern Kenya and Coastal Wales which tops the 2012 list.
Best in Travel’s recommendations are drawn from hundreds of ideas submitted by Lonely Planet’s staff, authors and community of travellers, bloggers and tweeters. Their suggestions are then refined by a panel of in-house travel experts, based on topicality, excitement, value and that special X-factor.
For further information on the Southern Lakes region, visit www.southernlakes.travel. Tags: Southern Lakes, Lonely Planet, Destination Queenstown, Queenstown, Press Release

The growing reputation of Queenstown, New Zealand as ‘foodie heaven’ has been reinforced by a top award from the world’s largest travel website.

The Southern Hemisphere’s premier four-season lake and alpine resort has taken out a prestigious spot in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2011 Food and Wine Destination Awards for the South Pacific region.

Coming first in New Zealand and just behind culinary big-hitters Melbourne and Sydney, this firmly cements Queenstown’s position as a world-class food and wine destination. The awards are based on the most highly-rated food and wine destinations as recommended by millions of travellers from around the globe. 

“We’ve long been known for our adventure, outdoor and scenic appeal, but this just goes to show that we satisfy all tastes when it comes to our award-winning food and wine,” said Destination Queenstown General Manager Marketing Graham Budd.

“Local producers, chefs and winemakers are passionate about this place, where outstanding produce sourced locally inspires some amazing menus.

“Restaurants large and small are everywhere, and it’s not hard to find one with stunning lake or mountain views, while the vineyards and winery restaurants on the outskirts of town are rated as some of the best in New Zealand.

“Our climate of hot, dry summers, cool autumns and crisp, cold winters makes for excellent grape growing conditions for our 200 vineyards which are producing world class award-winning wines.

“Even going for a coffee in Queenstown is an experience, ideal for taking in the spectacular views or some people-watching.  In spring and summer visitors love to dine outside, while in winter it’s easy to find a cosy restaurant complete with a roaring fireplace.” 

 Mr Budd said the award was testament to the many food and wine producers and suppliers in Queenstown. 

“We feel very proud of this fantastic achievement and the international recognition of our local food and wine industry,” he said. 

For the full list of winners please go to http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice-Food 

For more information about Queenstown visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz. 

Tags: Queenstown, Press Release, News, Destination Queenstown

With spring approaching it's nice to get out and enjoy the sunshine.  There are  a number of short walks around the Lake and the hills which make for a nice afternoon or morning stroll. These walks will take less than two hours and revitalise mind, body and spirit.

1.  Queenstown Hill.  A 45 Minute climb to the hill centered in the middle of the Basin.  Outstanding panoramic views. It's a pretty step climb but filled with interesting information and stunning views. Well worth the trot.  Snap a shot of yourself relaxing in the basket of dreams and watch those knees on the way down!

2.  Frankton Walking Track. Walk from Queenstown to Frankton (4-5km) and return along the Service road located at the end of Park St. Or start in town and walk around the gardens. It's a plesant lake side stroll. I recommend you do it in the morning to ensure you get the sun.  About 1.5 hours return.

3.  Lake Hayes.  A beautiful walk around Lake Hayes, stop in at the Pavilion and pick a direction. It's about an Hour and a half to get right around and on a still sunny day the reflections will take your breath away. (then go to Walnut cottage for a coffee and a slice).

4.  1 Mile.  Another up hill stroll located at the 1 mile (big round about before Fernhill) Take a right and park up beside our old power station.  a 45 minute to 1 hour walk will see you looking over Queenstown from the Gondola, if you're game sneak on board a gondola and head on down the hill (ssshhh!!) or walk on back to your wagon.

5.  Bobs Cove from the 12 Mile.  Nice mostly flat track from 12 Mile to Bobs cove and the historic Lime Kilns.  A good hour walk each way but enjoyable on a well service Lake side track.  Drive out towards Glenorchy until you get to the 12 mile reserve, head on down and park by the lake, the rest is labeled.  

There are a bunch more short tracks and day walks in Queenstown and the surrounds. I'll try and re-live a few of them in more blog posts soon.

Enjoy the sun! Tags: Untagged

It's said that Queenstown can be an expensive place to live and play, it's true, it can cost alot but there are a number of things you can do here that won't take an arm or leg away from you!

1. Frisbee Golf. Great walk around the park, well laid out course and heaps of fun for the whole family.  It's free, but you may need a Frisbee and a map, available from any sports store in Town.

2. Soak up the Scenery, I know this isn't really an activity, but it is enjoyable, get out and soak it up!

3. Get on the lake with a Kayak or other water boat on the waterfront, from $12 per hour.

4. Get up the gondola it's less than $20 or you could walk it and well worth the visit, The Luge is up the top there too (more than $20)

5. Mini golf. Head on up to Caddy shack for a round of mini-golf in a themed indoor mini golf adventure.

Anyone else got any options for under $20?  I started trying to think of 10, but almost got stuck at 3!!

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Top 10 Bars in Queenstown Tags: Untagged

It's a sad fact that visitors to Queenstown spend an average of only 2.2 days here. They then try to cram EVERYTHING in but end up missing so much. Because of this people quite often ask what are the top things to do.

Here is my Top 10 List

1. Bungy Jump. Throw yourself off a bridge.
2. Canyon Swing! Throw yourself off a cliff.
3. Sky Dive. Throw yourself off a plane.
4. Visit Skippers Canyon
5. Get on a Jet Boat and scare yourself on the water
6. Fly to Milford, have a cruise, fly back.
7. ZipTrek your way through the trees
8. Visit the Gondola and go for a luge
9. Get out for a 4WD Tour
10. Dine out and then party until the am

That's pretty much it, but you should realise that you need at least 4 days to do all of that!! so pick and choose wisely Tags: Untagged