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Queenstown Annual Events

We all know that Queenstown has a lot to offer. Many people already know before arriving what they want to do in this beautiful place. Different tours, activities and beautiful nature spots can be found. Something different that’s cool for a bit of a change are the different events in the area that take place every year. Queenstown is pretty famous for it’s winter sports but summer is amazing too. There are events on which you can enjoy no matter what you’re into.

Events that can be found during the summer period in Queenstown and its surroundings:

Queenstown Summer Events

1. New Years Eve

Who doesn’t like a fireworks display? Head down to the waterfront early to get the best viewing spot for the Queenstown New Years Eve fireworks! Read more

2. Challenge Wanaka Triathlon

It’s one of the world’s toughest distance triathlon courses set against the stunning alpine backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern alps and it is New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival. The next race day will take place on February 17 2018.

3. Remarkables Market

An European inspired market that is open every Saturday for the summer season in Queenstown. This market sells local and regional delights created by food artisans from Otago and the surrounding areas. It’s a special place where locals and visitors come to meet, shop, eat, relax, listen to music and enjoy our unique mountain setting.

4. Outdoor movies

Each summer it’s possible to experience outdoor movies. They offer this mostly in January which is a great month to enjoy the long summer nights! Catch a film under the stars on the Remarkables mountain range. Get your friends and other backpackers together, bring your blankets and snacks with you and experience movie time on the Remarkables mountain range. This is also a good date night idea!

events queenstown gay ski week
Gay Ski Week by Visit Gay Australia

Queenstown Winter Events

1. Winterfest

Every year, the winter season in Queenstown starts off with a great festival. Winterfest is the biggest festival in the southern hemisphere during winter. During the festival, you can enjoy Queenstown’s unique culture and community. Several activities are organised like street parties and fireworks and there are international and local acts to entertain you. Winterfest is coming 23rd and 24th June 2018.

The Queenstown winter festival is one of the highlights of the year for Queenstown, and a once in a lifetime experience. For some of the events you will need to buy tickets but there are also plenty of free events during the day and night which you can pop along to.

2. Ice skating

Every year between April and October an ice rink is created in the middle of town and people can show their ice skating moves. The Ice Arena also plays host to a number of BIG ice hockey matches. For more information on events visit the Queenstown Ice Arena website here.

3. National Hockey League

National Hockey League games are played every winter. In Queenstown you can sit back and enjoy watching the local team, the Southern Stampede take on all other teams nearly every week!

4. The Birdman

The birdman gives you a chance to create your own contraption and compete to see who can fly their invention the furthest of Queenstown wharf! A fun filled activity that certainly entertains others and yourself. Normally happens in June.

5. Gay Ski Week

The largest gay winter festival in the southern hemisphere is guaranteed to go off with a bang! The entire town of Queenstown is lit up in rainbows, lights, parties and a fantastic vibe! There’s not just events on the ski slopes, but parties, cabaret nights and events all throughout town. From 1st September 2018.

Of course Nomads Queenstown & Queenstown offer a lot to entertain you during your stay but different events and activities are always nice to do during your travels. Especially as Queenstown and its surroundings are so beautiful. Ask our Mad Travel Shop for more information about these events or anything else to do in Queenstown.

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