Queenstown New Zealand – NZ’s Premier Visitor Destination

Latest News blog posts

Hours away from the 39th American Express Queenstown Winter Festival

By Charlie Curel on 20 June 2013 (0 comments)
That’s right; the countdown is now on here in Queenstown until the 39th American Express Queenstown Winter Festival.

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Winter Festival Ice Rink - Village Green

Enter the Queenstown Winter Warmer Competition and win!

By Esther Small on 12 June 2013 (0 comments)
To celebrate the start of winter for the next four weeks we're giving away some great winter prizes every Magic Monday.

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One more sleep until the start of the 2013 winter season!

By Charlie Curel on 6 June 2013 (0 comments)
Tomorrow (Saturday 8 June) Coronet Peak will be kicking off the 2013 New Zealand winter season! The recent cold temperatures and snowfalls have set the resorts up for a great start.

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Winter has arrived!

By Charlie Curel on 30 May 2013 (0 comments)
Queenstown has been buzzing with excitement this week after snowfall blanketed town and the surrounding mountains.

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Queenstown voted one of world’s top destinations on Trip Advisor

By Charlie Curel on 24 May 2013 (0 comments)
Queenstown has been named one of the world’s Top 25 Travellers’ Choice Destinations by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online travel community.

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Five great ways to relax and indulge in Queenstown

By Esther Small on 21 May 2013 (0 comments)
A holiday is perfect for some 'me' time and a little indulgence is an essential element. Take some time to boost your well-being and soak up the local vibe.

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New art for the greens

By Esther Small on 15 May 2013 (0 comments)
These life-like horse sculptures are the latest artworks to grace Sir Michael Hill’s growing collection on The Hills golf course near Arrowtown.

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Mad Mike conquers the Crown Range

By Esther Small on 9 May 2013 (0 comments)
New Zealand Red Bull drift driver Mad Mike pushed his car to new limits in this new video when he conquered the Crown Range between Queenstown and Wanaka.

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Snow lovers it is time to get excited!

By Charlie Curel on 6 May 2013 (0 comments)
It is starting to look and feel distinctly wintery here in Queenstown. With less than 5 weeks to go until the first ski area is scheduled to open, things are starting to look all white…

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NZ’s favourite comics confirmed for the NZ Comedy Gala in Queenstown

By Charlie Curel on 29 April 2013 (0 comments)
Some of New Zealand’s favourite Kiwi comedians will be making their way to Queenstown for the NZ Comedy Gala at the Queenstown Memorial Centre on Tuesday 25th June, as part of the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival.

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Counting down to winter

By Charlie Curel on 26 April 2013 (0 comments)
With just over 6 weeks until Queenstown’s first ski area opens, it’s time to start getting excited about my favourite season… WINTER!!

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Celebrating the ANZAC spirit

By Esther Small on 23 April 2013 (0 comments)
Aussies love Queenstown and Queenstown loves Aussies. Anzac day is just a few days away. So if you're an Aussie, Kiwi or maybe an honorary Kiwi here in town lets remember our shared history together at the first dawn service here in decades.

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The top 5 reasons to get hitched in Queenstown

By Esther Small on 19 April 2013 (0 comments)
With stunning scenery, four distinct seasons, a diverse range of locations and experiences, having your wedding in the Queenstown region is the perfect romantic setting for your proposal, wedding, weekend getaway or honeymoon.

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The Routeburn Track stars with Bear Grylls in popular video

By Esther Small on 15 April 2013 (0 comments)
Local 'Great Walk' The Routeburn Track was the filming location for Air New Zealand's current viral safety video starring celebrity survivor Bear Grylls.

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Image from Rabbit Ridge Resort Mountain Biking

New bike resort opening in the region

By Esther Small on 12 April 2013 (0 comments)
A year-round biking resort catering for beginner and intermediate riders will open at the end of this month on 400 hectares of land adjacent to Queenstown's award-winning Gibbston Valley Winery.

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Arrowtown Autumn Festival - Fork and tap image

A pie and a pint at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival

By Esther Small on 8 April 2013 (0 comments)
A highlight of the upcoming Arrowtown Autumn Festival is the Pie and Pint Festival – grab the opportunity to savour local gourmet pies accompanied by NZ craft beer.

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The Winter Festival Ball is back!

By Charlie Curel on 27 March 2013 (0 comments)
After a year away from the Winter Festival programme the Ball is making a welcome return and it is expected to be a fantastic night.

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100 days until American Express Queenstown Winter Festival kicks off

By Charlie Curel on 13 March 2013 (0 comments)
Today officially marks the countdown to New Zealand’s ten coolest days with the release of the initial 2013 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival programme.

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Autumn adventure, events and must do’s

By Charlie Curel on 6 March 2013 (0 comments)
The leaves are beginning to turn here in Queenstown and we are starting to notice a subtle shift in the seasons.

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NZPGA Championship 2013 – The Lowdown

By Charlie Curel on 21 February 2013 (0 comments)
Golfing greats will battle it out with amateur celebrities at the NZPGA Championship at the exclusive The Hills golf course next week. Find out all you need to know here.

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Warbirds Over Wanaka 2014 - Tickets NOW on sale...

By Charlie Curel on 19 February 2013 (0 comments)
Tickets are now on sale for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2014. The biannual International Airshow is preparing for its 14th appearance at Wanaka Airport.

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Our fab 5 flirty date ideas

By Charlie Curel on 4 February 2013 (0 comments)
With St Valentines’ Day less than two weeks away, it’s time to work out how you can win brownie points with your loved one. Here are our top 5 ways to impress...

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Queenstown accommodation ranked among world's best

By Charlie Curel on 22 January 2013 (0 comments)
Queenstown dominated the Top 25 New Zealand Hotels category with Millbrook Resort named NZ’s No 1 Hotel.

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Twisted Tales set to entertain theatre lovers

By Lisa Nilsen on 17 January 2013 (0 comments)
Outdoor theatre is always a real treat and Twisted Tales, in Queenstown Gardens, is going to be truly unique.

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Queenstown Bike Festival returns for a third year

By Charlie Curel on 14 January 2013 (0 comments)
The Queenstown Bike Festival is back, bigger and better than ever. The ten day festival is packed with events for both the casual weekend warrior through to the hardened pro.

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Caddy call for NZ PGA Championship in Queenstown

By Charlie Curel on 11 January 2013 (0 comments)
Is golf your thing...? If you answered yes, then this could be your opportunity to get involved with the NZ PGA Championship that is to be held late next month.

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Top 5 Summer Picks

By Charlie Curel on 24 December 2012 (0 comments)
Summer is here in Queenstown and the holidays are in full swing. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to fill the beautiful days then check out our top picks for inspiration...

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Bringing the winery to Arrowtown…

By Charlie Curel on 19 December 2012 (0 comments)
Fine clothing stores, galleries, cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs, boutique bars and now a gorgeous new tasting room! Arrowtown... how could we not visit you this Christmas!

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The Hobbit fever and Queenstown's Middle-earth locations

By Esther Small on 14 December 2012 (0 comments)
With the launch of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in New Zealand this week there has been plenty of talk surrounding the locations used in all the films set in Middle-earth.

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Save the date for Queenstown’s Wedding Show!

By Charlie Curel on 12 December 2012 (0 comments)
White frocks, flowers, tuxedos and elaborate cake designs will take centre stage at Queenstown’s Wedding Show on 11th May next year.

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This Christmas in Queenstown

By Charlie Curel on 3 December 2012 (0 comments)
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with a beautifully decorated tree in central Queenstown and decorations going up around the region !

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Ho, Ho, Ho, less than 4 weeks to go!

By Charlie Curel on 29 November 2012 (0 comments)
Queenstown is heating up for an action-packed festive period with Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve celebrations, free community events, and sporting matches.

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Chinese actress Yao Chen weds in Queenstown

By Charlie Curel on 21 November 2012 (0 comments)
Multi award-winning Chinese actress Yao Chen married her fiancé Cao Yu in Queenstown over the weekend.

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Jamie McDell to headline NZ PGA Championship concert in Queenstown

By Charlie Curel on 16 November 2012 (0 comments)
Young Auckland musician Jamie McDell will be the headline act for a free open-air concert to be held at The Hills as part of the 2013 NZ PGA Championship in February.

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Lydia Ko confirmed for 2013 NZ PGA Championship

By Charlie Curel on 13 November 2012 (0 comments)
Lydia Ko, World Number 1 Women’s Amateur Golfer has confirmed that she will once again play at the 2013 NZ PGA Championship in Queenstown.

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Take a hike and discover Queenstown this summer

By Libby Baron on 12 November 2012 (0 comments)
Queenstown’s reputation as one of NZ’s most popular walking and hiking destinations has been enhanced this summer with the launch of a new network of trails.

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New Queenstown Trail launched

By Libby Baron on 6 November 2012 (0 comments)
After two years in the making, the new 110km Queenstown Trail was officially opened on 18 October 2012 by the Rt Hon John Key.

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Win a weekend getaway to Queenstown with Air New Zealand

By Esther Small on 5 November 2012 (0 comments)
To celebrate how easy it is to get a direct flight to Queenstown this summer Air New Zealand are giving away a weekend getaway for two.

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Spring begins and the Remarkables Market is back

By Esther Small on 29 October 2012 (0 comments)
The hugely popular Remarkables Market has re-opened for its third summer season while the Arts and Crafts Market in Earnslaw Park changes to summer hours.

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Queenstown ranked one of top cities in South Pacific by Condé Naste

By Esther Small on 21 October 2012 (0 comments)
Queenstown has earned international acclaim as one of the ‘Top 5 Cities of the South Pacific’ in Condé Naste Traveler’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.

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Heritage celebrations galore this weekend

By Esther Small on 17 October 2012 (0 comments)
This Labour weekend will be one for the Queenstown history books as multiple milestone celebrations take place around the region.

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Couples flock to get married in Queenstown

By Esther Small on 9 October 2012 (0 comments)
More couples are choosing Queenstown's idyllic surrounds to tie the knot.

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Queenstown Jazzfest 2012 lineup announced

By Esther Small on 5 October 2012 (0 comments)
The Jazzfest returns to Queenstown this Labour weekend with a great lineup of local, national and international jazz acts.

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Queenstown Trail opening soon!

By Esther Small on 24 September 2012 (0 comments)
After two years of intense construction the 110+km Queenstown Trail is close to completion. An official opening is planned for October 18 2012.

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Benatar headline Queenstown concert this summer.

By Esther Small on 18 September 2012 (0 comments)
A classic rock extravaganza will hit Queenstown this summer, with a triple headline act spearheaded by Pat Benatar at Gibbston Valley.

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Gold fever hits Queenstown. Win a $5,000 holiday!

By Esther Small on 18 September 2012 (0 comments)
To celebrate the discovery of gold in our region 150 years ago, we’re giving away two trips to Queenstown, each valued at $5,000 NZD.

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L2R_Geoff_Jacqui_Alex_Sophie Keys from QLD at Coronet Peak 26 06 12
JPEG Image: 2.45 MB, 6.1 minutes @ 56kbps

Spring snowfall turns skifields into white gold

By Libby Baron on 13 September 2012 (0 comments)
Thousands of locals and visitors have taken to the slopes around Queenstown today to enjoy superb spring skiing conditions and bluebird skies after some heavy snowfalls over the past week.

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Kiwi Olympic medalists love Queenstown

By Esther Small on 4 September 2012 (0 comments)
Kiwi Olympic medallists are favouring the Wakatipu to wind down from their London exploits.

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New Zealand is 100% Middle-earth

By Esther Small on 27 August 2012 (0 comments)
Unveil your very own Middle-earth experience in a place that will forever keep you under its spell.

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A magical view from Coronrt Peak ski field NZski

DNA Gay Ski Week kicks off

By Lisa Nilsen on 22 August 2012 (0 comments)
Hundreds of revellers from around the world are beginning to arrive in sunny Queenstown this week to celebrate Gay Ski Week, the Southern Hemisphere's largest Winter Pride event, which starts this Saturday.

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Unique freestyle event in Queenstown this Saturday

By Esther Small on 20 August 2012 (0 comments)
The Remarkables Parklife Invitational Rail Jam has some returning favourites and new stars in its line up this year with the addition of freestyle motorcross.

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Man living in a snow cave for a month

By Esther Small on 13 August 2012 (0 comments)
Local Queenstowner Blair Whitaker is to spend 30 nights alone on The Remarkables ski field to raise money for an avalanche dogs charity.

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Release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey draws closer

By Esther Small on 6 August 2012 (0 comments)
New Zealand is the home of Middle-earth as many people know and excitement is building around the November world premiere here in New Zealand of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

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Sporting elite heading our way

By Esther Small on 30 July 2012 (0 comments)
It has been confirmed that Winter Games NZ 2013, to be held in Queenstown, Wanaka and Naseby 11-25 August, will host at least five World Cups.

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Queenstown New Zealand and Southern Lakes region

Market atmosphere for Arrowtown’s ‘Twilight Trading’

By Lisa Nilsen on 26 July 2012 (0 comments)
For the first time, Winter Twilight Trading comes to historic Arrowtown.

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Snowbroads on snowboards

By Esther Small on 24 July 2012 (0 comments)
The Remarkables ski area is holding the annual Burton Snowbroads, girls only snowboard and ski freestyle camps this season, with the first event being held this Saturday 28th July.

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Celebrity chef coming to Queenstown’s menu

By Esther Small on 23 July 2012 (0 comments)
Simon Gault from the reality TV series MasterChef New Zealand has confirmed he will be opening a steakhouse and oyster bar in the Sofitel hotel complex.

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World class Kiwi snowboarding and surfing feature in first winter webisode

By Esther Small on 18 July 2012 (0 comments)
Diaries Down Under is back with another winter series, releasing the first of five high definition webisodes which showcase Queenstown and the surrounding region.

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Mountain fix on film

By Esther Small on 10 July 2012 (0 comments)
This year’s New Zealand Mountain Film Festival has had audiences buzzing with excitement at the thrills, spills and adrenaline-inducing action on-screen in Wanaka and Queenstown during the past few days.

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Global cyclocross queen – "The Queenstown course is the most beautiful I have seen anywhere in the world"

By Esther Small on 5 July 2012 (0 comments)
International cyclocross superstar Katie Compton has pronounced the Queenstown cyclocross course to be the most beautiful in the world.

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More winter events in Queenstown

By Esther Small on 2 July 2012 (0 comments)
The ten coolest days of winter fun, laughter and celebrations came to an end last night as thousands of people descended on Earnslaw Park for Mardi Gras.

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Lunchtime antics draw large crowds Queenstown Winter Festival

By Willy Hunt on 28 June 2012 (0 comments)
More madcap antics ensued on day six of the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival with hundreds of people gathering at Earnslaw Park for the highly anticipated MoreFM Downtown Day.

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Snow comes to the party in Queenstown

By Willy Hunt on 26 June 2012 (0 comments)
Queenstown is buzzing after overnight snowfalls brought snow downtown and turned the resort and surrounding mountains into a magical winter wonderland.

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Lara Bingle in town for Winter Festival and reality show

By Esther Small on 26 June 2012 (0 comments)
Perhaps best known to Kiwis for her ''Where the bloody hell are you?'' catchphrase, Australian model Lara Bingle has touched down in Queenstown.

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Irish Rugby Team enjoy Queenstown Attractions

By Willy Hunt on 22 June 2012 (0 comments)
The Irish rugby team's trip to Queenstown before its final match against the All Blacks proved an enjoyable one, with players getting a chance to relax and take in the town's beauty.

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3 day countdown until the 2012 Amex Queenstown Winter Festival!

By Esther Small on 19 June 2012 (0 comments)
The three-day countdown to the 2012 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival has begun with construction of the American Express Wonderland Ice Rink now well underway...

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Remarkables ski field opening

By Willy Hunt on 15 June 2012 (0 comments)
The Remarkables ski area in Queenstown is all set for opening day on Saturday June 16th 2012.

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Penny Farthing and Vintage Cycle Tour to visit

By Willy Hunt on 13 June 2012 (0 comments)
This year the Oamaru Penny Farthing and Vintage Cycle Tour will be on board the TSS Earnslaw's 100th anniversary sailing from Kingston to Queenstown, on their way to Arrowtown.

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Global Cyclocross Queen confirmed for Queenstown event

By Willy Hunt on 11 June 2012 (0 comments)
International cyclocross superstar Katie Compton has been confirmed to take part in the New Zealand Cyclocross National Series this July – including the first race on July 1 during the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival.

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Queenstown's still kiwi's top domestic travel destination

By Esther Small on 11 June 2012 (0 comments)
Once again Queenstown has taken top honours 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.

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Wintry blast bodes well for Queenstown ski areas

By Willy Hunt on 6 June 2012 (0 comments)
A wintry blast that swept the South Island of New Zealand has brought excellent snow making conditions for Queenstown ski areas in the lead up to opening weekend.

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Outstanding 2012 vintage expected by winery

By Esther Small on 6 June 2012 (0 comments)
Gibbston Valley Winery is predicting an outstanding 2012 vintage due to a dream run of summer and autumn weather that's produced a high quality of fruit this season.

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NZ Personalities on where to spend Winter Holidays

By Willy Hunt on 5 June 2012 (0 comments)
To celebrate the start of the season, Kiwi personalities reveal their favourite ways to spend winter.

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Diaries Down Under winter teaser video out now!

By Esther Small on 24 May 2012 (0 comments)
Bring on ski season 2012... the Diaries Down Under winter teaser video is out now! The Diaries Down Under boys speak to a couple of locals about mother nature and have some of last years footage to get you pumped on another winter.

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Top travel photography blogger moves to Queenstown

By Esther Small on 23 May 2012 (0 comments)
Trey Ratcliff, top travel photography blogger for the popular blog www.stuckincustoms.com was obviously impressed with Queenstown during his travels because he's just relocated with his family here.

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Gandalf's a big fan of Queenstown

By Esther Small on 18 May 2012 (0 comments)
Queenstown has enchanted English actor Sir Ian McKellen yet again while he's in New Zealand for The Hobbit filming.

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'Lady of the Lake' turning 100 years old

By Esther Small on 16 May 2012 (0 comments)
Real Journeys is planning a week of centenary celebrations including a re-enactment voyage marking the Lady of the Lake’s official birthday, 100 years to the day of her first voyage.

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A snowboarder ripping at The Remarkables NZski

Winter's on its way!

By Esther Small on 14 May 2012 (1 comment)
As we pass mid May the winter buzz around town is increasing as the temperature drops and the surrounding mountains get yet another dusting of snow.

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Celebrity chef Farah Quinn thinks Queenstown is great for kids

By Esther Small on 10 May 2012 (0 comments)
Indonesian 'sexy' celebrity chef Farah Quinn visited Queenstown this week with her five-year-old son and believes the outdoor environment is a major drawcard for Indonesians.

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Celebrity chef opens restaurant in Queenstown

By Esther Small on 8 May 2012 (0 comments)
Kiwi celebrity chef Josh Emett and business partner Fleur Caulton launched their new restaurant, Rata in Queenstown on May 4th, entertaining 300 invited guests.

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Queenstown voted best NZ destination in Trip Advisor awards

By Esther Small on 3 May 2012 (0 comments)
Queenstown has been ranked the top New Zealand destination in the Trip Advisor 2012 Travellers' Choice Awards 'Top Destinations in the South Pacific.'

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Routeburn Classic women’s winner Whitney Dagg crossed the Harris Saddle

Routeburn Classic Mountain Run

By Willy Hunt on 30 April 2012 (0 comments)
Records topple as perfect conditions make for record times in 2012 Routeburn Classic adventure run.

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Kingston Flyer has a stellar season

By Willy Hunt on 30 April 2012 (0 comments)
The Kingston Flyer steam train finished it's 2011 - 2012 season on Sunday, bringing to a close a very successful return to the tracks. However the 'Flyer' is doing a Queenstown Winter Festival special run on July 1st.

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25 years of wine in Gibbston Valley

By Esther Small on 23 April 2012 (0 comments)
This week Gibbston Valley Wines is celebrating the 25th anniversary of commercial grape harvesting in Central Otago.

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2012 Arrowtown Autumn Festival - 50 events over 10 days

By Willy Hunt on 18 April 2012 (0 comments)
Starting Friday 20th April and running till the 29th, the Arrowtown Autumn Festival is a feast of entertainment, parades, mucic and colour!

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Queenstown Bike Park's 100,000 rider Richard Smithers

Queenstown BIke Park's first full summer season a success!

By Esther Small on 16 April 2012 (0 comments)
The hottest new destination in southern hemisphere riding, the Queenstown Bike Park is celebrating success as its first full season draws to a close with kudos from international biking stars and rides passing the 100,000 mark.

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Orion Health GODZone Adventure race kicks off today!

By Lisa Nilsen on 9 April 2012 (0 comments)
It's on! The inaugural adventure race got off to a magical start this morning in Milford Sound

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NZPGA Pro-Am Set to be Bigger & Better in 2013

By Willy Hunt on 2 April 2012 (0 comments)
The NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship is set to get bigger and better. Plans are well advanced for 2013, with dates already in place and an expanded tournament on the cards after a highly successful inaugural event.

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Winter Festival programme now live

By Lisa Nilsen on 29 March 2012 (0 comments)
Full programme announced for the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter party

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Celebrities and Golf Pros arrive for the PGA Pro-Am Championship

By Esther Small on 29 March 2012 (0 comments)
Hollywood movie star Don Cheadle, a celebrity playing in the New Zealand PGA Pro-Am Championship this weekend is blown away by Queenstown.

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Queenstown becomes a movie set this week

By Esther Small on 22 March 2012 (0 comments)
Parts of Queenstown’s CBD will become a movie set this week as the ‘Top of the Lake’ mini series begins filming street scenes.

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Win a trip to the Queenstown Winter Festival

By Esther Small on 20 March 2012 (0 comments)
The programme for the 2012 Queenstown Winter Festival is filling up with some fantastic events. Win a chance to come down and experience Queenstown's world-famous celebration of the start of winter!

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Flight of the Conchords coming to Queenstown!

By Esther Small on 16 March 2012 (0 comments)
The rumours have been confirmed - Flight of the Conchords are coming to Queenstown!

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Release of Stan Walker's new music video filmed in the area

By Esther Small on 14 March 2012 (0 comments)
Just released! Watch Stan Walker's new music video - 'Music Won't Break Your Heart', a lot of the footage was filmed around the Wakatipu region. Keep your eyes peeled for scenes of the Kingston Flyer, the Glenorchy area and from Coronet Peak.

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