Win the Ultimate Brisbane Weekend Away with José Carreras and Friends

Music lovers have the chance to win an unforgettable Brisbane weekend for five, featuring flights, accommodation, dining and tickets to one of Queensland's major music events of 2026.

Virgin Australia is offering one lucky winner and four friends the opportunity to experience José Carreras and Friends, a spectacular one-night concert at The Gabba on Saturday 5 December 2026. The event brings legendary Spanish tenor José Carreras together with Robbie Williams, The Corrs, Ronan Keating, Natalie Imbruglia and an impressive line-up of international and Australian performers.

Win a Brisbane Music Weekend for Five

The competition prize is designed as a complete Brisbane getaway.

The winner will receive five return economy flights to Brisbane with Virgin Australia from an eligible Australian domestic port, together with two nights' accommodation for five people at Avani Living Queen's Wharf Residences.

The prize also includes a $250 Visa card for breakfast and a $500 dining voucher for Howard Smith Wharves, providing the winning group with an opportunity to enjoy one of Brisbane's popular riverside dining precincts.

Experience José Carreras and Friends

The centrepiece of the prize is five tickets to José Carreras and Friends at The Gabba.

The concert is being presented as a one-night-only Queensland event and will combine opera, pop, rock and contemporary music. José Carreras will perform alongside artists including Robbie Williams, The Corrs, Ronan Keating, Natalie Imbruglia, Darren Hayes, Katherine Jenkins, Ann Wilson, Sheppard and Mark Vincent.

The concert will also feature the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and choir, creating a large-scale musical production inspired by the famous Pavarotti and Friends concerts.

The prize tickets include soundcheck access, Legends Room entry, a $150 food and drink voucher for each person, an official programme and an event hoodie.

How to Enter

Ultimate Brisbane Weekend Away

Entrants must be Australian residents aged 18 or over and can enter by completing the competition form and answering the question in 25 words or less:

"If your group of 5 had a band, what would it be called?"

The competition is a game of skill, with entries judged on originality, creative merit and relevance to the question. There is one grand prize and entries are limited to one per person.

Entries close at 11:59pm AEST on 18 October 2026, with judging scheduled for 20 October 2026. The prize must be taken from 4 to 6 December 2026.

Virgin Australia Competition

Business: Virgin Australia
Website: https://www.virginaustralia.com/
Competition website: https://competitions.virginaustralia.com/competition/win-night-of-music-BNE
Email: campaigns@virginaustralia.com
Phone: 13 67 89
Address: 275 Grey Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia

For full eligibility requirements, prize conditions and entry information, entrants should read the official competition terms and conditions before entering.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

SkyCity Hotel: Auckland Accommodation Where Everything Is Right Here

Auckland

For travellers seeking modern Auckland accommodation in the heart of the city, SkyCity Hotel combines genuine Kiwi hospitality, spacious rooms and direct access to one of Auckland’s most exciting entertainment precincts.

Located on the corner of Victoria and Federal Streets in Auckland CBD, the Qualmark-rated hotel places guests close to the Sky Tower, restaurants, bars, theatres and the SkyCity entertainment complex. SkyCity Hotel was also one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, highlighting its appeal to New Zealand’s business events industry.

Modern Accommodation in Auckland CBD

SkyCity Hotel offers 323 rooms and suites, providing a choice of accommodation for leisure travellers, couples, families and business visitors. Rooms are designed to be modern and spacious, with Premium King, Twin, Courtyard and suite options available.

Premium rooms are approximately 32 square metres and feature comfortable bedding, designer bathrooms, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, in-room dining and other guest amenities. Suites provide additional space for travellers seeking a more expansive stay.

Stay in the Heart of Auckland

SkyCity Hotel 

Location is one of SkyCity Hotel’s major advantages. Guests can step outside and explore central Auckland, with the iconic Sky Tower immediately nearby and Federal Street offering a variety of dining experiences.

The hotel is also within walking distance of Britomart and Auckland’s central transport connections, while Auckland Airport can be reached by road in around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Dining, Entertainment and Relaxation

Staying at SkyCity Hotel provides access to a broad selection of dining and entertainment within the SkyCity precinct. Guests can choose from restaurants, cafes and bars, while the Sky Tower provides panoramic Auckland views.

For relaxation, guests can access East Day Spa within The Grand by SkyCity, while the hotel also has a well-appointed fitness centre. The combination of accommodation, dining, entertainment and wellness makes it possible to enjoy much of Auckland without travelling far.

Auckland Hotel for Business Travellers

SkyCity Hotel 

SkyCity Hotel is also positioned for business travellers and conference delegates, with the New Zealand International Convention Centre just a few minutes' walk away. BEIA lists the property as an accommodation, activity and venue supplier, with a meeting space accommodating up to 240 guests in its largest listed configuration.

For visitors attending conferences, exhibitions or corporate events in Auckland, the combination of central accommodation, transport access, dining and entertainment makes SkyCity Hotel a practical base for experiencing the city.

SkyCity Hotel

Contact Person: Danielle Ouwejan
Website: SkyCity Hotel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyCityHotelAuckland/
Email: hotelreservations@skycity.co.nz
Phone: +64 9 363 6000
Mobile: +64 21 222 8529
Address: Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at The Holiday and Travel Magazine.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh: Discover a Capital Worth Staying For

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Deserves More Than a Day

The arrival says something about Phnom Penh’s new confidence.

A polished Rolls-Royce at the entrance of Shangri-La Phnom Penh is an appropriate introduction to a hotel that has brought a new level of international luxury to Cambodia’s capital. But it is the view from above that makes the lasting impression.

Rising 54 floors above the rapidly developing Koh Pich, or Diamond Island, district, Shangri-La Phnom Penh commands spectacular views across the city and the rivers that define it. Opened in December 2024, the hotel has 303 rooms and suites, combining contemporary comfort with French Art Deco influences and Khmer-inspired details.

A New Era of Confidence in Phnom Penh

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

From Level 54, the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Tonlé Bassac rivers form a shimmering network through the urban landscape, while old neighbourhoods, new towers and a rapidly expanding skyline reveal a city balancing its heritage with an ambitious future.

The rooftop infinity pool shares this spectacular setting, while Altitude, the Level 54 rooftop bar, provides one of Cambodia’s highest vantage points. The hotel also offers a spa, restaurants, lounges and extensive meeting facilities.

Its spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping city views, while warm materials, natural light and Cambodian touches create a distinctly local sense of place.

For travellers, Shangri-La provides an ideal base for discovering a capital that deserves considerably more than a brief stopover.

For years, Phnom Penh was treated by many visitors as little more than a gateway to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. That is increasingly difficult to justify.

A City of Rivers, History and Culture

Phnom Penh combines French colonial architecture, Khmer heritage, traditional markets, modern shopping centres, contemporary restaurants and an increasingly impressive skyline.

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda provide an introduction to Cambodia’s royal heritage, while the National Museum of Cambodia houses more than 14,000 objects spanning centuries of Khmer art and culture. Wat Phnom offers a spiritual connection to the city’s origins, while Sisowath Quay comes alive in the evening as families, visitors, cafés and river boats share the waterfront.

The Central Market, or Phsar Thmey, is another Phnom Penh landmark. Its distinctive 1937 Art Deco building surrounds a huge central dome and contains stalls selling jewellery, clothing, food, souvenirs and local products. The Russian Market provides another lively shopping experience. For visitors, exploring these markets is an easy way to experience the everyday rhythm and flavours of Phnom Penh.

The Central Market

Modern Phnom Penh is equally visible in developments such as Koh Pich and AEON Mall, reflecting the city’s rapidly changing lifestyle.

Yet the old Phnom Penh is never far away. Around the next corner, glass towers can give way to a food stall, temple or colonial façade.

Understanding Cambodia’s Past

Visitors should also make time for the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the former S-21 prison, and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, commonly known as the Killing Fields. These confronting sites document the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979 and provide important context for understanding modern Cambodia and its remarkable resilience.

Phnom Penh After Dark

Phnom Penh after dark

As temperatures fall, Phnom Penh becomes a city of restaurants, cafés, bars and rooftop venues. Traditional Cambodian dishes such as fish amok sit alongside French, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and international cuisine.

The riverside remains popular, while areas such as Bassac Lane and BKK1 have developed into lively dining and entertainment districts.

At Shangri-La, Altitude offers an especially memorable evening experience, combining panoramic views with sunset dining high above the city.

A Capital Worth Staying to Discover

Techo International Airport

The most fascinating aspect of Phnom Penh is its mixture. Khmer tradition exists alongside glass towers; monks and motorbikes share the streets with luxury vehicles; traditional markets operate beneath a modern skyline.

The opening of Techo International Airport in 2025, replacing the former Phnom Penh International Airport, is another sign of Cambodia’s growing ambitions and makes the capital increasingly accessible to international visitors.

Phnom Penh remains busy and sometimes chaotic, but that is part of its character. It is a city in motion, modernising rapidly while retaining its history, culture and distinctive Cambodian identity.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh reflects that transformation. Guests are warmly welcomed by veteran General Manager Ody Odayappan and his professional and knowledgeable team.

Toum Tiou 2

The hotel is also an ideal base before or after experiencing the New Discovery Tour on the Mekong aboard the 14-cabin Toum Tiou 2, with discounts available for 2026/27 cruises.

For travellers seeking a luxurious base from which to explore Cambodia’s capital and the Mekong, Shangri-La Phnom Penh offers a compelling reason to stay longer.

Phnom Penh is no longer simply somewhere to pass through.

It is somewhere to stay.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

www.shangri-la.com/phnompenh/shangrila/

CF Mekong Cruises

www.cfmekong.com

*Written by John Savage and Grahame Cox

For more travel inspiration read the daily online “The Holiday and Travel Magazine” https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

HOSHINOYA Asuka: A New Luxury Retreat in Japan’s Ancient Capital

The "Terraced Garden" sprawling at the center of the grounds,

expressing the beauty of Asuka Village's rice terraces

A New Chapter in Luxury Travel in Japan

A new luxury accommodation experience is coming to one of Japan’s most historic destinations, with HOSHINOYA Asuka scheduled to open on July 22, 2027, in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture.

The 10th property in the HOSHINOYA portfolio, HOSHINOYA Asuka will offer travellers an opportunity to stay in the landscape of Asuka, an ancient centre of Japanese history recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara. Reservations officially opened on September 25, 2026.

A Sanctuary of Stillness at Japan’s Origin

HOSHINOYA Asuka has been created around the concept “A Sanctuary of Stillness at Japan’s Origin”, reflecting the peaceful countryside, ancient heritage and natural beauty of Asuka Village.

Asuka was home to Asuka-kyo, one of Japan’s earliest capital cities, more than 1,400 years ago. Today, the area retains an unusually tranquil rural character, surrounded by archaeological sites, temples, ancient tombs and agricultural landscapes.

The new retreat is the result of a decade-long collaboration between Hoshino Resorts and the local community, beginning with a corporate location agreement in 2016 and continuing through regional revitalisation partnerships.

A Terraced Garden Inspired by Asuka’s Rice Fields

Scenery from the large guest room windows

At the heart of HOSHINOYA Asuka will be a landscaped Terraced Garden inspired by the stepped rice terraces found throughout the region.

Rice paddies, meadows, crop fields and walking paths will create a changing landscape through the seasons. Guests will be able to experience the garden from their rooms or relax in gazebos positioned around the grounds.

The low-rise design has been carefully created to complement Asuka’s protected landscape, with tiled roofs and stone-inspired architectural details reflecting the area's traditional scenery.

35 Luxury Suites in a Historic Landscape

HOSHINOYA Asuka will feature 35 detached, single-storey all-suite accommodations across four room types. The suites range from approximately 70 square metres to 260 square metres, with high ceilings reaching around four metres.

The Akane suites will feature distinctive stone-chamber baths, with stone covering an entire wall to create a strong connection with the area's ancient stone monuments.

Large windows will bring views of the surrounding garden and countryside into the accommodation, creating a seamless relationship between interior spaces and nature.

Discovering Asuka’s Ancient Heritage

High ceilings up to roughly 4 meters

The new resort provides a base for exploring some of Japan’s most significant historic sites, including Asuka-dera Temple and the Ishibutai Mounded Tomb.

In July 2026, UNESCO inscribed the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara on the World Heritage List. The serial World Heritage property includes 19 component parts associated with two early Japanese capitals and their role in the development of centralised states in East Asia.

For travellers seeking a different side of Japan beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Asuka offers an opportunity to discover an ancient landscape where history, nature and traditional rural life remain closely connected.

HOSHINOYA Asuka

Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/brands/hoshinoya/
Email: Contact via the HOSHINOYA reservation service
Phone: +81-50-3134-8096
Address: Oaza Mayumi, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0137, Japan
Opening: July 22, 2027
Reservations: Open from September 25, 2026
Accommodation: 35 suites
Rates: From JPY 193,000 per room per night, including tax and service charge, excluding meals

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Four Captivating Inland NSW Landscapes You Need to See to Believe

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

From dramatic waterfalls plunging into ancient gorges to volcanic rock formations, alpine wildflowers and some of the clearest night skies in Australia, inland New South Wales is home to landscapes that seem almost too spectacular to be real.

For travellers seeking unforgettable scenery, walking adventures and nature escapes, these four captivating landscapes showcase the extraordinary diversity of inland NSW.

1) Wollomombi Falls, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Near Walcha, Wollomombi Falls is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in inland NSW. Water plunges approximately 220 metres from the edge of the gorge into the Wollomombi River below, creating a dramatic scene surrounded by rugged cliffs and deep valleys.  

The waterfall's horsetail shape narrows at the top before expanding into a powerful cascade, with mist sometimes producing rainbows in the sunlight.

The Main Lookout provides a broad, wheelchair-accessible viewing platform, while the Wollomombi Lookout can be reached via the 1.6 kilometre Wollomombi Track for an elevated perspective.

Armidale, about 30 minutes away, makes a convenient base for exploring the region.

2) Volcanic Wonders of Warrumbungle National Park

Warrumbungle National Park

Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran combines spectacular daytime scenery with extraordinary night-time views. The landscape was shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, leaving behind dramatic peaks, cliffs and distinctive rock formations.

One of the best ways to experience the scenery is the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk. The famous Breadknife rises about 90 metres above the valley floor, creating one of the park's most recognisable natural landmarks.

After sunset, the Warrumbungle region becomes equally impressive. The park is Australia's first International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional opportunities to experience a spectacular star-filled sky away from city light pollution.

3) Snowy Mountains Scenery on the Snowies Alpine Walk

Snowies Alpine Walk

For mountain scenery, the Snowies Alpine Walk through Kosciuszko National Park offers an unforgettable four-day adventure.

The 56 kilometre walking experience travels through snow gum forests, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and high mountain landscapes, linking Guthega, Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass.

The walk is designed for the warmer months when alpine conditions allow access. Experienced walkers can undertake a self-guided journey, while guided options are available for travellers wanting additional support.

Jindabyne provides a useful base for exploring the Snowy Mountains, with accommodation ranging from cosy mountain cabins to distinctive retreats.

4) Wollemi National Park, Blue Mountains

Wollemi National Park

It is hard to believe that such a vast and solitary wilderness can be found so close to Sydney. Wollemi National Park is a spectacular landscape of towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, dense bushland and winding rivers, offering travellers a genuine escape into nature.

Near Rylstone, Pagoda Lookout provides a memorable view of the park's ancient conical sandstone formations. At sunset, the rocks are transformed by warm shades of pink and gold, creating one of inland NSW's most captivating landscapes.

For adventurous travellers, Newnes Campground offers a secluded camping experience beneath sandstone cliffs, reached by a 10km hike. Those seeking greater comfort can stay at Kyah Hotel in Blackheath, while Yutori in the Capertee Valley offers an off-grid farm stay with cabins, sauna and cold plunge.

Where to stay: Choose Newnes Campground for a wilderness experience, Kyah Hotel for comfortable accommodation in Blackheath, or Yutori for a peaceful off-grid escape in the Capertee Valley.

Inland NSW Is a Landscape Adventure

These remarkable destinations reveal a side of New South Wales where enormous waterfalls, ancient volcanic landscapes, alpine wilderness and extraordinary dark skies create memorable travel experiences.

Whether you are planning a weekend escape, a walking holiday or a longer NSW road trip, inland NSW offers spectacular scenery well beyond the state's famous coastline.

From the plunging waters of Wollomombi Falls to the volcanic peaks of the Warrumbungles and the alpine landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park, these are landscapes that truly need to be seen to be believed.

Destination NSW

Website: https://www.visitnsw.com/
Phone: 1800 002 234
Address: 35 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/ 

LUMINA Opens in Hobart: The Tasman’s New Event Space Shines on the Waterfront

LUMINA

Hobart has welcomed a new destination for conferences, corporate events, gala dinners and celebrations with the opening of LUMINA at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart.

Located in Parliament Square in the heart of Hobart, LUMINA combines contemporary architecture, flexible event space and the distinctive Tasmanian character of The Tasman. Its central location places event guests close to Hobart’s historic waterfront, Salamanca Place, accommodation, restaurants and the city's cultural attractions.

A Flexible New Hobart Event Venue

Designed as a column-free, clear-span space, LUMINA provides organisers with an open setting that can be adapted for different styles of events.

The venue can accommodate up to 220 guests for a reception and up to 190 guests for a banquet, while conference-style events can accommodate up to 150 people. The flexibility makes LUMINA suitable for corporate conferences, incentive events, product launches, gala dinners, cocktail functions, meetings and weddings.

With 270 square metres of event space, LUMINA provides a substantial new option for organisations searching for a Hobart conference venue or business events destination.

Tasmanian Design at the Heart of LUMINA

LUMINA

The design of LUMINA reflects the connection between The Tasman and its island home.

Tasmanian materials and craftsmanship are incorporated throughout the development, complementing the hotel's architectural story and its blend of heritage and contemporary design.

The result is an event environment that combines modern functionality with a strong sense of place, giving visiting delegates an opportunity to experience Tasmania through design, food and hospitality.

Events with Hobart on the Doorstep

One of LUMINA's attractions for event planners is its location.

The Tasman sits between Hobart's CBD and waterfront, with Salamanca Place and Battery Point within easy reach. Guests can also explore Hobart's cultural attractions, restaurants and waterfront experiences during a conference or incentive program.

The hotel itself provides accommodation and dining, allowing organisers to combine meetings and events with a stay in one location. The Tasman has 152 rooms and suites spanning heritage, Art Deco and contemporary accommodation styles.

A New Choice for Business Events in Tasmania

LUMINA

LUMINA adds another option for event organisers considering Tasmania for conferences, incentives and corporate gatherings.

For incentive groups, the combination of a luxury Hobart hotel, locally inspired dining and access to Tasmania's natural and cultural experiences creates opportunities to extend an event beyond the meeting room.

For organisers searching for a Hobart event venue, conference venue or gala dinner location, LUMINA provides a flexible new setting in the centre of the city.

The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hbalc-the-tasman-a-luxury-collection-hotel-hobart/

Director of Sales: Kim Upton
Email: kim.upton@luxurycollection.com

Phone: +61 447 587 100
Hotel phone: +61 3 6240 6000
Address: 12 Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of): Jane Austen Gets a Hilarious Musical Makeover in Brisbane

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Jane Austen's beloved romance has been given a wildly entertaining musical makeover, with the Olivier Award-winning Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) now bringing its irreverent humour, pop music and larger-than-life characters to Brisbane.

The five-star musical comedy sensation opens at the Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre to 18 October 2026. Direct from its acclaimed West End run, the Australian production offers audiences a fresh and energetic interpretation of one of literature's most famous love stories.

Jane Austen Meets Pop Musical Comedy

Written by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) takes the familiar world of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy, Jane, Bingley and the Bennet family and turns it into an irreverent musical comedy.

Five performers take on the entire cast of characters, moving rapidly between roles and combining comedy, music and theatrical storytelling. The Brisbane production stars Amy Lehpamer, Zoe Ioannou, Kaori Maeda-Judge, Ruby Shannon and Teo Vergara.

Rather than presenting Austen's story as a traditional period drama, the production uses contemporary humour and pop classics to create a very different theatrical experience.

Pop Classics and Regency Romance

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Music is central to the show's distinctive style, with familiar songs including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You're So Vain woven into the story.

The result is a collision of Regency romance and modern musical comedy, as love, money, marriage and social expectations become the ingredients for an energetic theatrical romp.

The production has been described by the Daily Telegraph as "smart, laugh out loud funny", while its Australian tour follows a West End season in which it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

Five Performers, Dozens of Characters

One of the show's theatrical attractions is the way its five performers transform into numerous characters.

Amy Lehpamer plays Tillie, Charlotte Lucas, Charles Bingley and Miss Bingley, while Zoe Ioannou takes on Flo, Mrs Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Kaori Maeda-Judge plays Clara, Jane Bennet, George Wickham and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Ruby Shannon portrays Anne, Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Mr Collins and Mrs Gardiner, while Teo Vergara plays Effie and Elizabeth Bennet.

A Limited Brisbane Season at QPAC

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) plays at the Playhouse at QPAC until 18 October 2026.

Performance times vary throughout the season, with evening and matinee performances scheduled across the week. Tickets are currently listed by QPAC from $69 to $149, plus a transaction fee, with discounts available for selected groups and younger audiences.

The Playhouse is an 850-seat theatre at QPAC, located on the Russell Street side of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and close to South Bank Parklands and South Brisbane Station.

Recommended for audiences aged 14 and over, the production contains coarse language, loud sound effects, strobe and flashing lighting, smoke and haze.

Pride and Prejudice (sort of) Brisbane

Venue: Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Season:  to 18 October 2026
Tickets: From $69, plus transaction fee
Bookings: QPAC / QTIX
Phone: 136 246
Website: https://www.prideandprejudicesortof.com.au/
QPAC: https://www.qpac.com.au/

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Skyline Queenstown: A New Era for Business Events Above Lake Wakatipu

Skyline Queenstown

Few business event destinations can match the setting of Skyline Queenstown, where delegates can travel by Gondola from the heart of Queenstown to a spectacular alpine location overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Skyline Queenstown is a major attraction and business events venue on Bob’s Peak, combining spectacular scenery, dining, entertainment and adventure experiences. The destination is now undergoing a major phased redevelopment designed to create a world-class attraction and an enhanced conference and events facility.

Skyline Queenstown was one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, New Zealand’s national business events tradeshow, held in Auckland from 17 to 18 June 2026. 

Business Events with a Spectacular View

The Skyline experience begins with the Gondola journey from Brecon Street, rising above Queenstown to Bob’s Peak. At the top, delegates are rewarded with panoramic views across Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown and the surrounding Southern Alps.

Before the redevelopment, Skyline Queenstown’s conference and event facilities offered capacity for up to 430 guests for a banquet, 650 for cocktails and 380 in theatre-style seating, with three meeting rooms. However, BEIA advises that the current redevelopment means standard conference and event space has limited availability and capacity.

For organisers planning future conferences, corporate functions and incentive programmes, this makes Skyline Queenstown a destination worth watching as its transformation progresses.

Project Skyline Creates a New Events Destination

Skyline Queenstown

The redevelopment began in late 2021 and is being delivered in stages. Skyline says the project is designed to create a new era for its Queenstown complex, including upgraded attractions, hospitality facilities, viewing areas and conference and event spaces.

The current Skyline information indicates the redevelopment is expected to be completed in early 2029, while BEIA's supplier listing refers to completion by late 2028. Event planners should therefore confirm current availability, capacities and project timing directly with Skyline when planning an event.

The future events offering is planned to include 535 square metres of purpose-built space with flexible layouts and capacity for up to 700 guests for cocktail events.

More Than a Conference Venue

Skyline Queenstown provides opportunities to combine business events with some of Queenstown’s best-known visitor experiences.

Delegates can enjoy the Gondola, spectacular viewing areas, dining at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar and the Queenstown Luge, while the wider destination provides an extensive choice of adventure, wine, nature and incentive experiences.

For conference and incentive organisers, the attraction of Skyline is the ability to turn a meeting into an experience, with Queenstown’s alpine landscape becoming part of the event itself.

A Venue to Watch in Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown

As Project Skyline progresses, the destination is being positioned for a new generation of conferences, corporate events, incentive groups and celebrations.

For event planners searching for distinctive Queenstown conference venues, Skyline Queenstown represents an evolving destination where spectacular scenery, hospitality, entertainment and business events come together above Lake Wakatipu.

Skyline Queenstown

Contact Person: Richard Crouch, Head of Sales NZ
Website: www.skyline.co.nz/queenstown
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkylineQueenstown/

Email: Richard.crouch@skyline.co.nz
General Email: queenstown@skyline.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 441 0101
Address: Brecon Street, Queenstown, New Zealand

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.

Karate Day 2026: Experience Okinawa’s Martial Arts Heritage in Naha

Karate Day Commemorative Performance Festival in Naha

Visitors to Okinawa in November can experience the birthplace of karate at the Karate Day Commemorative Performance Festival in Naha on 8 November 2026.

Held along the famous Kokusai Street, the spectacular event celebrates Okinawa’s centuries-old martial arts heritage with demonstrations by skilled karate practitioners. For martial arts fans, active travellers and first-time visitors to Okinawa, it is a unique opportunity to see the island’s traditional culture performed at the highest level.

Celebrate the Birthplace of Karate

Okinawa is internationally recognised as the birthplace of karate, a martial art that has spread from the Ryukyu Islands to countries around the world.

The roots of Okinawan karate can be traced back many centuries, with the art shaped by the island’s unique history and cultural connections. More than a fighting discipline, karate embodies values including courtesy, discipline, respect and self-control.

Okinawa officially designated 25 October as Karate Day, commemorating the history and international development of the martial art. The prefecture describes karate as an important part of Okinawa’s cultural identity and a tradition that has reached communities across the globe.

Watch Spectacular Karate Demonstrations

Karate Day

The 2026 Karate Day Commemorative Performance Festival will be held on Sunday 8 November from 3pm to 4:30pm on Kokusai Dori Street in Naha.

Visitors can watch experienced karate practitioners demonstrate precise kata, powerful techniques and the disciplined movements that distinguish Okinawan karate. The performance provides an accessible introduction to the martial art, even for visitors who have never studied karate.

The event is free, making it an appealing addition to an Okinawa holiday itinerary. The official Okinawa tourism guide recommends checking the event website or contacting the organiser for the latest information before attending.

Discover Okinawa Beyond the Beaches

The Karate Day celebration offers travellers an opportunity to experience an important part of Okinawan culture beyond the island’s famous beaches, resorts and marine attractions.

Naha provides an ideal base for exploring Okinawa’s martial arts heritage, with Kokusai Street also offering restaurants, shops, markets and other attractions. Travellers can combine the festival with sightseeing around Naha and visits to other cultural attractions.

For active travellers, karate experiences can also be incorporated into a wider Okinawa itinerary, with opportunities around the prefecture to learn about traditional karate and its techniques.

Plan Your Okinawa Karate Experience

Karate Day

For anyone searching for things to do in Okinawa in November, the Karate Day Commemorative Performance Festival offers a memorable cultural experience.

Whether you are a dedicated martial arts enthusiast or simply curious about Okinawan traditions, watching karate practitioners perform in the heart of Naha provides an opportunity to connect with one of Japan’s most internationally recognised cultural traditions.

Okinawa Prefecture Karate Promotion Division

Website: https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/
Phone: +81 98 866 2232
Address: 1-2-2 Izumizaki, Naha, Okinawa 900-8570, Japan

Official Okinawa Travel Guide

Website: https://visitokinawajapan.com/

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Auckland Beyond the City: Seven Rural and Waterfront Venues for Business Events

The Boat House at The Riverhead

Auckland’s business events scene extends well beyond the city centre. Vineyards, waterfront properties, private estates and rural venues provide memorable alternatives for incentive groups, executive offsites, conference dinners and corporate celebrations.

Auckland Convention Bureau, one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, showcased the region’s diverse business-events experiences and venues. For organisers, travelling beyond central Auckland can become part of the programme, with the changing scenery adding another dimension to the delegate experience.

The Riverhead: Waterfront Corporate Events

Around 25 minutes from central Auckland, The Boat House at The Riverhead provides a private riverside setting with indoor and outdoor spaces, expansive decks and lawns. The venue accommodates up to 140 guests for a banquet and 250 for cocktails, making it suitable for corporate functions, private dinners and celebrations.

Vin Alto: Mediterranean Style in Clevedon

Set among olive trees in Clevedon, Vin Alto combines a rural setting with Mediterranean-inspired dining. Around 40 minutes from Auckland CBD, its renovated winery is suited to smaller corporate dinners and incentive groups, with capacity for 60 banquet guests or 120 for cocktails.

The McCallum Residence: Exclusive Coastal Hosting

The McCallum Residence

For executive and incentive groups seeking privacy, The McCallum Residence in Clevedon offers an exclusive estate experience with a private beach, luxury accommodation, a private chef and butler service. Its event spaces can accommodate up to 50 guests for a banquet or 70 for cocktails.

Puketutu Island Estate: Island Atmosphere Without a Ferry

Connected to Auckland by an all-tide causeway, Puketutu Island Estate creates an island-style escape without complex ferry logistics. Gardens, terraces and elegant indoor spaces can accommodate up to 200 banquet guests and 300 for cocktails.

Kauri Bay: Adventure Meets Business Events

Kauri Bay 

Kauri Bay combines a 500-acre Clevedon property, coastal views and a private event setting. Corporate groups can combine dining with activities including claybird shooting, four-wheel-drive experiences, extreme golf and helicopter experiences. The venue accommodates up to 200 banquet guests and 250 for cocktails.

Settlers Country Manor: Heritage and Gardens

About 25 minutes from Auckland CBD, Settlers Country Manor in Waimauku offers historic character, landscaped gardens and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces. The property can host corporate functions, awards evenings and celebrations, with capacity reaching 350 banquet guests and 400 for cocktails.

Karaka Pavilion: Events with Equestrian Character

Vin Alto

In Auckland’s rural south, Karaka Pavilion provides spacious event areas surrounded by gardens and stable buildings, reflecting Karaka’s equestrian heritage. Its Pavilion can accommodate up to 300 banquet guests and 500 for cocktails, making it suitable for larger corporate dinners, conferences and celebrations.

Auckland Convention Bureau

Contact: Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events
Phone: +64 21 142 2245
Email: meet@aucklandnz.com
Website: https://origin.aucklandconventionbureau.com/

The Riverhead – The Boat House

Contact: Functions Team
Phone: +64 9 412 8902
Email: book@theriverhead.co.nz
Website: https://www.theriverhead.co.nz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverhead/

Vin Alto

Contact: Events Team
Phone: +64 9 292 8845 or +64 21 289 7776
Email: enquiries@vinalto.co.nz
Website: https://www.vinalto.co.nz/

Puketutu Island Estate

The McCallum Residence

Contact: Events Team
Phone: +64 21 882 320
Email: info@mccallumresidence.co.nz
Website: https://www.mccallumresidence.co.nz/

Puketutu Island Estate

Contact: Events Team
Email: info@puketutuislandestate.co.nz
Website: https://www.puketutuislandestate.co.nz/
Address: 600 Island Road, Māngere, Auckland 2022

Kauri Bay

Settlers Country Manor

Contact: Events Team
Phone: +64 9 298 7779
Email: events@kauribay.co.nz
Website: https://kauribay.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kauribay/

Settlers Country Manor

Contact: Events Team
Phone: +64 9 411 7809
Email: info@settlersmanor.co.nz
Website: https://www.settlerscountrymanor.co.nz/
Address: 81 Waimauku Station Road, Waimauku, Auckland 0812

Karaka Pavilion

Karaka Pavilion

Contact: Bec McLeod
Email: bec.mcleod@99reasons.co.nz
Website: https://karakapavilion.co.nz/

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