Remarkables Lodge – new B&B rate and Art Adventures Combo
Remarkables Lodge is now offering guests the option of a bed and breakfast only tariff rather than the full package.  B&B rates are available through inbound partners at contracted commission rates and the 1-2-3 offer still applies.
Remarkables Lodge has also teamed up with local operator Art Adventures to offer budding artists an opportunity to learn to sketch or paint Queenstown’s stunning surroundings. Guests are taken to scenic locations in luxury transport to learn to sketch (no experience necessary) and artist studios/gallery visits can be added into the experience as well. To promote the new combo, Remarkables Lodge is offering a half day private sketching tour for two people with a three-night booking.
 

The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments – staff update
The Rees Executive Chef, Ben Batterbury, has been chosen as one of 5 Kiwi top chefs to be a Beef & Lamb Ambassador for NZ. Chief Concierge, Steve Hanrahan, was initiated into the prestigious Hotel Society Les Clefs d'Or New Zealand and awarded his "golden keys". Mel Bohse (ex GM from The Spire) has now joined the team as Front Office Manager.  The Rees is now also offering complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Eichardt’s Private Hotel – international acclaim
Eichardt’s was recognised in the Top 8 ‘Forever Fabulous’ Hotels in the World by Tatler Travel Guide 2012 alongside the likes of The Ritz in London!

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa – award-winning
The Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa was recently listed as one of the World’s Best Value Hotels by respected American magazine, Travel + Leisure. The hotel was one of only 5 hotels in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific travel category to make the cut.

Movie Making – a Queenstown ‘Luv Story’
Two Queenstown businesses recently came up with a creative and hilarious ‘Queenstown take’ on the Bollywood smash hit I Hate Luv Storys (partially filmed here) to strengthen their relationships with Indian agents.  The 3-minute video clip, timed for release on Valentine’s Day, showcases Shotover Canyon Swing and Nomad Safaris in a fun and entertaining way surrounded by stunning Queenstown scenery.  The video was produced in-house by the staff of both companies.  Check it out here!

Guided Nature Walks – Drop Zone
An exciting new component has been added Guided Nature Walks’ new You Vs Wild trip - a helicopter trip deep into a valley from which participants ‘hover exit’ to leave the chopper and then return to be picked after making their way out of the wilderness. Contingency transport plans are in place if the trip is weather-affected.

Off the Rails – 1 day taster trip
Short on time? Off The Rails has introduced a 1-day customised option for groups of six or more people who want to experience a taster of the famous Otago Central Rail Trail. Riding from Lauder to Oturehua (approx 25 kms), guests will take in the spectacular Poolburn Viaduct, schist railway tunnels and the Ida Valley. The ever-popular Hayes Engineering Works is also an option on this action-packed day. Pick-up and drop-off in either Queenstown or Dunedin. For more details click here.
 

Southern Explorer - Macetown Overnight Camping Adventure
Check out this great family product from Southern Explorer, the only company to offer a fully guided 4WD camping tour to the once thriving historic gold mining town of Macetown. Southern Explorer uses 4WD Land Rovers to transport clients and all equipment, including tents and food, 15 kms through 26 river crossings to one of New Zealand’s iconic destinations. Guests are encouraged to pitch their own tents and assist with general camp duties, but the guide is always present to assist and cook meals. Guests also have the opportunity to walk or bike back to Arrowtown.
 

Queenstown Wine Trail - Private Wine Tours
This new tour includes tastings and presentation at three wineries, a special menu winery lunch at Gibbston Valley Winery, and sightseeing of the Queenstown’s original bungy jump or Arrowtown. Their friendly personalised private wine tour is ideally suited for a couple, family or small group of friends who prefer the exclusivity and flexibility of a private guide (Chinese if requested) and vehicle.  Relax, indulge, explore the wine region just a short journey from Queenstown.
 

TSS Earnslaw – Centenary Celebrations
Our iconic Lady of the Lake, the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship turns 100 this year and locals and visitors alike are invited to celebrate the much-loved vessel’s milestone birthday. A week-long centenary celebration will take place from 14^th -22^nd October 2012. Tickets are on sale for all events, for more information click here.
 

Real Journeys - MV Titiroa Launch
Every part of the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Excursion from Queenstown has now been upgraded.  The final step was Real Journeys official launch of the MV Titiroa last month.  This purpose-built catamaran carries passengers across Lake Manapouri and has had great reviews since operations commenced. 
 

Ziptrek – Ready for the winter
Ziptrek is a year-round activity, and to see how different and exciting it can be the tour guides have put together this video to demonstrate the fun you can be having whilst zipping in the snow.

Gibbston Harvest Festival (19 March 2012)
The annual Gibbston Harvest Festival is held on the third Saturday of March and attracts gourmands to sample the delicacies produced by local vineyards, smaller boutique wineries and many fine food establishments.

NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship (29 March-1 April 2012)
Top level professional golf returns to Sir Michael Hill's private course The Hills with the New Zealand PGA Pro-Am Championship. Players and spectators alike will be treated to the unique challenges and stunning scenery of The Hills and its surroundings, as well as Queenstown’s world class attractions.  With a unique format that includes invited amateurs and celebrities playing alongside 64 professionals over the final 2 days of the 4-round event, a large crowd of spectators is expected over the 4 days. This event has also been confirmed for the next five years.
 

Queenstown Bike Festival (31 March-9 April 2012)
Grab your bike and helmet and head to Queenstown this Easter for the Queenstown Bike Festival. It’s an exciting 10-day event for all ages and abilities and it gives you the chance to check out Queenstown’s world-class cycle tracks, trails, roads and spectacular lake and alpine scenery.

Arrowtown Autumn Festival (20 - 29 April 2012)
Each autumn, as the trees and hillsides of this historic gold mining town turn vibrant red and gold, the local streets come to life in celebration. The 2012 festival  features more than 50 events over the 10 day programme. For more details click here.

American Express Queenstown Winter Festival (22 June - 1 July 2012)
The Queenstown Winter Festival has evolved into New Zealand's biggest winter party and some say the biggest winter party in the Southern Hemisphere! It's a 10 day celebration of Queenstown's unique culture and community with street parties, fireworks, international and local acts, jazz, comedy, a Mardi Gras, family fun, and plenty of Mountain Mayhem.

Mission China

Shen Zhen, Guangdong Province

5^th - 7^th March 2012

Mission SE Asia

Kuala Lumpur, Penang

13^th – 14^th March 2012

MATTA Travel Fair

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

16^th 18^th March 2012

TNZ Market Insights

Sydney

21^st – 22^nd March 2012

TRENZ 2012

Queenstown

7^th – 10^th May 2012

Kiwi Link India

New Delhi, Mumbai

3^rd – 7^th September 2012