WHAT TO DO IN THE WHAKATIPU THIS SUMMER

The first summer since Covid where international travellers have been welcome in Aotearoa is shaping up to be a big one. The region has a number of events and activities going on over the holidays and we’ve listed them below.

Wine, beer and food lovers: The sun is out and the pinot is flowing – no matter your tipple, you’re in luck with a jam-packed calendar of food and drink events that will have your tastebuds zinging. The year will start with the Cromwell Wine & Food Festival on January 2. Set in the quaint Heritage Precinct, the relaxed afternoon is family-friendly and boasts live music, local wines, produce and food. Next up is Roam Central – a long weekend of wine, food and adventure on January 26 –29. The 28th will be the main event at the stunning Cargo Cellar Door, which will bring together the finest winemakers, growers and chefs who will showcase some of the region’s best produce. In addition to wine tastings, there’ll be cooking demonstrations and master classes.

Moving to February, on the 11th the picturesque Gibbston Valley Winery will host their Summer Concert, which will feature ZZ Top, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Stone Temple Pilots and The Angels. Wrapping up the summer’s food and drink festivals will be Coronet Peak’s annual Craft Beer & BBQ Summit on February 18. Always a great day, you’ll have ample opportunity to discover new brews, enjoy the unreal backdrop, and indulge in some BBQ goodness.

Music lovers: We’re pretty lucky here when it comes to live music and this summer it is set to continue to pick up. A Summer’s Day Live will take place at Queenstown Polo Fields on January 7 with UB40, Jefferson Starship and Dragon all set to perform. Yonder are hosting a couple of Aussie musicians including alt-rock band Surf Trash on January 21 and surf-rock trio The Grogans on February 25.

On February 4, king of cool Fatboy Slim will perform at Gibbston Valley, and the Sherwood will host Canadian folk artist Scott Cook on February 18. World Pride is coming Down Under with QT Adrenaline 2023. From February 16 to 19 there’ll be a variety of house artists at the music and dance festival that promotes a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Adventure lovers: Queenstown is home to some adventurous individuals and the summer here is known for mountain biking, hiking and water sports – there’s some great sporting events coming up to get you excited. Coronet Peak has opened for the summer and their Powder Dash Run will take place on January 29. The 5km fun run will have athletes dosed with all the colours of the rainbow throughout the course – there’s five colour zones scattered along the beautiful mountain track. Crankworx Summer Series will return from February 28 until March 12, giving local up-and-coming riders the opportunity to race with national and international mountain bikers.

There’s also the Torpedo7 Mountain Bike National Championships at Coronet Peak from February 26. The event includes cross country, short courses and downhill events. Queenstown Bike Festival will kick off on January 20 with a jam-packed schedule. There’ll be races, a freestyle bungy bike (a world first), plenty of competition, and a family-friendly ride. For the runners, there’s the Ben Lomond Vertical Kilometre on February 17 – New Zealand’s first vertical kilometre event where runners will be climbing 1200m over 3.9km.

Fun Lovers: In addition to music, alcohol, food and adventure, there’s plenty more events, too. The year will start with a bang at the Glenorchy Races on the first Saturday after New Year. It’s been running for more than 40 years and includes an array of different races, a BBQ, and a beer tent. The Lake Hayes A&P show is in its 107th year and will take place on January 14. The family-fun day offers show jumping, dog trials, sheep shearing, petting zoos, entertainment, and all kinds of extra fun.

The Queenstown Home Show will be back from February 17 at the Events Centre. You will find local businesses to help with your building and renovation needs – go along with your questions and specs, and talk to the experts.

There’s something for everyone happening this summer – get out, enjoy the sunshine, and make the most of what this beautiful town has to offer.