A fantastic line-up of festivals and events combined with great short break and holiday deals -- and the chance to win a holiday -- make Queenstown the place to be this autumn.
As the change of season sees the stunning landscape burst into a blaze of red and gold, it’s the perfect time to escape and discover one of the most beautiful places in the world.
“We want to remind New Zealanders that Queenstown is an inspirational world-class destination right on their doorstep,” said Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt.
“It's the ideal choice for a holiday with the family, friends or a romantic getaway, and the calendar of events throughout March and April ensures there’s something for everyone.”
This weekend (10 March) the Motatapu, New Zealand’s premier mountain bike and off-road running event between Wanaka and Arrowtown, will challenge everyone from recreational runners, riders and walkers to elite athletes. A 47km Mountain Bike, 42km Off Road Marathon, 49km Adventure Run or 15km Miner's Trail pass through the magnificent landscapes of the Motatapu and its surrounding valleys.
Early autumn is a great time to come and experience the buzz around the region as more than 6,000 tonnes of grapes are harvested from Central Otago’s 200 vineyards. Taking a wine tour or joining in the local Gibbston Harvest Festival celebrations (19 March) are good ways to sample and get an insight into the region’s epicurean culture and world renowned wines.
Meanwhile golf lovers will be in seventh heaven at the inaugural New Zealand PGA Pro Am Championship (29 March-1 April) at the exclusive The Hills golf course owned by Sir Michael Hill.
Ten-time US PGA Tour winner David Frost, teen golf sensation Lydia Ko and seasoned Kiwi professional Phil Tataurangi will be keeping the likes of Hollyford film star Don Cheadle on his toes in the unique event format, where 64 invited amateurs and celebrities will be each paired with one of the 64 professionals that make the cut after the first two days, playing together as a team for the NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship over the final two days.
Get ‘on yer bike’ for the Queenstown Bike Festival (31 March-9 April), an exciting event which gives bike enthusiasts of all ages and abilities the chance to check out the region's world-class cycle tracks, trails, roads and spectacular lake and alpine scenery.
For the wow factor don’t miss Warbirds Over Wanaka, the largest warbird airshow in the Southern Hemisphere. The biennial event is held in nearby Wanaka for three days over Easter (6-8 April) and showcases Warbird, Civil and Military aircraft in spectacular flying displays. On the ground there are warhorses, military vehicles and lively re-enactments of battles as well as plenty of stalls to browse.
Seeing Arrowtown in all its stunning autumn glory is a must and its annual celebration, the Arrowtown Autumn Festival (20-29 April), provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the relaxed pace and vibrant colours. The festival celebrates the old goldmining town’s heritage with a community-based events programme that ranges from gold panning, guided historical walks and a vintage car rally to live music and theatre, an aerobatic display, and cooking demonstrations. Make time to explore tree-lined streets, old miners’ cottages, a restored Chinese Village and the Lakes District Museum as well as contemporary award-winning restaurants and cafes, gourmet food and wine providores, boutique breweries and diverse retail and galleries.
As well as great accommodation, activity and dining autumn deals on offer, a visit to the QueenstownNZ Facebook page will win one lucky visitor a dream holiday to Queenstown worth NZ$5,000. All would-be visitors have to do is to write in 50 words or less how they would spend the prize. Entries close Wednesday 21 March 2012.
