Media Release from Southern Discoveries
October 11 2013
Spirit of Queenstown’s maiden voyage to rock Lake Wakatipu

The multi-million dollar catamaran, Spirit of Queenstown, will make her maiden voyage this month as part of the annual Queenstown Jazz and Blues Festival.

The two hour Spirit of Queenstown Jazz, Blues and Wine Cruise will be people’s first opportunity to experience the area’s newest tourist attraction up close and personal.

Offering a unique look at Queenstown and the surrounds from the lake, the cruise will leave at 2.30pm sharp from O’Regans Wharf arriving back at 4.30pm on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2013.

Tickets cost $75 per person and include nibbles, a glass of wine from Murdoch James Estate Wines or a boutique beer from Hancock and Co Craft Beer on arrival.

Entertainment will be provided on Saturday by Makareta and Blue Pearl with DT Piano Man and on Sunday by New Zealand Blues musician, Billy TK Jnr and Bruce Wastney.

Billy TK Jnr has toured internationally since 1993 earning himself a reputation as a genuine guitar hero in the electric guitar blues scene as well as having video hits with ‘mainstream’ songs. Billy TK Jnr is also the Festival organiser and said he was “ecstatic” to have The Spirit of Queenstown as a venue.

“It’s a real coup to be able to showcase this amazing vessel to locals and visitors for the first time. It’ll be a really exceptional experience on board, not only enabling people to see her in all her glory but also enjoy some great tunes,” said Billy TK.

Southern Discoveries General Manager John Robson said it was a “fantastic opportunity” for locals and visitors to experience live music in a truly unique setting and he expected the event to sell out.

“Cruising across Lake Wakatipu on a brand-new, multi-million dollar catamaran is an amazing experience in itself. Combine that with great food, wine and superb live entertainment and you’ve got a perfect way to spend a couple of hours,” said Mr Robson.

“There’ll be a fully-licensed bar available on board for guests who want to enjoy a glass of wine or beer on the spacious top deck as the melodic sounds engulf them and the stunning scenery captures them.”

Taking place during Labour Weekend (October 24-27), the Jazz and Blues Festival is a fantastic three-day live music celebration that sees more than 70 jazz and blues musicians from the USA, Australia and New Zealand take to the stage. From cool blues and classy jazz to soul funk and big band swing, there’ll be something to get everyone in the mood.

Bookings for the Spirit of Queenstown Jazz, Blues and Wine cruise are essential as numbers are limited. To book visit the Southern Discoveries new retail shop at the top of Queenstown Mall or online at www.eventfinda.co.nz.

Ends

© Scoop Media

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