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By Christiana Zhu on 22 March 2013 (0 comments)
Autumn trade update from Destination Queenstown
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Queenstown Travel Trade News Updates
Browse the latest travel trade news updates from Destination Queenstown below. Click the headline to read the full article, and use the right hand side panel to browse archived articles by date or author.
Trade News blog posts
Summer Trade Remarks
By Christiana Zhu on 4 December 2012 (0 comments)
Summer trade update from Destination Queenstown
Blanket Bay Voted New Zealand’s No. 1 Luxury Lodge
By Ben Chapman on 10 September 2012 (1 comment)
Blanket Bay continues to retain its international ranking as New Zealand’s top lodge with prestigious USA-based Hideaways International naming Blanket Bay the Number 1 lodge in New Zealand.
Trade Remarks
By Louise Jennis on 31 August 2012 (0 comments)
Spring Trade Remarks from Destination Queenstown
Ongoing success for South Island tourism operator
By Louise Jennis on 22 August 2012 (0 comments)
Premier South Island tourism company Southern Discoveries has again cemented its position as an industry leader with a trifecta of accolades.
Talent levels high at 2012 Parklife Invitational
By Ben Chapman on 17 August 2012 (0 comments)
The Remarkables Parklife Invitational has some returning favourites and new stars this year. The annual winter rail jam is being relocated to the Queenstown Recreation Ground on August 25th. The new venue will include freestyle motor cross (FMX).
It’s ‘Party Time’ for DNA Gay Ski Week Queenstown
By Louise Jennis on 16 August 2012 (0 comments)
The countdown is on to the start of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Winter Pride event, kicking off in Queenstown next week.
Skyline Star Gazing: Queenstown skies perfect setting for new star gazing experience
By Louise Jennis on 16 August 2012 (0 comments)
The clear, unpolluted skies of Queenstown will provide the perfect setting for Skyline Queenstown’s new stargazing experience launching later this month.
Kingston Flyer steam train on track for bumper summer
By Ben Chapman on 1 August 2012 (0 comments)
New Zealand’s most iconic steam train is gearing up for its second season on the rails following a winter-long maintenance campaign.
Mid season snow sets up Queenstown Ski Areas
By Ben Chapman on 31 July 2012 (0 comments)
The last 24 hours has produced a good base of snow at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski areas in Queenstown.
QUADRUPLE BUNGY THRILLS FOR 75-YEAR-OLD IRISH GRANDMOTHER
By Ben Chapman on 30 July 2012 (0 comments)
75 year old Kathy McDonough from Northern Ireland has been dubbed a real legend by AJ Hackett Bungy crew after she completed all four of their NZ Bungy jumps during the past two weeks.
Winter sports world elite head to New Zealand
By Ben Chapman on 20 July 2012 (0 comments)
Winter Games NZ 2013 is set to be the largest and most prestigious international snow sports event held in New Zealand with confirmation the Games will host at least five World Cups.
Travel+Leisure USA - Sofitel ‘World's Best’ List
By Ben Chapman on 11 July 2012 (0 comments)
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa has been listed by respected American magazine Travel+Leisure in their 2012 World’s Best Awards as one of the top City Hotels in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
Mt Rosa Winery and Tiger Woods - the perfect score
By Ben Chapman on 6 July 2012 (0 comments)
Owners of a Central Otago vineyard are ‘charging their glasses’ with news that a bottle of their wine has received the highest price ever paid for a bottle of New Zealand wine.
Free Wifi at Nzone Dropzone
By Louise Jennis on 6 July 2012 (0 comments)
Free wifi has been installed at the dropzone for all of our customers and spectators to use and it’s working great.
Going above and beyond – all in a day’s work for Queenstown businesses
By Louise Jennis on 2 July 2012 (0 comments)
The conscientious owners of a Queenstown holiday park know that longevity in the industry is about more than just campsites and van nights.
Historic 18-year concession gives helicopter company competitive edge
By Louise Jennis on 27 June 2012 (0 comments)
Queenstown-based helicopter company Heli Tours has been granted an historic 18-year permit multi conservancy concession for heli landings, the first of its kind permitted by the Department of Conservation.
New Snow school holiday fun at Coronet Peak & The Remarkables
By Ben Chapman on 26 June 2012 (0 comments)
Over 30cm of new snow has fallen on Coronet Peak and 20cm on the Remarkables overnight providing excellent conditions in time for the School Holidays.
Ten coolest days in New Zealand to kick off in Queenstown
By Ben Chapman on 22 June 2012 (0 comments)
New Zealand’s 10 coolest days of the year will kick off in downtown Queenstown tonight when the 2012 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival gets underway.
Queenstown Holiday Park recognised for green initiatives
By Ben Chapman on 20 June 2012 (0 comments)
Queenstown’s environmentally conscious holiday park continues to be a trailblazer in sustainability innovation following recent national and international recognition.
Wakatipu Grill Finalist for Restaurant of the Year
By Louise Jennis on 18 June 2012 (0 comments)
Wakatipu Grill has been nominated as a finalist in the prestigious Cuisine 2012 NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards.
One of New Zealand’s Great Walks adds new level of comfort
By Louise Jennis on 18 June 2012 (0 comments)
New Zealand’s premier guided walking company, Ultimate Hikes has announced the availability of private ensuite rooms on its Routeburn Track Guided Walk.
Queenstown polls as number one destination for Kiwis
By Louise Jennis on 18 June 2012 (0 comments)
Queenstown has polled as the number one destination for Kiwi travellers according to a survey of 17,000 New Zealanders by Travelbug, the travel website run by Trade Me.
The Remarkables ski area opens in Queenstown
By Ben Chapman on 18 June 2012 (0 comments)
Blue skies and lots of smiles made for a picture perfect opening day at The Remarkables ski area in Queenstown on Saturday (June 16).
Winter Trade Remarks from Destination Queenstown
By Louise Jennis on 5 June 2012 (0 comments)
Quarterly update from Destination Queenstown’s Trade team
Iconic tourism operator Nomad Safaris invests in new 4WD fleet
By Louise Jennis on 1 June 2012 (0 comments)
One of New Zealand’s most established 4WD tour operators is investing in a new fleet of Land Cruisers to take passengers into some of the country’s most stunning backcountry in the latest comfort, safety and style.
Hollyford Track Announces Scenic Helicopter Flight Addition For 2012/2013
By Louise Jennis on 1 June 2012 (0 comments)
Hollyford Track Guided Walks, one of New Zealand’s premier guided walks, is adding the ‘wow’ factor to its walks with the inclusion of a new scenic helicopter flight from the start of the 2012 summer season.
Two rivers, twice the excitement – Queenstown’s Kawarau Jet rebrands
By Louise Jennis on 1 June 2012 (0 comments)
Two rivers, twice the excitement, an hour of sheer power -- Queenstown’s Kawarau Jet has re-branded as K Jet to reflect a ‘once in a lifetime’ ride of speed, spins and spectacular scenery.
Shotover Jet launches new jet boats
By Louise Jennis on 1 June 2012 (0 comments)
One of the greatest icons of New Zealand tourism has reinforced its status as a world leader in commercial jet boating with the development of a new custom-designed ‘Big Red’ jet boat.
Sacred Stone Welcomes visitors to Dart River Jet Safaris
By Louise Jennis on 1 June 2012 (0 comments)
A sacred Maori pounamu stone now welcomes visitors to Dart River Jet Safaris’ Glenorchy Visitor Centre, the starting point for New Zealand’s most sensational journey.
Heli-tours, like never before
By Louise Jennis on 1 June 2012 (0 comments)
From farm musterer and manager to owner of Queenstown helicopter company Heli Tours – Paul Mitchell is a fifth-generation real-life Southern Man.
Eichardt’s - a collection of divine accommodation in central Queenstown
By Louise Jennis on 1 June 2012 (0 comments)
Eichardt’s Private Hotel offers ‘the whole package’ when it comes to exquisite holiday accommodation in Queenstown with the recent launch of the new Eichardt’s Residence.
TSS Earnslaw makeover for 100th birthday celebrations
By Ben Chapman on 23 May 2012 (0 comments)
The TSS Earnslaw heritage steamship is being primed for her 100th birthday during the next five weeks after being slipped on to her purpose-built slip at Kelvin Grove in Lake Wakatipu for her biennial survey.
New CEO announced for Destination Queenstown
By Ben Chapman on 17 May 2012 (0 comments)
Chairman Mark Quickfall announced on Monday (14 May) that Destination Queenstown’s current General Manager of Marketing Graham Budd has been appointed the new Chief Executive of the regional tourism organisation.
New seasons trail improvements at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
By Ben Chapman on 16 May 2012 (0 comments)
Improvements at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski areas for the upcoming 2012 season are aimed at skiers, snowboarders, kids and racers.
Queenstown Winter Festival – winter starts here!
By Louise Jennis on 19 April 2012 (0 comments)
One of the best times of year to visit Queenstown, see the landscape in all its glory and experience its electric atmosphere is during the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival at the end of June.
Autumn Trade Remarks from Destination Queenstown
By Louise Jennis on 7 March 2012 (0 comments)
Welcome - Queenstown Update
Queenstown’s cycle tourism cranks up for summer
By Ben Chapman on 25 November 2011 (0 comments)
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.
DNA Gay Ski Week QT - Dates!
By Ben Chapman on 18 November 2011 (2 comments)
New dates, some extra glam and a new media partner are to be celebrated along with gay and lesbian pride at this year’s DNA Gay Ski Week to be held in Queenstown New Zealand from August 25 to September 1.
Southern Discoveries launches new kayak operation
By Ben Chapman on 16 November 2011 (0 comments)
A stunning new kayaking trip in one of the most majestic places in the world has been launched by premier New Zealand tourism company Southern Discoveries.
Appellation Central Wine Tours wins international wine tourism award
By Louise Jennis on 3 November 2011 (0 comments)
An award-winning Queenstown-based wine tour company has picked up an international wine tourism award in the face of stiff competition from established global wine regions.
Tourism vital part of NZ economy
By Louise Jennis on 2 November 2011 (0 comments)
Rugby World Cup 2011 highlighted the value of tourism to New Zealand’s economy like never before, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.
Southern Lakes of NZ named in Lonely Planet's top ten destinations for 2012.
By Willy Hunt on 31 October 2011 (0 comments)
SOUTHERN LAKES, New Zealand - 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.
TSS Earnslaw 99th Birthday
By Ben Chapman on 19 October 2011 (0 comments)
Over a hundred local senior citizens braved cold wintry conditions to help Real Journeys celebrate the 99th anniversary of the TSS Earnslaw’s maiden voyage on a return cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak.
Spire Named Australia's Leading Boutique Hotel
By Ben Chapman on 14 October 2011 (0 comments)
The passion and commitment of young Queenstown entrepreneurial sisters Amelia and Lucy Gain has launched The Spire boutique hotel into prominence as the leading boutique hotel in Australasia.
New Product - Kiwi Circle Bus Tour
By Louise Jennis on 13 October 2011 (0 comments)
The Kiwi Circle has officially launched, including the Kiwi Kombo (all day pass on the Kiwi Circle Bus, all day entry to Kiwi Birdlife Park and a return ride on Skyline Queenstown Gondola!)
New Product! - Guided Nature Walks - You vs Wild!
By Ben Chapman on 12 October 2011 (0 comments)
Guided Nature Walks takes YOU into the WILD!
Guided Nature Walks has an exciting new product launching this summer; YOU vs WILD!
Golf, Biking and Wine!
By Ben Chapman on 11 October 2011 (0 comments)
As the Southern Hemisphere's premier four season lake and alpine resort, Queenstown has activities on offer all year round. Well known for winter sports and adventure activities, Queentown is now experiencing increased interest in golf, biking and wine.
Queenstown number one for food and wine in New Zealand
By Ben Chapman on 7 October 2011 (0 comments)
The growing reputation of Queenstown, New Zealand as ‘foodie heaven’ has been reinforced by a top award from the world’s largest travel website.
Kingston Flyer Returns
By Ben Chapman on 4 October 2011 (0 comments)
Kingstin Flyer Returns. The Kingston Flyer's engine blew off two year's worth of steam on Sunday as the train's operations team fired it up for the first time since 2009.
Dates for 2012 Queenstown Winter Festival!
By Ben Chapman on 26 September 2011 (0 comments)
Mark your calendars now… the dates for the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter party are officially locked and loaded for next year!
Queenstown Heritage Tours - Carbon Neutral Operation
By Ben Chapman on 21 September 2011 (0 comments)
Queenstown Heritage Tours Ltd announces today that it has been recognised again as one of the country’s leading tourism businesses by Qualmark - New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance system.
Gondola-accessed bike tracks open
By Ben Chapman on 16 September 2011 (0 comments)
The world-class Queenstown Bike Park opens to the public for its first full season this Saturday (17 September)
Spring Trade Remarks from Destination Queenstown
By Ben Chapman on 10 August 2011 (0 comments)
Destination Queenstown's quarterly Trade update newsletter
TRENZ returns to Southern Lakes in 2012
By Ben Chapman on 7 August 2011 (0 comments)
TRENZ to return to Southern Lakes for 2012
Southern Lakes will once again host New Zealand’s largest international travel showcase, TRENZ 2012, following on from its ground breaking success in 2011.
AJ Hackett Bungy: Kawarau Zipride
By Ben Chapman on 4 August 2011 (0 comments)
AJ Hackett are excited to announce that Phase One of PROJECT: DESTINATION KAWARAU is about to begin!
TSS Earnslaw Back in Action
By Kate Dear on 11 July 2011 (0 comments)
Real Journey's TSS Earnslaw is back in action following her annual survey. This year she was on survey for 6 weeks and had all her front decking replaced, engineer room painted, and the fo’c’sle museum refurbished.
Ziptrek's Twilight Tours are back!
By Kate Dear on 16 June 2011 (0 comments)
Following a successful season in 2010 Ziptrek Ecotours brings back, by popular demand, its magical Twilight Tour.
Qbook opens at Kawarau Village
By Kate Dear on 15 June 2011 (0 comments)
Qbook – Queenstown Booking & Info has opened a second branch within Kawarau Village – the new hotel and retail development at Kawarau Falls Station.
Gibbston Valley Heli-Wine tour
By Kate Dear on 14 June 2011 (0 comments)
This winter Appellation Central Wine Tours is launching a Premium Half Day Private Helicopter Wine Tour.
Queenstown Hotel Name Change
By Kate Dear on 10 June 2011 (0 comments)
A $4 million refurbishment is nearing completion at the Kingsgate Hotel Queenstown Terraces.
From July 2011 the refurbished hotel will be known as the Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown, Lakeview.
China Southern Impressed!
By Ben Chapman on 24 May 2011 (0 comments)
“Queenstown is so beautiful, once you’re here, you don’t want to leave. Everything is so natural.” That was the first reaction of China Southern Airline Chairman, who was visiting the resort last month.
Ziptrek Ecotours = Enviro Gold
By Ben Chapman on 24 May 2011 (0 comments)
Ziptrek Ecotours, the spectacular and exhilarating flying fox eco-adventure on Skyline gondola hill, are thrilled to announce their recent accreditation of both Qualmark and Enviro Gold.
Cellphones OK on ABs plane
By Ben Chapman on 2 May 2011 (0 comments)
Within the next month, Air New Zealand’s new all black plane will become the first aircraft in the country to enable passengers to use their mobile phones during domestic flights.
Luxury yacht launches
By Ben Chapman on 14 April 2011 (0 comments)
Queenstown’s Pacific Jemm is the only luxury yacht available for charter in Queenstown.
AJ Hackett opens Trampoline
By Ben Chapman on 25 March 2011 (0 comments)
The Kawarau Bungy Trampoline, located at the iconic Kawarau Bungy Centre, welcomed its first customers on Thursday 24th March 2011.