Going for gold in Queenstown this winter

Thursday, 16 August 2012, 1:21 pm
Press Release: Destination Queenstown

Going for gold in Queenstown this winter

Queenstown, 16 August 2012 – Need a break after being glued to the Olympics?

For Kiwis and Australians keen to get off the couch, away from the TV and breathe in some crisp, clear alpine air, Queenstown’s got the winning holiday formula with great value flights and accommodation, a vibrant après ski scene and a huge range of world-class activities off the slopes.

And with six weeks of winter still to go, there’s plenty of action at the region’s six ski areas which cater for every level of skier and snowboarder, from beginner to elite. A combination of regular snow top ups and world-class snowmaking have ensured the trails are in excellent condition.

There’s also plenty of spectator entertainment to come with events being staged at the ski fields and in town. Highlights include the FIS Snowboard and Freestyle Ski Halfpipe World Cups, Burton High Fives snowboarders’ invitational, North Face NZ Free Ski Open, adventure film festivals, and the Parklife Invitational (25 August), a downtown rail jam which draws top freestyle skiers and boarders from around New Zealand. This year the Invitational has ramped up a few gears with a new venue and tricks from international freestyle motocross riders being added to the line up.

Off the slopes, Queenstown offers a huge range of adrenaline-fuelled activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating, paragliding and four-wheel-drive adventures while more relaxed pursuits include boat cruises golf, walking or biking one of the many scenic tracks, visiting award-winning wineries, browsing shops and art galleries, and enjoying the vibrant dining and social scene.

Destination Queenstown CEO Graham Budd believes Queenstown’s diversity and accessibility suits all ages and budgets.

“The beauty of Queenstown is that you don’t have to be a skier or boarder to enjoy the winter season here. You can play in the snow or there’s a huge range of things to do off the slopes including cosmopolitan shopping, day spas, more than 150 cafes, restaurants and bars, and award-winning vineyards.

“Queenstown has all of the benefits of an international holiday experience but it’s less than a two-hour flight from New Zealand’s major centres and only three hours from Australia. And with six weeks of the winter season still to go we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors keen to experience a real winter holiday in the mountains.”

Queenstown recently polled as the number one destination for Kiwi travellers according to a survey of 17,000 New Zealanders by Travelbug, the travel website run by Trade Me. Based on millions of traveller reviews it was also voted the number one New Zealand destination in the South Pacific at Trip Advisor’s 2012 Travellers Choice Awards.

Check out all the details at www.queenstownNZ.co.nz

ENDS

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