queenstown news and events

Summer Months

Summer in Queenstown is simply incredible. With warm days and long balmy evenings – this really is the place to be. Eagles Rest is the perfect base to spend a long weekend or an extended break with your family and friends. Only minutes from town you are close to all the activity providers offices and pick up points. All activities are in full swing in Queenstown in summer. From jet boating, to white water rafting to scenic helicopter rides throughout the region to a romantic private dinner on a mountain top.

New Zealand is a proud and beautiful country and at the NZ Open we celebrate the many special moments it has bought to golf fans locally and worldwide. The Hills is a remarkable golf course nestled in the Southern Alps which started as a “pitch and putt” in the backyard and now it’s hosting a golf championship…dreams do come true. So plan for an extended weekend in this majestic area of Queenstown. We promise you an extraordinary experience of golf, a bunch of fun and warm hospitality. For more information visit www.nzgolf.org.nz.   

Arrowtown Autumn Festival
17-26 April 2009

Arrowtown; “born of gold in 1862” was once a thriving gold mining town and you can still see this rich heritage today. Arrowtown is situated just 20km north of Queenstown, and each autumn Arrowtown's trees put on a show of colour amongst the most spectacular in the world. The festival is held during the school holidays so there is plenty on the festival programme to keep everyone happy. With the community at the heart of the festival the programme reflects this with fantastic workshops in cooking, writing, circo arts plus skateboarding. The idea is to get kids involved and actively participating to learn new skills while having a great time! Visit www.arrowtownautumnfestival.org.nz for all the details.

Ski Season
Mid June – End September 2009

Surrounded by six fantastic ski areas, Queenstown offers a superb winter experience with a generous après ski culture in its vibrant town centre and a wide rage of fun activities off the slopes. The skiing is top notch this year and Olympic ski and snowboard teams are regular visitors here. Within a short driving distance from Queenstown are six ski fields – Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Park and Waiorau Snow Farm.

Amuse yourself on a day off the slopes with walking trails, great shopping, day spas, over 150 restaurants and bars, award winning vineyards and a host of adventure sports. For more information see www.nzski.com.   

American Express Queenstown Winter Festival
26 June – 5 July 2009

The season commences with this annual festival, a fun-filled and action packed programme catering to the entire family. The event attracts some 60,000 people for a 10-day frenzy of concerts, balls, competitions, races, fireworks, bands, comedy, debates, food, wine… there’s something for everyone!  Enjoy the chilled atmosphere with a warm mulled wine while enjoying all that takes your fancy.  Visit www.winterfestival.co.nz for full details.

Gay Ski Week NZ
29 August – 6 September 2009

This annual event offers an array of on and off the mountain events from dance parties and drag shows to picnics, wine tours and cabarets and is non-stop action and fun. Visit www.gayskiweek.co.nz to check out the events on offer this year.