Mr Gay World to Shine at DNA Gay Ski Week Queenstown

Mr Gay World Andreas Derleth will be ‘star of the show’ when he attends DNA Gay Ski Week Queenstown, the much-anticipated gay and lesbian event of the year.

Crowned Mr Gay World 2012 in Johannesburg earlier this year, the 32-year-old also holds the Mr Gay NZ title.

He will be making himself right at home among Queenstown’s adrenalin-fuelled adventure tourism operators by attending the event’s Adrenalin Day and harnessing up for an NZONE skydive.

“I have a funny feeling that NZONE is going to be particularly busy on that day now the word’s out about Andreas skydiving over Queenstown’s spectacular mountains and lake,” said DNA Gay Ski Week event organiser Sally Whitewoods.

“I’m not sure who will be Andreas’ tandem instructor for the skydive but even I could be tempted; he’s one fine specimen of a man!”

Mr Derleth has been to Queenstown several times and described the resort as “fantastic” for winter sports and holidays.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Queenstown especially with the fresh approach from the new organisers of Gay Ski Week,” he said. “It’s going to be a great week and the event line up is outstanding.”

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest Winter Pride event is organised by owners Sally and Mandy Whitewoods of Queenstown with the support of Australia’s best-selling magazine for gay men, DNA magazine, and numerous Queenstown business partners.

The ‘Adrenalin Day’ on Tuesday August 28 is one of two specially-organised trips being held during Gay Ski Week (August 25 – September 1 2012) to encourage visitors to Queenstown to make the most of the resort’s awesome surroundings.

NZONE Skydive and Skippers Canyon Jet are inviting Gay Ski Week visitors to share their experiences with friends -- people can either do one or both of the activities on ‘Adrenalin Day’ and they can book direct with the companies.

“When people make their reservation on either of the Adrenalin Day trips they need to mention that they’d like to be booked onto a Gay Ski Week trip,” said Ms Whitewoods.

“With all the events happening throughout the week I’d recommend getting in early and booking because there are limited spaces.

“We’re thrilled Andreas is coming and can’t wait to hear what he thinks of our heart-pumping adrenalin thrills.”

Ms Whitewoods said she was also hugely excited to announce the theme for event’s final night celebration at the GAYDAR Mystery Dance Party, with DJ Haylenise from Melbourne entertaining guests during her first visit to Gay Ski Week.

“We’ll be at The World Bar which is the perfect location for a huge dance party, and the theme is bright, bright ‘fluoro’,” she said.

“We want everyone to dig out their best fluoro gear from the seventies or the dress up box, glow sticks, you name it.

“As always we won’t be averse to a bit of glitter and the odd feather boa or two. Let your imagination run wild, because nothing’s off limits.”

Hundreds of gay men and women are expected to converge on Queenstown for a week of fun in the sun and snow as well as a full programme of events. More details about the programme, events and accommodation suggestions are available at www.gayskiweekqt.com.