Tickets on sale for DNA Gay Ski Week Queenstown

Tickets for 2016 Gay Ski Week Queenstown are now on sale, with a fantastic schedule of events to make it bigger and better than ever before.

Renowned as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Winter Pride event, hundreds of gay men and women will converge on Queenstown between August 27 and September 3 for a week-long celebration of skiing, socialising and fun-fuelled evenings.

Organisers Sally and Mandy Whitewoods described this week’s event calendar as “action-packed”, with new events and some familiar favourites returning.

“Gay Ski Week QT is firmly established as a ‘must do’ on the national and international Gay and Lesbian calendar and we’re always looking to make it bigger and better than the year before,” said Sally Whitewoods.

The programme kicks off with a bang at the Broken Shed Opening Party at The World Bar on Saturday August 27. Guests start the night with a complimentary drink and nibbles before dancing the night away with some soon-to-be-announced DJ’s.


Attendees of last year's final night party get into the theme. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

Partygoers are encouraged to climb aboard Southern Discoveries’ famous Spirit of Queenstown catamaran at St Omers Wharf and yell ‘Anchors Away’ as they head out for a fun night cruise on Queenstown’s stunning Lake Wakatipu on Sunday (August 28).

Laugh the night away at Queenstown’s favourite Italian restaurant Sasso at MoreFM’s fun and lively Comedy Night with the ever-fabulous Neil Thornton. Warm up with some beautiful food (included in the ticket price) as a great venue, great act and appreciative audience make for the perfect après-ski session after a day of spring skiing.

Award-winning Central Otago winery Gibbston Valley presents The Caluzzi Queens Cabaret Night on Wednesday. The night’s a great excuse to dust off the ‘best frock’ and enjoy a complimentary drink before heading up the Skyline Gondola, with its stunning views of the township, lake and Remarkables mountain range.

“This is always a fantastic and slightly over-the-top night out and an opportunity to indulge in one of Skyline’s legendary cabaret dinners with live music from Auckland’s Caluzzi Girls 450m above Queenstown,” said Sally.

For those who’ve ever fancied themselves as the next James Bond or Darth Vader, the Heroes and Villains themed final night dance party is definitely a ‘must do’ on the social calendar. Presented by Family Bar & Nightclub, it’s back at the popular Queenstown Memorial Centre.

“From Superman to Catwoman or any hero or villain in between, the outfits that break out from the closet for this party are something to behold!” said Sally.


Sally and Mandy Whitewoods with the glamourous hosts of Queer Quiz Night. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

Other highlights during the week include Queer Quiz Night, a fun and social quiz night with a glamourous host and fabulous prizes up for grabs, the infamous SKYCITY Casino Karaoke night at hosted by Miss Ribena and a Desperado’s Foam Party held at Loco Cantina.

“Every year more and more people attend and new sponsors and local business come on board and embrace the festival experience,” said Sally.

“Queenstown comes alive during Gay Ski Week, it’s a great time of year to make the most of everything the resort offers for a fantastic winter holiday, and it’s a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved with the LGBT community.”


Tickets are now available from the Gay Ski Week QT website www.gayskiweekqt.com and up-to-the-minute news can be found online at www.facebook.com/gayskiweekqt