Action-packed events calendar in Queenstown this summer

Wednesday, 30 November 2011, 11:34 am
Press Release: Destination Queenstown

Action-packed events calendar in Queenstown this summer

Queenstown, 30 November 2011 - Queenstown is heating up for an action-packed summer with new international concerts, New Year’s Eve celebrations, food and wine festivals, street parties, free community events, and sporting matches.

And with the sun rising at 5am and setting as late as 10pm in the four-season lake and alpine resort during summer there’s plenty of time to make the most of the warm sunshine and long twilights.

The nearby historic gold mining village of Arrowtown will celebrate the start of summer on 2 December by closing off its picturesque main street for the inaugural Arrowtown Long Lunch. Along with live music and entertainment, a row of tables featuring the differently themed cuisine of local cafes and restaurants will span the length of the street for diners to enjoy festive summer dining at its best.

In late December the region moves into holiday mode with visitors joining in the festive fun.

New Year’s Eve traditionally goes off with a bang in central Queenstown with a spectacular lakeside fireworks display, live music and parties in the streets. The celebrations kickstart the month-long Summerdaze Festival filled with sporting, arts, cultural, musical and family entertainment.

This New Year’s Eve, Queenstown will also host a new annual music festival EarthTonz which features more than 30 hours of live music over two days. On 30 December there’s a great line up of Kiwi bands at Gibbston Valley Station while on New Year’s Eve the big guns come out with Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) & DJ Aero, big beating Americans Crystal Method, British break beat band The Freestylers, DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill), Kraak & Smaak, AK 1200/DJ Dara/MC Messinian (Planet of the Drums), Boombox, Ana Sia, Heatbox, NZ’s own Minuit, and other international dance and electronica acts.

January is full of events action, beginning with the Glenorchy Race Day. This iconic event has been running for more than 40 years and is a true southern Kiwi experience. Locals turn out in force to cheer on the competitors, many of whom are local horse trekking staff and stockmen/women, so competition is fierce!

The hugely popular and colourful national Rugby Sevens tournament is also on in January, and is considered one of the sporting highlights on the summer calendar. The two-day event in central Queenstown is famous for its fun, laidback atmosphere and attracts capacity crowds.

Town meets country each January at the Lake Hayes A&P Show. This is a great family day out with heaps of attractions including a petting zoo, parades, show jumping and wool shearing as well as live music, a BBQ cook off and a variety of food, wine and craft stalls. ‘World famous in NZ’ comedian Te Radar is back by popular demand as MC.

Wine and food enthusiasts from around the world come together in late January for one of New Zealand’s premier wine events, the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration, which showcases Central Otago’s best wine, cuisine and scenery.

Music lovers are spoilt for choice in February with several major international acts performing around Queenstown. Legendary rock bands the Doobie Brothers and Little River Band will play all their greatest hits against the stunning backdrop of Gibbston Valley Winery, one of Central Otago’s most internationally recognised vineyards, while Australian roots band the John Butler Trio and funky American soul singer Aloe Blacc & The Grand Scheme will perform at Peregrine’s award-winning winery. And after their hit concert last year, Creedence Clearwater Revisited will return for a gig at Queenstown Events Centre.

Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt said the diversity of events during summer really added to the buzz of Queenstown.

“There’s plenty to appeal to locals and visitors alike and the warm days and long evenings are the perfect motivator for getting out and about and enjoying the events on offer. Add to that Queenstown’s huge activity offering, hiking and biking trails, water sports, award-winning food and wine, and vibrant social scene, and you have all the ingredients for a great summer holiday,” he said.

For a full calendar of summer events plus more information on how to get to Queenstown and where to stay, play, shop, eat and drink please visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.

Influential travel authority Lonely Planet has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012 for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery.

ENDS

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