Destination Queenstown - Pure Inspiration

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Spring Trade Remarks from Destination Queenstown

Posted by Ben Chapman (0 Comments)
Wednesday, 10 August 2011 in Trade News

If your clients are looking to get away this September/October, there’s no better place to kick back and enjoy themselves than in Queenstown. With mountain peaks as far as the eye can see, shimmering lakes, and pure crisp alpine air, Queenstown is quite simply a place of pure inspiration. Whether you have an appetite for adventure or are more at home with a delicious meal and fine wine, this cosmopolitan four season, lake and alpine resort provides the perfect mix of action and relaxation for an unforgettable short break or holiday. There is plenty of availability for accommodation ranging from budget to five-star, as well as flights and activities. And to celebrate RWC 2011, there are some great events on including Taste Queenstown and the much-anticipated clash between the Classic All Blacks and the French Classics.

Check out all the details at www.queenstownNZ.co.nz

TRENZ 2012 hot off the press

Southern Lakes will once again host New Zealand’s largest international travel showcase, TRENZ 2012, following on from its ground breaking success in 2011. TRENZ is staged by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA). Traditionally held in the main centres of Auckland, Rotorua and Christchurch, TRENZ 2011 saw a change in format with the influential tradeshow based in the Southern Lakes regions of Queenstown, Fiordland and Lake Wanaka with Queenstown as the main hub. Several hundred international travel buyers, media and other industry professionals spent several days in the region, immersing themselves in the spectacular landscapes, experiences and products the Southern Lakes region has to offer.

"We're delighted to have the opportunity to once again host TRENZ in 2012. The new format and location were very well received by international buyers and media in 2011 and we're looking forward to building on that success in 2012," said Dave Hawkey, chairman of Southern Lakes. "The success of TRENZ in the Southern Lakes is testament to the strong co-operation between the Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland areas. The Southern Lakes region is one of New Zealand's most popular and diverse visitor destinations and having the event here this year provided a much-needed boost for the South Island following the Christchurch earthquake. We put out a strong message that New Zealand is open for business as usual and we look forward to showcasing our spectacular region to yet more of the world's most influential travel buyers and media in 2012."

TRENZ 2012 will take place on 7-10 May 2012 at the Queenstown Events Centre.

Queenstown Update

We sent out our last Trade Remarks in May just prior to TRENZ 2011. A sincere thank you to all who attended New Zealand’s most important tourism event, held here in Queenstown for the first time. The satisfaction results were wonderful from both buyers and sellers and we hope attendees had the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, build new ones, and increase their knowledge and experience of the Queenstown and New Zealand product offering.
In this Trade Remarks we’re reminded once again that airlines create markets and with increasing capacity and connectivity, Queenstown and New Zealand becomes even more accessible. This edition also highlights that beyond adventure and ski, visitors have wonderful opportunities to engage in the natural landscape through biking, walking and/or enjoying the vibrant food and wine scene.
Just a reminder that we have some fantastic events on in Queenstown throughout the year and view these as valuable additions to any itinerary - many are free to attend and provide great reasons to visit. Click here to view the events section of our website.
Thank you to all those who have visited on famils, engaged with us at trade shows, contacted us directly and continue to promote Queenstown. We sincerely appreciate your support.

Ben Champan benc@queenstownnz.co.nz
Trade Manager
Destination Queenstown

Australian Roadshow

Destination Queenstown’s annual Australian Roadshow for travel trade will be in the following Australian centres

Sydney
Monday August 22th
5.30-7.30pm
Doltone House,
Jones Bay Wharf,
26-32 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont,
Sydney

Brisbane
Wednesday August 24th
5.30-7.30pm
Moda Events Portside,
Portside Wharf,
39 Hercules St,
Hamilton,
Brisbane

Melbourne
Thursday August 25th
5.30-7.30pm
Swanston Hall,
Melbourne Town Hall,
Corner Swanston and Collins Sts,
Melbourne

Please RSVP with names of attendees to benc@queenstownnnz.co.nz before Friday August 12^th.

Airlines

Air New Zealand increases capacity for Rugby World Cup 2011
Air New Zealand has provided extra air capacity around the country (including Queenstown) during RWC 2011

Air New Zealand increases international capacity to China and Japan
·         International capacity growth for the northern winter period (Nov 2011 - Mar 2012) on Air New Zealand’s China routes will be up by 21.6%, with increased frequency to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.
·         Capacity on the Auckland - Beijing route will be up 38.6% with the addition of a third year-round Boeing 777-200 service from early December.
·         Auckland-Shanghai route will have a capacity increase of 22.7%, with the addition of a fourth Boeing 777-200 service operating between December and March.
·         In addition, services from Auckland to Hong Kong will increase by 15.6% with a Boeing 777-200 operating daily services from November to mid-December, increasing to 9 services per week from mid-December.

Air New Zealand offers free NZ domestic sectors to North American, Japanese & Chinese markets
Air New Zealand is also offering two free domestic fares in conjunction with return fares to New Zealand for travel from Japan between 3-24 October and from China between 5-24 October. For the North American market the return fare includes three free domestic stopovers, as well as a free stopover in Rarotonga.

Virgin Atlantic Extends Agreement with Air New Zealand
As rugby fans gear up for the forthcoming world cup, Virgin Atlantic has announced a new agreement which will give passengers more options on flights to New Zealand. The airline has, from the 1st August, extended its code share agreement with Air New Zealand to include flights via Shanghai to Auckland. The move is an extension of a code share launched earlier this year between the two airlines which offers more flexibility and choice on routings between the UK and New Zealand for both carriers’ passengers.

Jetstar increases domestic flights for the Rugby World Cup 2011
Jetstar have also announced it will add 100 extra domestic flights for September/October including Auckland to Queenstown 3 times a week return.

Jetstar launches new, simple fare options
Low fares leader Jetstar has launched new, simple fare options that give customers more choice, flexibility and lower fares. Now customers start with economy Starter fare (replacing JetSaver Light, JetSaver, JetFlex and JetPlus) then personalise their experience from an expanded range of options. Business (replacing StarClass) fares are available on long haul (A330) services.

AirAsiaX adds four Asia fly-thru destinations from Christchurch
AirAsia X has added four more Fly-Thru Asian destinations for travel to/from Christchurch allowing guests to book a connecting fare on the airline group’s extensive network. These destinations are Hong Kong, Macau, Phuket and Ho Chi Minh City. This increases the number of Fly-Thru destinations that access New Zealand to 16.

Etihad offers new destinations and goes ‘fuel inclusive’
Etihad Airways has released fully ‘fuel inclusive’ fares to/from New Zealand to Europe, UK, Middle East, South Africa, Seychelles, North America, South Asian Sub Continent, Singapore and Thailand. Valid for sales and departures from 01AUG11 until further notice, the fares are available via Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch with travel permitted via Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to connect to Etihad services from those gateways to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Tasman connections are provided by code share partners Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue.

Accommodation

Name change for Kingsgate Hotel Queenstown Terraces
A $4m refurbishment is nearing completion at the Kingsgate Hotel Queenstown Terraces and to celebrate its new look, the hotel is getting a new name. The refurbished hotel, which has just celebrated its 25th anniversary, will now be known as the Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown, Lakeview. The hotel’s 66 guest rooms and 19 spacious two-storied, two-bedroom apartments have all been completely refurbished to give them a fresh new contemporary look.
Contact: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown
Jackie Guiney jackie.guiney@millenniumhotels.co.nz

Remarkables Lodge honeymoon photography package
Remarkables Lodge have developed a new honeymoon photography package for the Indian market. This fantastic package includes a fantastic photoshoot to add to your client's wedding album, accommodation at Remarkables Lodge, a helicopter trip and a massage and sauna for two. For more informaiton - http://www.remarkables.co.nz/images/E-news/Honeymoon_photoshoot.pdf
Contact: Remarkables Lodge
Colleen Ryan & Bryan Savage contact@remarkables.co.nz

Activities

Art Adventures
Discover your inner artist in spectacular surroundings as professional tutors take you on a creative journey to create your own masterpiece. Or gain an overview of New Zealand art by taking an Art Adventures tour - visit private artist studios and a variety of Dealer Art Galleries in the region, lunch at local vineyards and taste award-winning wines.
You get to take away the art materials you work with and we mount up your best piece of artwork for you to take home and hang on your wall with pride. Or you may want to bring your own art group over and just hire our driver, 4WD van and use our studios and equipment.
Anything is possible with Art Adventures and every day is different. And you get to try something you have always wanted to do but never had the time or opportunity to do it.
Contact: Art Adventures
Alice Blakey paint@artadventures.co.nz

Boutique Wine and Chocolate Tours
Gibbston Valley Winery, pioneer and champion of Central Otago Pinot Noir and wine tourism, is introducing a new and unique experience - Boutique Wine and Chocolate Tours. Teaming up with renowned local chocolatiers Patagonia Chocolates, Gibbston Valley Winery is excited to bring the two equally delicious delicacies together in a new fashion. Wine and Chocolate tours will be hosted in Gibbston Valley Winery’s dramatic Wine Cave for private or public groups by reservation.
Contact: Gibbston Valley Winery & Patagonia Chocolates
Ashling Swirtz ashling@gibbstonvalleynz.com

Qbook – Queenstown Booking & Info opens in the Kawarau Village
Qbook has opened a second branch in the heart of Kawarau Village and will continue to deliver the personal service and expert advice that has defined the company since the opening of Qbook Central on Shotover Street late last year. Qbook specialises in providing the information and opportunity to book an extensive range of quality attractions, accommodation and must do activities in Queenstown, Fiordland and the wider southern region.
Contact: Qbook
Yoji Kimura yojikiwi@qbooknz.com

Appellation Central Wine Tours launch Helicopter wine tour
This winter Appellation Central Wine Tours is launching a premium half day Private Helicopter Wine Tour. The 5-hour tour begins with a scenic flight in a Robinson helicopter and clients are treated to an alpine landing before cruising at mid-level through the Gibbston Valley and landing at one of the vineyards. They are met by a knowledgeable wine guide and continue their private tour by road, visiting three of Appellation Central’s favourite Gibbston vineyards with lunch at one of the venues.
Contact: Appellation Central Wine Tours
Philip Green bookings@appellationcentral.co.nz

Hollyford Track Launches Premier One Day Guided Heli-Hike Adventure
Tourism leader Hollyford Track Guided Walks, owned and operated by Ngai Tahu Tourism, has launched an exclusive fully guided one day heli-hike option for those who want to experience the most beautiful valley in New Zealand but may be short on time.
The new heli-hike adventure includes a fantastic scenic flight over the Southern Alps, Hollyford Valley and Milford Sound, the opportunity to walk a section of the famous Hollyford Track, jet boating on the Hollyford River, plus a glacier landing and gourmet lunch.
Contact: Hollyford Track
Katherine Cahill – katherine.cahill@nttourism.co.nz

Southern Discoveries launches Princess Cruise in Queenstown
Southern Discoveries has launched lake boat trips on the Queenstown Princess, taking visitors on sightseeing cruises of the iconic lake and the magnificent snow-capped mountains that surround it. Lake trips depart three times daily from Queenstown Bay in the heart of the town and take passengers on a journey over to Cecil Peak and along the Frankton Arm, where it stops at scenic points along the way to explore the region and its natural beauty. The 13m boat caters for groups of up to 30 and the one-and-a-half-hour cruise includes an informative guide talking to passengers about local history and Maori legends.
Contact: Southern Discoveries
Anita Golden Anita.Golden@southerndiscoveries.co.nz

New logo and HD video for Skippers Canyon Jet
Skippers Canyon Jet has refreshed their logo and launched a new HD video of their spectacular canyon jet boating experience. View the new video herehttp://www.skipperscanyonjet.co.nz/imagery/video/
Contact: Skippers Canyon Jet
Matt Rhodes marketing@skipperscanyon.co.nz

eforea: Spa at Hilton at Hilton Queenstown
eforea is Hilton Hotels and Resorts’ global spa concept. Hilton, recognized worldwide for warm hospitality and best-in-class service, has created a nurturing, soothing environment to help guests achieve maximum benefit from a tailored experience. eforea aspires to help all guests “emerge brighter,” feeling renewed and uplifted. The new eforea at Hilton Queenstown is Hilton’s second eforea spa in Australasia. The three-level spa has 10 treatment rooms, a 25 metre heated indoor pool, spa pool, saunas and steam rooms.
Guests are invited to explore the three distinct ranges of treatments, all focused on organic, natural products and scientific, results-driven practices. The Essentials Journey uses powerful, technologically-advanced treatments to show instant results. The Escape Journey integrates nourishing organic plant ingredients and traditional healing practices to give you a nurturing, holistic experience. The Men's Journey offers a collection of problem-solving re-energizing experiences designed especially for men. All three journeys include a selection of face, body and massage treatments and are fully customised to you, to bring balance and wellness to the body.
Contact: Hilton Queenstown
Mandy Kennedy – mandy.kennedy@hilton.com

Restaurants

Room with a view
Skyline has been named no. 1 restaurant in the world on Trip Advisor’s editorially selected list of ‘Top 10 Restaurants with Incredible Views’. The Skyline Restaurant serves a mouth-watering Taste of New Zealand buffet dinner or lunch of legendary proportions every day of the year. Indulge on South Island salmon, seafood, salads, roast meats and delicious desserts - and feast your eyes on the most spectacular scenery in the country. It's the ideal place for that special night out, and the best spot in Queenstown to watch the sun go down! Live entertainment is a regular feature too.
Contact: Skyline Queenstown
Kellie Goodwin sales@queenstownskyline.co.nz

Oaks Shores reopens their onsite restaurant 'Seasons’
Seasons serves a seasonal menu comprising fresh local ingredients for breakfast and dinner service and features a relaxing lounge area with open fire. Oaks Shores has 145 apartments with a mixture of hotel rooms and 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments. All deluxe apartments have spectacular lake views of Lake Wakatipu and all the deluxe apartments feature intimate gas fires with spacious living areas and fully equipped kitchens. The Oaks Shores is 4.5 star rated and have achieved Qualmark enviro-silver.
Contact: Oaks Shores
Luke Ashall LukeA@theoaksgroup.co.nz

Wai & Finz Restaurants revamped
After a month closed and a rapid renovation, Wai Restaurant on the Steamer Wharf is well positioned to launch itself into another decade as one of Queenstown’s best fine dining restaurants. Sister restaurant Finz Seafood & Grill, situated directly beside Wai, has also had a refurbishment. Wai Waterfront Restaurant has also been named as a top 50 finalist in the Cuisine Restaurant of the Year awards for 2011.
Contact: Wai Restaurant Group
Katie Bowden info@wai.net.nz

Events in Queenstown

Queenstown will roll out the welcome mat and join the party to celebrate all things Kiwi when the REAL New Zealand Festival kicks off for Rugby World Cup 2011.

‘Matches Made in Heaven’, scheduled to run throughout RWC 2011 from 1 September-23 October, will celebrate the district’s unique and world-class food, wine and artistic offerings from inspirational dining, creative chefs and award-winning vineyards to celebrated artists and stunning lake and alpine scenery. It will include a range of events, special menus, art tours and exhibitions run by local cafes, restaurants, producers, winemakers and art galleries and will take visitors on an inspirational and cultural feast of flavours around the Queenstown region.

‘Taste Queenstown’ will be held over two weekends in October (8-9 and 15-16 October) on Earnslaw Park, in the heart of downtown Queenstown. This mini food, wine and art festival promises to tantalise the tastebuds and showcase the richness of the region’s cultural heritage over the Rugby World Cup’s quarter final and semi final weekends with live performances which delve into our colourful past, locally produced art and crafts, and fun events like quick fire cookery competitions and celebrity wine tastings.

The Queenstown Jazz Festival will showcase the talents of local, national and international artists across all genres of jazz as they take part in a five-day musical feast from 20-24 October throughout the Queenstown region. From cool blues and big band swing to funky R&B and Latin beats there will be something to get everyone’s toes tapping during the Labour Weekend holiday. Earnslaw Park will be the hub of the festival and on Sunday afternoon major acts will take to the stage to entertain the crowd, celebrate RWC 2011 and get everyone warmed up for the rugby final that evening.

Queenstown will celebrate New Zealand’s rich rugby heritage on 18 September when the Classic All Blacks take on the French Classics in a feature match that promises to ignite old rivalries.
Featuring a stellar lineup of legendary rugby superstars, the Classic All Blacks side includes Christian Cullen, widely regarded as being one of the best All Black fullbacks of all time, Andrew Mehrtens, one of the top first five-eighths in the world, and Jeff “Goldie” Wilson, currently the 8th-highest try scorer in Rugby Union history. Other well-known ‘names’ include Tony Brown, Charlie Hore, Rueben Thorne, Dion Muir, Kees Meeuws, Scott Robertson and Kelvin Middleton.