Fantastic line-up for Queenstown's festivals

1 April 2011
Autumn colours a perfect backdrop for Queenstown’s fantastic festivals

A fantastic line-up of festivals coupled with a spectacular change of seasons makes Queenstown, New Zealand, the perfect place to visit this autumn.

With the landscape bursting into a blaze of red and gold, April events kick off with the biennial Festival of Colour, a six-day regionwide celebration of the arts from 12-17 April. The autumn colours and dramatic environment of the Southern Lakes are highlighted throughout the festival programme which features theatre, dance, art, film and music of all genres.

Easter weekend is gearing up to be a hit with the inaugural Queenstown Bike Festival from 16-25 April. The event’s broad appeal has already gained international traction with a programme that gives people of all ages and abilities - whether they be biking novices, recreational cyclists or serious bikers - the chance to try out Queenstown’s world-class cycle tracks, trails, roads and scenery. Events range from the Tour de Wakatipu, Dirtmasters Downhill and a Super D race to social rides, bike movies and festival parties.

The Arrowtown Autumn Festival, 29 April-8 May, provides a superb reason to get out and enjoy the relaxed pace and colours of the season. The historic goldmining village is renowned for its autumn colours and attracts many national and international artists and photographers. The annual festival celebrates Arrowtown’s heritage with a community-based events programme while the township itself, with quaint tree-lined streets, old miners’ cottages, restored Chinese Village and Lakes District Museum, is fascinating to explore.

Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt says autumn is one of the most picturesque times of year to visit for those looking to get away from it all to recharge and relax.

“Autumn’s weather and spectacular change of seasons is perfect for experiencing Queenstown’s range of events and activities, getting out and hiking and biking our trails or just relaxing and soaking up the scenery over long lazy al fresco lunches with a glass of award-winning local wine.”

For a full calendar of autumn events, autumn value-added deals and the low down on where to stay, play, shop, eat and drink please visit www.queenstown-nz.co.nz.

ENDS