experiencequeenstown blog

Cocktail World Cup 2010 kicks off NZ campaign

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:40:00 +1300

The 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup 2010 kicks off its New Zealand campaign on December 20th, which is less than a week away. Bartenders of New Zealand, it's time to get your act together and get ready to take on the best the world can throw at you.

On December 20 we start taking entries for the competition, and then entries close Feb 5th. Get thinking about that signature cocktail now that will take you to the top of your game.

Here's a timeline of how this year's competition will unfold:

20th December 2009 – Entries open for New Zealand. Get on-line & submit that master piece!
5th February 2010 – Entries for the New Zealand rehearsal close.
6th February 2010 – The New Zealand entries will be compiled and checked by our panel of experts.
8th February 2010 – All qualifying entries will be prepared and served following your instructions and presented to our judging panel. So, make sure you are very clear and concise when entering your cocktail. Should your cocktail involve an individual product that may be difficult to find or you have created yourself please note this at the time of entry. One of the judges will contact you and ask for a sample to be supplied. The judges will be looking at various components of your cocktail. They will be appraising each cocktail out of a possible 42 points:
- Successful marriage of ingredients (/6)
- Complex & unusual flavours used (/4)
- Cocktail has a pleasant & inviting aroma & texture (/6)
- The cocktail can be & deserves to be enjoyed across the globe (/4)
- Cocktail is inviting & visually appealing (/6)
- Garnishes (if any) are well designed & matched (/2)
- Name (if any) evokes the flavours & experience (/6)
- Overall Impression (/8)
10th February 2010 – The judges will notify the top 15 entries of their success and notify them to expect a visit.
11th,12th & 13th February 2010 – The top 15 can expect a visit from our judges at their bar. Each will be given the opportunity to present their entry in person to the judges and demonstrate overall bar skills & personality – this is a rock ‘n’ roll tour after all. Basically we need to know you are good at your job!
15th February 2010 – Then there was 10. Upon completion of the in-market visits the judges will select 10 finalists. The 10 will be invited to compete for a place on the 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup New Zealand team for 2010. The competition will occur in Wellington on the 21st February 2010.
21st February 2010 – 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup New Zealand Team selection competition, Wellington, New Zealand. The selected ‘rock ‘n’ rollers’ will travel to Wellington and compete in a 2 stage competition:
- Stage 1) Bar test – a generic bartending test that identifies knowledge of 42BELOW, Cocktails, Spirits & New Zealand liquor laws (Approximately 20 questions – value 25pts)
- Stage 2) Cocktail Competition – a final chance to present & impress the judges with your cocktail in a competition environment (the rules of which will be presented to the 10 finalists upon notification of entry). (75pts)

The top three scores from the competition finals day will be crowned the Kiwi Rock ‘n’ Rollers of 2010 & invited to represent New Zealand at the 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup 2010 held March 22nd – 28th, 2010.

One more day at Coronet Peak!

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:26:00 +1300

Heads up season pass holders, just got this from NZ Ski:

"Wow, what a way to end a great winter season with over 17cm of new snow falling over the weekend!

2009 has been the best season yet. As token of our appreciation to you, our loyal season pass holders, we will be opening Coronet Peak tomorrow (Monday 5th October 2009) for one last day on the hill.

Whilst today is the official closing day, Coronet Peak will be open from 10am - 2pm tomorrow, Monday 5th October 2009 for all 2009 nzskipass and Queenstown season pass holders*.

Facilities open will be lifts and limited food & beverage - BBQ on the deck (rentals, Skiwiland Creche, Snowsports School and the retail store will not be available).

Many thanks for the great support this year. We hope to see as many of you as possible at Coronet Peak tomorrow, if not then in June 2010. "

Sounds good to me :)

Free access to Queenstown's Underwater Observatory

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:37:00 +1200

Summer is just around the corner and Kawarau Jet Queenstown, the pioneers of commercial Jet boating celebrate 50 years of operation this summer.

Celebrations roll out by gifting free entry into Queenstown’s Underwater Observatory for locals and visitors to Queenstown from Monday 28th September until the New Year.

The Underwater Observatory on the Main Town Pier is an all weather attraction that is operated in conjunction with Kawarau Jet.

Kawarau Jet directors, Shaun Kelly and Andrew Brinsley agreed that offering free entry into the Observatory is a way of giving back to the community and a great way to kick off 50th birthday celebrations.

“We have timed this to coincide with the start of the school holidays however the observatory is a fascinating experience for all and really a must do while in Queenstown. We are excited to extend this invitation to our loyal residents and visitors to Queenstown”.

The Underwater Observatory was built in 1983 for locals and tourists to descend beneath the lakes surface to view the life that thrives close to the lakeshore. A small charge is usually taken at the entrance but until the New Year, entrance will be free for all.

Kawarau Jet will be the first operator in Queenstown to offer a free attraction for such an extended period.

Mondillo red wins more gold

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:31:00 +1200

The 2008 Mondillo Central Otago Pinot Noir produced by Bendigo-based Mondillo Vineyards has been awarded a gold medal in New Zealand’s largest international wine competition.

This latest award tops off a year-on-year medley of accolades honouring Mondillo since the establishment of the 12-hectare vineyard in Bendigo in 2001.

The New Zealand International Wine show judged more than 2,000 wines, with only 19 Pinot Noir receiving the coveted gold award, under the guidance of Bob Campbell, New Zealand’s leading wine educator.

Ally Mondillo, Mondillo Vineyards co-owner said the recognition backs up the belief she and husband Domenic have in their grapes and their distinct ‘blend in the vineyards’ approach to wine growing and making.

“This is a fantastic start for the newly released 2008 vintage and very much reflective of one of the best growing seasons Central Otago has ever seen,” she said.

“Our Bendigo grapes have intense ripe flavours and are deep in colour and this is reflected in our wine which we know measures up well against all others, so it is an exciting achievement for us.”

As an accredited member and one of Central Otago’s founding members of SWNZ – Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand – Mondillo ensures every step is taken to employ environmentally responsible processes in the vineyard and winery.

Ms Mondillo says sustainable practice was a guiding principle in the establishment of Mondillo Vineyards.

“We believe sustainable practice is a key strategic goal for the wine business and our practices are all guided by those principles.”

“This commitment was recognised when the 2006 Mondillo Pinot Noir was awarded the only Pure Elite Gold Medal given to a Pinot Noir at the 2006 Air New Zealand Wine Awards.”

UK trio a coup for Queenstown jazz festival

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:03:00 +1200

Visitors and locals will get the chance to hear one of the most sought after jazz trios in the world for free in what’s being billed as a highlight of next month’s ASB Queenstown JazzFest.

Direct from the UK, the multi-talented Neil Cowley Trio will give a very special performance in the intimate surrounds of the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside’s Gallery Bar on Thursday 22 October.

Renowned for their captivating live shows featuring traditional jazz standards, original compositions and covers of contemporary pop songs, the trio has received international acclaim.

Their debut album Displaced won BBC Jazz CD of the Year in 2007 and the trio has featured on BBC’s Later with Jools Holland show, on the front of Jazzwise, the UK's leading jazz magazine, and played on the Jazz World Stage at the Glastonbury Festival.

Queenstown Jazz Festival trustee Nicola Lindsay says it’s a real coup for the festival to present one of the best and most “in demand” jazz trios in the world.

“The Neil Cowley Trio has emerged as one of the pre-eminent exponents of the new contemporary sound of jazz piano trios.

“They take the concept and sound of the traditional piano trio and blow it out of the water - think of the energy and drive of The Clash, transfer it into a three-piece band and you’ve got the Neil Cowley Trio.

“They’re absolutely captivating on stage, not just for their energetic and forceful melodies, catchy hooks, soulful moments and thrilling climaxes, but also for the remarkable rapport they build with their audiences. Neil Cowley is very funny and keeps the crowd amused in between songs,” she says.

Considered one of the finest pianists of his generation, London-born Cowley was a child prodigy and first performed a Shostakovich piano concerto at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall at the tender age of 10. At 17 he answered an ad in Melody Maker which propelled him into the world of pop.

The dazzling young pianist and composer then moved into keyboards and performed with some of the best soul and funk bands of the time including Gabrielle, Brand New Heavies and Zero 7.

In 2002, Cowley formed his own band, Fragile State, and produced two critically-acclaimed jazz chill-out albums.

He then gave up computer-generated music and returned to the piano. He began composing and eventually formed the Neil Cowley Trio joined by Richard Sadler on double bass and Evan Jenkins on drums.

Ms Lindsay says the trio’s Novotel concert will be “a perfect setting for an engaging wine, dine and jazz evening.”

Concert-goers can start the evening with drinks in the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside’s award-winning rose garden from 5pm accompanied by the cool sounds of DJ Mark Robinson from Auckland’s GEORGE FM Jazz Station. Dining options include a sumptuous à la carte menu upstairs at Elements restaurant or delicious Mediterranean-style pizzas cooked in the outdoor wood-fired pizza oven.

Music lovers can also catch the Neil Cowley Trio during the day on Wednesday 21 October and Thursday 22 October on the Village Green Community Stage.

The ASB Queenstown JazzFest runs from 17 to 26 October and brings music to the masses in a 10-day live music celebration which showcases a breadth of jazz styles from around New Zealand and the world.

Festival tickets can be purchased online through www.asbjazzfest.co.nz, at Queenstown i-Site (corner of Shotover and Camp streets) or by calling TicketDirect on 0800 224 224 (03 450 9110).

Treble Cone Mini-Mountain Open

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:51:00 +1200

What do you get when you throw a bunch of groms and some of the best Freeride coaches in the business up at Treble Cone? The mini MOUNTAIN open!

Treble Cone is sponsoring a two day ski and snowboard event on September 19 - 20 for all groms under age 12 looking to break into the competitive skiing and snowboarding scene.

Day 1, Saturday, September 19th - The Treble Cone sponsored Freeride Clinic aims to teach all the competitors about mountain safety, skiing and riding competitively, how competitions work and what judges are looking for in a competition run. This is a great opportunity for all kids to ski and ride ski with Treble Cone’s top Snow Sports Instructors as well as Geoff Small and his team of Coaches.

“Our goal is to get all of our local kids out on the hill and in a competition where they can express themselves in a unique format. The clinic aims to teach the youth about safety and how to use the mountain to their advantage,” said Acting Managing Director, Tim Hudson

Day 2, Sunday, September 20th - mini MOUNTAIN open. Registration is open until 10AM and the event will start with a riders meeting at 10:30 AM at the top of the course. Skiers and Riders will be given two runs two express themselves on a specific aspect of the mountain. They will be judged on creativity, fluidity, difficulty and over-all impression.

This is a fun event for all skiers and riders under 12 and we encourage everyone to take part in the FREE Clinic on Saturday, September 19th. Registration for both days is only $20 and competitors as well as parents will be offered 50% off lift tickets. Please visit Treblecone.com to pre-register and for more event details.

Queenstown TV Commercial

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:08:00 +1200

Check out Destination Queenstown's brand new TV ad promoting Queenstown to New Zealanders.

The commercial will begin screening from Sunday, August 23 and will complement the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games in promoting Queenstown as a tourism destination.

"Early in the formation of the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games I approached DQ and other organisations for the funding we needed to be able to secure global TV coverage of the games," said Mr Klap.

"We needed someone to take the lead and back us and our event. DQ did that by committing $100,000 on the condition we found other organisations to match that figure. We were able to take that commitment and support and turn it into $700,000 through sponsorship from Tourism New Zealand, the Dunedin City Council and others."

As part of the arrangement, DQ has a number of 30 second commercial slots to air on Sky 1 and 3, plus vignettes from Queenstown to broadcast throughout the Games' coverage.

"This meant we had to develop a new television commercial to showcase our stunning destination to New Zealand," said DQ General Manager Marketing Graham Budd. "We used the local expertise of our agency Feast along with Action Productions, which is headed by Emmy Award winning film producer Julian Grimmond to make the commercial. The sound track was provided by local residents Jessie Coutts and Mathurin Molgat and the final result is absolutely fantastic."

Mr Budd said the commercial was designed to highlight Queenstown as a year-round holiday destination to our key domestic markets.

"It's very exciting because now that we have a new commercial we can look for other broadcast opportunities beyond the Games'coverage, as well as distribution via web channels and social network environments.

"The Winter Games is a fantastic opportunity to profile the Queenstown brand. Our aim is to deliver the message that Queenstown offers visitors life enhancing pure inspiration throughout all our seasons."

What do you think of the commercial? Leave a comment below.

Winter Games NZ Event Schedule

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:24:00 +1200

The inaugural 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games NZ got off to a cracker start last night in Queenstown.

We've tracked down the games events schedule and posted it online for your convenience:

Winter Games NZ Event Time Schedule
Friday 21 August
1230 - 1400	Media Conference	Pier 19, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown
1600 - 1700	Official Opening	Earnslaw Park, Queenstown
Saturday 22 August
0900 – 1300	Freeski Slopestyle Qualifiers	The Remakables, Queenstown
1330 – 1515	Freeski Slopestyle Finals	The Remarkables, Queenstown
1900 – 2130	Ice Hockey Test Match	Dunedin Ice Stadium, Dunedin
Sunday 23 August
0900 – 1400	Interval Start Cross Country Classic	Snow Farm, Wanaka
0900 – 1115	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1400 – 1600	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1900 – 2100	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
0915 – 1300	Snowboard Slopestyle Qualifiers	The Remarkables, Queenstown
1330 – 1430	Snowboard Slopestyle Semi Finals	The Remarkables, Queenstown
1500 – 1600	Snowboard Slopestyle Finals	The Remarkables, Queenstown
1700 – 1930	Ice Hockey Test Match	Dunedin Ice Stadium, Dunedin
Monday 24 August
0900 – 1300	Sprint Cross Country	Snow Farm, Wanaka
1030 – 1200	Snowboard Cross Time Trials	Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka
1230 – 1400	Snowboard Cross Heats and Finals	Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka
0900 – 1100	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1415 – 1615	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1900 – 2100	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
Tuesday 25 August
0800 – 1400	Super G, including IPC (one run)	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
0900 – 1230	Interval Start Cross Country Classic	Snow Farm, Wanaka
0830 – 1400	Snowboard World Cup Halfpipe Qualifiers	Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka
0900 – 1100	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1415 – 1615	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1900 – 2100	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
Wednesday 26 August
1000 – 1200	Snowboard World Cup Halfpipe Semis	Cardrona Alpine Resort
1230 – 1400	Snowbaord World Cup Halfpipe Finals	Cardrona Alpine Resort
0900 – 1100	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1415 – 1615	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1900 – 2100	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
Thursday 27 August
0930 – 1130	Giant Slalom Men – first run	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
1400 – 1530	Giant Slalom Men – second run	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
1030 – 1200	Ski Cross Time Trials	Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka
1300 – 1400	Ski Cross Heats and Finals	Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka
0900 – 1100	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1415 – 1615	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
1900 – 2100	Curling Round Robin	Naseby
Friday 28 August
1000 – 1200	Giant Slalom Women & IPC – first run	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
1400 – 1600	Giant Slalom Women & IPC – second run	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
0930 – 1300	Freeski Halfpipe Qualifiers	Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka
0800 – 1000	Curling Tie-breaker Games	Naseby
1200 – 1400	Curling Semi Finals	Naseby
1400 – 1700	Curling Semi Finals	Naseby
1500 – 2130	Ice Skating Short – novice and junior	Dunedin Ice Stadium, Dunedin
Saturday 29 August
0900 – 1030	Slalom IPC – first run	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
1130 – 1230	Slalom IPC – second run	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
0900 – 1200	Freeski Halfpipe Semi Finals	Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka
1230 – 1400	Freeski Halfpipe Finals	Cardrona Alpine Resort
0900 – 1130	Winter Tri	Snow Farm, Wanaka
0900 – 1200	Curling Medal Games	Naseby
1400 – 1600	Curling Gold Medal Games	Naseby
1500 – 1900	Free Skating – novice and junior	Dunedin Ice Stadium, Dunedin
1900 – 2230	Figure Skating Short – Senior	Dunedin Ice Stadium, Dunedin
1800 – 2230	NZOC Gala Dinner (invite only)	Skyline, Queenstown
Sunday 30 August
0800 – 1300	Slalom – first run	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
1330 – 1530	Slalom – second run	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
0830 – 1100	Snowboard Big Air Qualifiers	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
1300 – 1400	Snowboard Big Air Semi Finals	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
1530 – 1630	Freeski and Snowboard Big Air Finals	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
1630 – 1730	Closing Ceremony	Coronet Peak, Queenstown
1300 – 2030	Free Skating	Dunedin Ice Stadium, Dunedin
2030 – 2130	Figure Skating Victory Ceremony	Dunedin Ice Stadium, Dunedin
1100 – 1200	Natural Luge	Naseby

Spring Fiesta at Treble Cone

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:38:00 +1200

With Spring just around the corner Treble Cone has created an affordable price scheme that is aimed at the local community. $389 Spring Passes will be available to purchase now but are not valid until September 1st when the Fiesta starts. “We have had such a great season so far this year and wanted to share it with those who haven’t had the chance to come up. We understand that a season’s pass is a major commitment and have found the spring pass to be a great option for the weekend warriors or those looking to extend their three and five day passes,” said Acting Managing Director Tim Hudson.

Along with their affordable pricing, Treble Cone has lined up a variety of events including the Mountain to Mountain, Ski Sail, Mini Mountain Open and the Treble Cone Triple Comp. There is a wide variety in the events calendar in order to get everyone involved throughout the spring. For the non-competitors Treble Cone will be hosting music every weekend until closing day. Matched up with Fiesta Food and Drink Specials, Treble Cone’s deck will play host to those who enjoy kicking back after a long day on the hill.

“We are looking forward to the spring atmosphere up at Treble Cone. We wanted to create a vibe where everyone feels welcome to watch the sunset rather than hurry back down the hill. It is such a beautiful mountain and the spring is the time to relish in it,” said TC Marketing, Antony Hansen. Passes can be purchased in advance to save your spot but the fiesta kicks off September 1st.

With the South Island’s largest vertical descent, the most terrain and longest groomed trails, Treble Cone is New Zealand’s premier alpine resort. 360 degree views of the snow capped Southern Alps, the brilliant blue Lake Wanaka and the rugged Central Otago landscape make this one of the most memorable views of any global resort. Situated on the edge of Lake Wanaka, Treble Cone has established itself as a mecca for all snow enthusiasts both locally and abroad.

Burton NZ Open Fun Day and Slopestyle Finals

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:37:00 +1200

Check out these videos from the Burton NZ Open:

Burton Open Halfpipe Finals - NZsnowboard.TV from NZsnowboard.com on Vimeo.

Burton NZ Open Slopestyle Finals - NZsnowboard.TV from NZsnowboard.com on Vimeo.

I HEART WNTR - NZ Open Fun Day from Mountainwatch.com on Vimeo.

Treble Cone joins Facebook

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:08:10 +1200

Treble Cone has joined the wonderful world of social networking and is offering content unmatched to any other resort in New Zealand. Less than one month ago, Treble Cone initiated a fan page on the popular social networking site, Facebook.com, and has seen huge success. Not only is it the fastest growing site, but the high quality video content uploaded nearly every other day makes the Treble Cone page like a TV Channel on the computer screen. Our Media guru, Antony Hansen, has a huge background in television, international video production and filming in all aspects of ‘extreme sports’. He has brought this unique talent to Treble Cone this season and has helped to create a movement that is now taking off on its on. In under a month Treble Cone has nearly breached 1,000 fans ranging from around the world. “It’s a fantastic way to use state of the art broadcasting equipment to gain high end results for our keen viewers. Our footage provides an up-to-date visual of current conditions and the overall vibe found at Treble Cone” said Hansen. This is an up to date way for Treble Cone to stay in touch with fans and to hear feedback from customers. They are also initiating a video contest soon for users to be in to win a new Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera. “We want to get our users more involved and to see some more unique content loaded onto our page. We feel it is important that this is used as a tool for everyone, not just ourselves” said Hansen. With the South Island’s largest vertical descent, the most terrain and longest groomed trails, Treble Cone is New Zealand’s premier alpine resort. 360 degree views of the snow capped Southern Alps, the brilliant blue lake and the rugged Central Otago landscape make this one of the most memorable views of any global resort. Situated on the edge of Lake Wanaka, Treble Cone has established itself as a mecca for all snow enthusiasts both locally and abroad. To find out more please visit treblecone.com.

Launch of new site

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:49:25 +1200

Yes, there's finally a new version of Experience Queenstown! The new version upgrades the site to leading edge design and functionality, ensuring that Experience Queenstown provides informative and timely information. Keeping this short as we're still working and there's plenty more to come!

"Unity" a positive new move for Queenstown

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +1300

Queenstown's new Unity yoga studio is offering free yoga classes until 31 March to give locals an opportunity to rejuvenate their body and sharpen their mind.

Unity will open its doors on Thursday, 15 March (first class at 7am), offering a range of yoga classes to suit everyone from beginners to more advanced students. Child-care is provided for some classes.

Centrally located at 61 Beach Street (opposite Earnslaw Park, level 2) Unity also has community space for hosting events such as art exhibitions and workshops.

Owners and long-time yoga instructors Lisa Sackville and Mike Graney say: "Our approach to teaching is to make sure that everyone leaves feeling better than when they walked in.

"We give people the flexibility to choose what suits their needs and lifestyle best, so we're offering a range of yoga styles - such as Classic Hatha and Flow Yogas - as well as varying levels of difficulty and day/evening session times."

Unity also has classes to suit specific needs, including athletes, men's bodies, pre-season ski conditioning, and restorative classes.

34-year-old Lisa has practised yoga for many years and found it really improved her physical and mental strength when she competed in the world championships for the US whitewater rafting team from 1997 to 2005.

45-year-old Mike originally chose yoga to complement his profession as a mountain and river guide. During his 22 years guiding he led many expeditions, in particular in Peru, Central America and the Himalayas, which combined mountaineering, white water and tramping.

They are quick to point out that over the years yoga has become more than simply a path to better fitness and performance. It enhances quality of life on all levels - body, mind, and spirit.

The basis of yoga is the complete practice of moving (meditation and preventative medicine) to keep the body toned and the mind sharp. It incorporates balance and flexibility, helps relieve stress, strengthen and tones muscles, and improves overall health and vitality.

Mike says: "Many of the poses cleanse organs like the lungs and kidneys, stimulate the metabolic and digestive process, and improve memory and concentration. Yoga also yields excellent results for chronic pain, muscle tension and injuries."

The men's classes that Mike runs are quite physically demanding: "I focus on a lot of strength-based poses, along with simple flexibility and tension release poses that relax the hamstrings, spine and shoulders, and open up the lungs and chest."

People can either pay per class ($20) or choose from a variety of packages including - classes for $90 -or - buy nine classes and get one free.

Lisa says: "The studio has one of the best views in town which makes it perfect for people to pop in for an hour and come out feeling completely rejuvenated."

Class participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and may bring their own yoga mat if they want to. Mats and lockers are available at the studio.

Cardrona 2007 Season Passes

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +1300

Cardrona Season Passes in 2007 have two new developments. Firstly a discounted price for Cardrona 2006 season pass holders who purchase a 2007 early bird season pass by March 15, 2007. Secondly the season pass will provide significant discounts in other ski resorts in Wanaka, Canterbury, Ruapehu, Italy, Argentina and Colorado.

Cardrona season pass prices for those season passes purchased by March 15 are Adult $490, Student $490, Child $110, and 60-74 years $220. Last year’s (2006) season pass holders receive a loyalty discount of $20 for Adults and Students, $5 for Children and $10 for Veterans. Passes can be purchased and forms downloaded on the Cardrona website, cardrona.com, from Monday, 19th February.

	Before 15 March	Loyalty Discount*	Before 30 April	Full Season
Adult	$490	($20)	$625	$1185
Student	$490	($20)	$625	$1070
Child	$110	($5)	$150	$260
60-74	$220	($10)	$240	$355

New Zealand Ski Resort Discounts

Cardrona season pass holders also receive $20 and $10 discount for Adult and Child lift passes respectively at Whakapapa, Turoa, Mt Dobson, Porter Heights, and Mt Lyford. Treble Cone discounts are close to being finalised.

International Ski Resort Discounts

Cardrona season pass holders also enjoy a 50% discount off ski passes at 18 snow areas in the Vail, Val Gardenia and Bariloche regions on presentation of their 2007 season pass. Conditions apply, see cardrona.com for more information.

This is part of the Endless Winter initiative of the Leading Mountain Resorts of the World, an alliance between Queenstown, Val Gardena (Italy), Vail (Colorado) and Bariloche (Argentina).

Gone are the days of the Cardrona season pass being a plain discounted lift ticket. It now offers better deals for return customers and the ability to explore resorts in NZ and the world at heavily discounted lift pass prices.

Purchase your early bird season pass from Cardrona's website.

Gibbston Harvest Festival

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +1300

A record number of food and wine stalls together with more focus on family will be greet those attending this year’s PBT (Peter Baker Transport) Gibbston Harvest Festival.

Not only has the diversity of wine and food grown, the children’s area is growing too with new games, activities and other treats for young festival goers, Gibbston Community Association Chairman Susan Stevens said.

“We’re very excited to be running the children’s area this year. Many of our young families are volunteering at the games and activities, so it will be a fun day for our community as well as those attending the festival.”

The Gibbston Harvest Festival was first held in March 2006 at the initiative of a small group of Gibbston based wineries, including Gibbston Valley Wines, Mount Edward, Mt. Rosa, Peregrine, and Valli Wines.

Although the same small group is organising the 2007 festival, the number of wine producers participating has grown from 13 to 16. Considering that participation is limited to wineries with vineyards in the Gibbston sub-region, the rapid growth is a real bonus for the festival.

“I always knew that Gibbston would one day be filled with vines, but I didn’t expect to see it in my lifetime. We are a geographically unique sub-region of Central in that we’re surrounded by mountains and our boundaries are very clearly defined, which has given us a unique identity as a wine community,” festival committee member and founder of Gibbston Valley Wines, Alan Brady said.

The 2007 festival had also attracted some exciting new sponsorship.

“We’re very happy that Peter Baker Transport has come on board as our primary sponsor. Their financial support means that we can keep the ticket prices at $10 so the festival is affordable for families, while still raising what we hope will be a significant amount of money for the Bruce Grant Youth Trust,”

Greg Hay, festival committee member and Sales and Marketing Director for Peregrine Wines, said.

Each year a local charity is selected to receive the proceeds from ticket sales. The inaugural festival in 2006 was well supported and the group raised just under $10,000 for the first charity recipient the Wakatipu Junior Footie Club.

In addition to organising the children’s area, the community association sells the festival wineglasses, as well as, raffle and grape tasting tickets to raise money for the Gibbston River Trail, the 8-km walking and mountain biking trail to be formed along the Kawarau River from the Kawarau Bungy bridge to Waitiri Creek Wines.

“Last year we raised a little over $1,900 at the festival. This year we are hoping to raise more. We’re lucky to have TrustPower, Gibbston Valley Properties, and Magic Memories sponsoring some of the activities. That reduces our costs and allows us to provide some great games at great prices”, said Ms Stevens.

Tickets are available at In Touch Visitor Centre, Queenstown - cnr Shotover and Camp Streets, and online at Gibbston Valley Wines website at http://www.gvwines.co.nz.

Arrowtown Pool Party

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +1300

An Arrowtown golden anniversary will be celebrated with a public pool party this weekend, special events and arts facilitator Jan Maxwell said.

“Sunday will mark 50 years of swimming at the Arrowtown Memorial Pool and everyone is invited”, she said.

The special day would be marked with the raising of the New Zealand Flag on the newly established flagpole at the war memorial pool.

“After 50 years it was considered to be high time to recognise that the pool is a memorial pool,” Ms Maxwell said.

Members of the local RSA had been invited to attend the flag raising which would be followed at 10am with the gates being thrown open to the community for a free day.

“We will have music and some special pool toys to mark the day, with free entry from 10am to 7pm,” Ms Maxwell said.

Later in the evening former coaches and community volunteers would join with former employees and those associated with the pool over the years to enjoy a poolside function to round off the day.

“It’s an opportunity to bring those people together to share stories and reflect on what has been a real community facility,” Ms Maxwell said.

Relevant resources: Arrowtown Info.

Helicopter Co Leads Way With $3.5 Mil Aircraft

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +1300

Pioneering Helicopter Company ‘Quietly Leads the Way’ With Launch of $3.5 Million Aircraft.

Queenstown’s Over The Top helicopter company has invested $3.5million in a state-of-the-art environmentally friendly helicopter.

Over The Top founder Louisa (Choppy) Patterson was handed the keys of the Eurocopter B4 in Auckland on Wednesday (Nov 15), becoming the first tourism operator in New Zealand to purchase this high performance craft.

There is a two-year waiting list for the Eurocopter, which was made to order in the South of France before being delivered to New Zealand, customised and certified here. It is one of only ten in the country, the others all being privately owned.

The new Eurocopter offers the very latest safety and navigation equipment and is extremely environmentally friendly in part due to a fully enclosed tail rotor system which results in a substantially quieter than usual operation.

It cruises at 235kmph, delivering up to six passengers in complete comfort and style. It is specifically designed for passenger comfort, with ergonomically designed seats. There are two seats alongside the pilot, and four seats in the rear of the cabin that are raised for enhanced viewing.

Over The Top director Ms Patterson said passenger comfort, safety and noise reduction were all factors in choosing the Eurocopter B4.

“With the six individual seats we can now take six passengers comfortably.

The current helicopters available in Queenstown, including our Squirrel, are configured so two people share a front bench seat and this has always had a weight limitation.

“The new machine has also been adopted worldwide by the aviation fraternity as the quietest helicopter available on the market. That’s of great importance to our company as we fly over and into some of the most environmentally sensitive areas in New Zealand,” she said.

“The Department of Conservation has been advocating the operation of this type of helicopter within our national parks, so we’re delighted to be able to say that we’re quietly leading the way.”

DoC Community Relations Manager Martin Rodd congratulated Over The Top for taking what he called a “significant step”.

“Aircraft provide an outstanding opportunity for visitors to gain an appreciation of the spectacular natural landscapes and remoteness of Fiordland National Park and its adjoining lands,” he said.

“Managing the effects of aircraft noise on other park users, like those tramping the Milford Track or exploring its wilderness areas, is the challenge. With aircraft like Over The Top’s new EC130B4 it is a win/win for the visitors on the ground as well as those flying in the comfort and safety of the aircraft.”

Francois Arnaud, Civil Aircraft Vice President for Australian Aerospace Ltd, the Eurocopter subsidiary for Australia and New Zealand, agreed with Mr Rodd’s comments.

“The EC130B4 is truly the quietest helicopter in its class and with its spacious cabin style and expanded canopy is the ideal aircraft for tourism operations. With systems such as the dual channel FADEC (full authority digital engine control) and dual hydraulic system, it also provides a very high level of safety for its passengers.”

Ms Patterson started Over The Top in 1986 and said the purchase of the Eurocopter was a large investment in New Zealand tourism in line with the company’s business growth and development.

“I’ve always endeavoured to ensure we have the right product to meet the evolving demands of New Zealand tourism clients,” she said.

Latest New Zealand Tourism Ministry statistics show that the proportion of visitors spending over $5,000 per visit has risen from 7% to11% in the past eight years, with average spend increasing to just over $3,000 in 2006.

“In the twenty years I have been involved in the luxury sector there has been increasing expectation as to quality and content of the product,” said Ms Patterson. “Now we are able to deliver the very latest aircraft which when coupled with our current excursions and access to Fiordland National Park makes our Over The Top service comparable with the best luxury expeditions available in the world.”

Have your say on WinterFest & Win!

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +1200

Destination Queenstown wants to hear about what you as a Queenstown resident think about the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival.

AUT's New Zealand Tourism Research Institute (NZTRI) will run a survey to evaluate resident opinions about this year's event. By completing the survey you'll go in the draw to win great prizes - 20 tickets to events at the 2007 Festival are up for grabs!

The survey will be online, which means you can use any computer, go to www.winterfestival.co.nz and click on the "WinterFest Survey" button. The survey will run from 3rd - 15th July. If you don't have access to a computer, try using the ones in the Library. Paper survey can also be picked up from the Destination Queenstown offices at 44 Stanley St.

The event is a celebration to kick off the winter season, and the community is an important part of the festival. Surveys of visitors and local businesses are also being conducted to get a holistic picture of what the Festival means to Queenstown from community, business and tourism perspectives.

Queenstown Luxury Sites Marketed

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +1200

The diggers are on site and the first ‘sod’ has been turned in order to get the initial landscaping including 309,000 plants in place before Winter arrives in what is expected to be one of the most exclusive wilderness lodge experiences in New Zealand.

The lakeside Walter Peak development adjourning Queenstown’s 27,000 hectare Walter Peak Station is a one-off 38 hectare project which took seven years of consultation to get to the market along with lodge consent. Launched late last year the sale was confirmed 28 April with buyer Rod Nielsen (who has also developed the Heritage Villas attached to the Queenstown Heritage Hotel), keen to bring to fruition the original vision for the land as an exclusive lodge providing top end wilderness experience including access to the recreational opportunities offered by the neighbouring station.

Mr Nielsen plans to retain the yet to be built cottages and lodge to run as an exclusive high country luxury getaway. Along with the landscaping which has a strong focus on ecological restoration including a strong revegetation programme, he has already received interest for the eight individual exclusive homestead sites which will have full access to lodge and recreational facilities.

Warwick Osborne from Harcourts Queenstown, who negotiated the sale of the lodge site, is marketing the homestead sites and said he had already received early interest prior to the marketing campaign. With an expected price range of around $2.5-$3.5 million per site one potential owner had already completed plans for a holiday home valued in excess of $6 million. Former world No. 6 tennis star, South African Wayne Ferreira has been quick to purchase a site. Mr Osborne confirmed he is dealing with other high profile buying interest.

With a two hour drive to Queenstown, and access by helicopter or boat, Mr Osborne said, “The uniqueness is in the location with no other developments anywhere near here.” With a strong client base of overseas buyers including ‘ex-pats’ and many involved in international banking Mr Osborne said, “Queenstown is seen as a unique global resort and with only eight sites available, this development will retain its uniqueness and isolated feel. Where else in the world could you get this.”

Entries open for Cocktail World Cup

Wed, 17 May 2006 00:00:00 +1200

Stand by Your Shakers - Entries Open for Cocktail World Cup

It’s cocktail shakers at the ready as bartenders throughout the world bend their elbows at the news entries are now open for the 42 BELOW Cocktail World Cup in Queenstown this September.

Some of the world’s best are lining up their short and long recipes to have a crack at the third annual 42 BELOW Cocktail World Cup. To enter, mixologists must be passionate supporters of the sponsor’s fine products and have a knock-‘em-over unique cocktail recipe to impress the judges.

The 42 BELOW Cocktail World Cup is the only event of its kind in the world. Forty-two bartenders representing 18 countries descend on New Zealand’s adventure capital on September 10 for a week of merry mixology mayhem. There they perform on an ice bar mixing up a storm using their leading edge cocktail concoctions.

The seven-day event also sees bartenders making cocktails whilst bungy jumping, dangling out of a helicopter and shooting down the Shotover River in a jet boat. And for the first time, the grand finale at Earnslaw Park on September 16 is open to the public.

42 BELOW has partnered with Air Tahiti Nui to fly the 42 successful bartenders from the airline’s main hubs of LA, New York, Paris and Tokyo to New Zealand.

And to bring the iconic event to the world, 42 BELOW is going to broadcast proceedings live via the Internet.

Geoff Ross, Chief Vodka Bloke at 42 BELOW, is encouraging Kiwi bartenders to take on the best from the USA, Europe and Asia. Six places in the event are reserved for New Zealand.

“I’m looking for a front six as formidable as the ABs for this year’s event,” Geoff says. “With New Zealand the home of 42 BELOW, we’re expecting the boys and girls to stand up and be counted in 2006.”

Geoff says it has taken three years to build the unique event.

“We now have a following around the globe. It brings some of the best decision makers in the bar and restaurant worlds to the home of the world’s best vodka to discover our fine array of products and spirit. And for those who can’t make it, we are keying in the full story to them daily via the Internet.”

Competitors in the 2006 42 BELOW Cocktail World Cup are expected from the UK, France, Spain, Western Europe, North and Central America, , Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to knock off the Aussie champs at the 42 BELOW Cocktail World Cup, check out the entry details at http://www.42below.com/cwc/.