Steamer Wharf Puts on a Show
Over 900 guests from New Zealand and around the world descended on Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf last week (May 10) for a party that showcased the venue as the resort’s latest entertainment destination.
Held to celebrate the official closing of tourism trade show TRENZ*, the show finale was event managed and designed by nationwide events agency The Orange Group, who have recently opened Orange Productions Queenstown as part of their ever growing operation.
Orange Productions Queenstown based Operations Manager Samantha Stirling said the TRENZ closing party was the perfect opportunity for the Steamer Wharf precinct to “shine” as a venue.
“With more than 900 guests it was a sensational opportunity for us to show the world what this amazing location is capable of.
“Orange Productions proposed this event in Steamer Wharf last year as we saw the potential in this venue,” she said. “We were proud to sponsor the event, as with the other operators in town we see the true value of Queenstown hosting this audience – it was well worth it."
Steamer Wharf is located on Queenstown’s waterfront and is home to an array of top-notch restaurants and bars, Lasseters Wharf Casino, and is the base for the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship.
“We are very passionate about Steamer Wharf,” said Ms Stirling “Queenstown lacks on large event space and this gem is a location that guarantees superb food quality, amazing customer service and a unique and interactive experience. TRENZ provided the opportunity for the space to be used in its full potential – from quiet networking to a dance party – we had it all!”
Steamer Wharf Director Johnny Stevenson said groups had been hosted before, but this was by far the most polished performance delivered by the precinct so far.
“It was wonderful to see such a slick operation come together at Steamer Wharf, with all the businesses involved working together really well.
“Everyone recognised we were on show and brought their expertise to the fore.”
Visitors to the precinct were able to wander between restaurants and bars and help themselves to a wide range of cuisine and beverages throughout the four hour event. Wai Dining Group coordinated all the food and beverage across the venues providing a seamless delivery to guests.
Partygoers danced the night away to tunes belted out by Shihad’s Jon Toogod and Fur Patrol’s Julia Deans. More subdued guests relaxed on the TSS Earnslaw or in one of the stunning restaurants such as Wai, Pier 19, Finz Seafood & Grill, The Boiler Room, La Voglia, Atlas and Waterfront Bar & Bistro.
For a completely unique experience people rugged up and went to Minus 5 Ice Bar to admire spectacular ice carvings, including a ‘TRENZ’ carving.
“Steamer Wharf has it all, and the TRENZ event proved that it can cater for the numbers and provide a varied selection of cuisine to a superior standard with no queues,” said Mr Stevenson.
The Steamer Wharf is fast becoming a ‘must go’ destination for visitors to Queenstown, reinforced by figures recently issued by Colliers.
A pedestrian count by Colliers showed the Steamer Wharf precinct enjoyed a significant jump in Queenstown foot traffic, shifting from 20th position in 2011 to number five in 2012.
Mr Stevenson described it as a “fantastic” result that reaffirmed what the company already knew.
“Steamer Wharf is definitely the place to be,” he said ”We’ve got fabulous restaurants and bars here with a great mix of businesses, enhanced by what is surely the most stunning waterfront location in town.”
Visitors to Steamer Wharf can eat, drink, shop or be entertained at the Waterfront Bar & Bistro, Finz Seafood & Grill, Atlas, OK Gifts, The Boiler Room, Minus 5, Lasseters Casino, La Voglia, Pier 19, Pub on Wharf or Wai Restaurant.
*TRENZ – Tourism Industry Rendezvous New Zealand. TRENZ brings together around 270 New Zealand tourism operators and a similar number of international travel and tourism buyers for four days of focused business-to-business activity.