Queenstown NZ - Key Event Listings June-Sept 2013
The temperature is dropping dramatically and we have a dusting of snow on the mountains so winter is definitely on the way in Queenstown!
From June onwards, the region transforms into a winter wonderland and the crisp blue-sky days are perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying some great events. Winter Festival will officially kick the season off in style but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our winter event calendar - it’s jam-packed with on and off-mountain action throughout the season including the biennial Winter Games NZ (one of the top 5 snow sports events in the world), the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, NZ Mountain Film Festival, and Gay Ski Week.
Below is a list of key events spanning June to September 2013. Winter Festival overview (full programme available at www.winterfestival.co.nz).
Ski field dates (subject to weather conditions):
Coronet Peak scheduled 8 June-6 Oct
Remarkables scheduled 15 June-6 Oct
Cardrona scheduled 21 June-6 Oct
Treble Cone scheduled 27 June-29 Sept
Michael Hill International Violin Competition – 1-3 June
Witness the world's most exciting talents on the launch pad - this is a rare opportunity to hear 18 of the
world’s top young violinists perform in Queenstown as they compete for top honours in the prestigious 2013 Michael Hill International Violin Competition. The resort hosts the first and second rounds of the competition with all 18 semi-finalists performing twice from Saturday 1 June to Monday 3 June. Six finalists are then selected to go on to the next round in Auckland. www.michaelhillinternationalviolincompetition.com
Queenstown Winter Festival – 21-30 June
Visit Queenstown at the end of June and experience the electric atmosphere of the town’s annual American Express Queenstown Winter Festival which kicks off winter with a bang – literally! Tens of thousands of locals and visitors come together along the waterfront each year for the iconic opening night party and fireworks display to mark the start of New Zealand’s ten coolest days. Now 39 years old, Winter Festival has grown into the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter celebration and is a true showcase of Queenstown's unique culture and community, with street parades, fireworks, entertainment, live music, comedy, loads of family fun, and plenty of mountain mayhem. It attracts more than 45,000 people from around the world who come to celebrate the arrival of winter in true Queenstown style. www.winterfestival.co.nz
New Zealand Fashion on Tour 2013 – 5 July
Warm up your winter with this new fashion show! New Zealand Fashion on Tour 2013 is coming to
Queenstown on 5 July to showcase Kiwi designers hot off the catwalk from Wellington Fashion Week 2013. See their current Autumn/Winter 2013 Collections, available to buy right now in store and online, and enjoy an evening of award-winning hospitality at Millbrook Resort. The first New Zealand fashion event of its kind, this show is a vibrant showcase of fashion lifestyle, fine hospitality, luxury cars and resorts. Visit the website for more information about the designers, ticket sales and venue.
www.wfweek.co.nz/NZFT
NZ Mountain Film Festival – 13-14 July
This year the NZ Mountain Film Festival has added two nights in Queenstown to its programme lineup which features loads of fantastic adventure films and American guest speaker Cory Richards.
www.mountainfilm.net.nz
New Zealand Winter Games 2013 – 15-25 August
In August, one of the world’s biggest snow sports events outside of the Winter Olympics takes centre stage in the region. The New Zealand Winter Games (15-25 August) attracts more than 1,000 elite international athletes and promises to be 11 days of snow and ice sports like no other... expect records to be broken and personal limits pushed to the edge as the world's finest fly high and fast in the pursuit of excellence - watch and be wowed! This is essential Olympic preparation for many international teams as they prepare for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. As well as events on the mountains, there are plenty of downtown festivities with films, live music and entertainment.
www.wintergamesnz.com
Peak to Peak – 3 August
Queenstown’s famous Peak to Peak, the South Island’s biggest winter multisport event, is now in its 18 th year and attracts multisport competitors from around New Zealand. The hotly contested race is 44km long and competitors must ski, mountain bike, paddle, run, and road bike from the top of The Remarkables to the top of Coronet Peak. Competitors include individuals, veterans, mixed teams, corporate groups, and school teams. www.southerntraverse.com/Peak2Peak
Remarkables Ice & Mixed Festival 2013 – 15-18 August
This event brings together winter alpine climbers from around New Zealand and overseas to advance and promote modern mixed and ice climbing.
www.iceandmixedfestival.co.nz
Gay Ski Week – 31 August-7 September
Hundreds of revellers come from around the world for Gay Ski Week, the Southern Hemisphere's biggest gay alpine celebration. The week-long extravaganza features plenty of outrageous fun from gourmet dining, dancing, and cabaret shows to on-mountain action and adventure activities.
www.gayskiweekqt.com
Spring Challenge - 27-29 September
This all-girl adventure race involves teams of three navigating their way through course using a map and compass and taking on the challenge of rafting, mountain biking and hiking.
www.springchallenge.co.nz
Other winter events
Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Snow Park ski areas also host various on and off-mountain events during winter. For event details refer to their websites:
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables - www.nzski.com
Cardrona Ski Field - www.cardrona.com
Snow Park NZ - www.snowparknz.com
To view a full list of Queenstown’s events please visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz and click on the ‘Events’ tab.