Action-packed Events Calendar In Queenstown This Summer

Summer in Queenstown

Queenstown is the place to be this summer with an action-packed calendar of events that includes New Year’s Eve festivals, concerts, and international sporting fixtures.

The resort is a favourite summer holiday destination with Kiwis and internationalvisitors enjoying the long warm days and spectacular lake and alpine scenery.

The cosmopolitan town is full of festive cheer over the holiday period and downtown Queenstown will bring in the New Year with a spectacular lakeside fireworks display, live music and street party. The celebration also kicks offthe month-long Summerdaze Festival that takes place throughout January

This year the popular two-day music festival Rhythm and Alps is moving south to the Cardrona Valley, 40 minutes from Queenstown, and attendees will celebrate New Year to the beats of international and local music acts including Rudimental, Shapeshifter, P-Money, David Dallas and @Peace.

For sporting fans the New Zealand Black Caps will take on the West Indies in a One Day International cricket match as part of the ANZ International Cricket Series at the Queenstown Events Centre. There is no more spectacular venue to watch world-class cricket than against the backdrop of The Remarkable’s mountain range.

Gibbston Valley Winery Concert

Glenorchy Race Day on 4 January is a true southern Kiwi experience and a must-do for visitors and locals alike. Thousands turn out in force to experience this iconic horse racing event which has run for over 40 years and has become a firm favourite on the summer calendar.

The country then comes to town 11 January at the Lake Hayes A&P Show. One of the longest running community events in the Wakatipu, this is an interactive fun-filled family day with plenty of entertainment including shearing, lawn mower races, dog shows, baking and agricultural competitions.

Music lovers are spoilt for choice in February with a line-up of national and international performers coming to Queenstown.

Catch three classic rock legends at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on 15 February at the Gibbston Valley Station. Mickey Thomas (of Jefferson Starship fame), 10cc and American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform their greatest hits live against the stunning backdrop of the Kawarau River next to one of Central Otago’s most acclaimed vineyards.

The following week sees some iconic Kiwi artists take the stage at Waitiri Creek Winery as part of the Classic Hits Winery Tour (21 February). Headlining the 2014 tour are New Zealand music legends The Exponents, joined by pop superstar Stan Walker and the heavenly voice of Breaks Co-Op.

New Year’s Eve fireworks

Destination Queenstown CEO Graham Budd said the range of events taking place over summer always creates a great atmosphere around the region.

“There’s always something happening over summer and the longer days give people plenty of time to get out and experience Queenstown. The challenge for visitors will be fitting it all in!”

For a full calendar of summer events plus more information on how to get to Queenstown and where to stay, play, shop, eat and drink please visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.