Quintessential Queenstown experiences you deserve this spring & summer. Curated by The Rees Hotel concierge team.
After so long apart, there’s high altitude, high energy, high five! experiences or romance, restoration and relaxation to look forward to, in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful locations, and only 3 hours away for most Aussies.
We’ve done the planning for you: check out our insider knowledge, the exclusive one-of-a-kind local experiences and calendar of events, as curated by our forward-thinking and finger-on-the-pulse concierge team at The Rees Hotel Queenstown.
September
September in Queenstown means spring. From the best spring skiing to hiking and biking, outdoor dining, or golf: just getting outdoors and coming alive is key!
Ski The Remarkables
Only an hour away, The Rees’ ski concierge can make it seamless from pre-arranging your top-shelf equipment, to return luxury transfers. Après, a welcoming fire, with the best Otago and Bordeaux wines and, of course, a top-class dining experience with views of the lake; all without leaving the comfort of your hotel.
Take flight and enjoy a scenic helicopter trip over some of the most spectacular South Island terrain with The Helicopter Line or add some adventure and fine dining with The Rees’ spectacular Ultimate Heli-Crayfish Dining Experience
Take a hike with feet firmly on the ground, to overlook Queenstown from Bob’s Peak, part of Ben Lomond Mountain.
Snow Machine Festival 7-10 September. Four days of music, snow and après adventure awaits! Ski The Remarkables & Coronet Peak by day, tabletop dancing en-piste to your favourite DJs at our two epic mountain après stages, before shredding down the mountain to continue the party at our main arena in Queenstown by night. Catch performances by all artists across four days and three enormous nights in all locations. Your ultimate ski trip and music festival in one! Après. All. Day.
Winter Games STOMP series at Cardona Alpine Resort 10-11 September. Consisting of a Big Air event and a Park Jam. The Big Air will be held on the world-renowned Big Air at Cardrona Alpine Resort. The Park Jam will be held in a purpose-built rail garden, designed to provide athletes with the opportunity to show off their creativity and style.
October
Is for the adventurous! Try paragliding from Coronet Peak – the thrills are only surpassed by the views you’ll have of Queenstown.
You know you want to: bungy jump with AJ Hackett bungy: jump, swing, catapult or zip ride to your favourite tune (for adrenaline thrill seekers only) and re-live the memory and bragging rights on social media forever!
Get wet! Jetboating with Shotover Jet or from The Rees Hotel’s private wharf on Lake Wakatipu; fun for the whole family.
Cyclorama NZ’s first E-Bike Festival 22-23 October. Ride the spectacular trails while experiencing aspects of the Whakatipu that make it such a renowned destination. Whether you are into wine, beer, gin, food or bird watching – there is a ride and stunning views for you to lap up. Bring your own e-bike or secure a bike from one of the local rental suppliers. You don’t need to be a super experienced or an uber fit bike rider to enjoy most of the rides.
November
Bring the family to meet the newborn spring farm animals on a tour of Walter Peak Farm. Cruise across Lake Whakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship, enjoy a farmyard tour and see sheep dog demonstrations. Traditional afternoon tea is included and served at the historic Colonel’s Homestead.
Fish the Arrow River and dream of the catching that big one. Fly-fishing opportunities in Arrowtown and Queenstown are abundant, with numerous fly-fishing tours available throughout the fishing season. Trek to your favourite river on foot, or take a heli-fishing trip and discover an untouched river where you can cast the day away.
Walk (or bike) from your apartment at The Rees Hotel around the beautiful shores of Lake Wakatipu to stroll in Queenstown Gardens, admire the spring blooms and on into town for some retail therapy before catching the regular complimentary shuttle back to The Rees for some well-deserved relaxation
Set between the backdrop of the world renowned Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges, and taking in the best highlights of the Queenstown Lakes region on hard packed cycle trails, this is truly a flat out beautiful course. Queenstown Marathon 19 November.
December
Is for summer indulgences (you’ll be spoilt for choice!)
If sampling the excellent local produce and taste of the best of New Zealand’s food and wine is your jam, Queenstown is the place to be. The Rees Hotel holds regular exclusive and intimate culinary events, matching local wines (and meet the winemakers) to chef Corey Hume’s award-winning menus at the hotel’s True South Dining Room and Culinary Events
Experience the very best of what Central Otago has to offer with this exclusive food and wine experience. All from your private helicopter with a personal Rees’ wine guide, experience 180 degree panoramic views as you fly over the renowned Gibbston Valley and Kawarau Gorge. Enjoy a private winery tour and tasting at two premium local wineries, complete with a stop for lunch at one of our favourite restaurants, completing your culinary experience. Climb back on board your private helicopter before returning via your luxury transfer to The Bordeau Wine Lounge for a glass of Champagne with views of the Remarkables mountain range, reminiscing over this bucket-list adventure.
Shop at Queenstown’s many boutique local-label stores, craft and art galleries or be spoilt and soak it up in local onsens and spas.
January
So you fancy a round of golf? Here’s one round you’ll never forget! Get amongst it with our OTT Golf Stay Play and Dine extravaganza for two. This is an over-the-top luxury golf experience in every sense. Start your round of golf at championship Jack’s Point and end with an exclusive helicopter pick up by OTT for your Mountain par 3 at 4500 feet in the mountains. The exhilaration doesn’t end there. The perfect 19th hole awaits. Bordeau Wine Lounge is the perfect place to celebrate in OTT style with a range of beverage options, including one of New Zealand’s finest wine cellars and lists, and delicious food options.
And there are seven challenging and scenically gorgeous courses to try within a 45-minute drive. Or frisbee golf is a great alternative for those less serious.
Cycle the vines in Gibbston with return transfers to The Rees for you and your cycles, or a half-day “Bike the Bridges” tour. The family will love an easy ride Beach to the Bay.
Water sports are plentiful in and around Lake Wakatipu and so easy from The Rees’ private wharf. Jet boating, fishing, or a ferry ride to Queenstown CBD
February
Seriously in love? A heli-proposal or wedding will take your love to new heights. The Rees can arrange a romantic setting for the proposal or the whole wedding from start to finish with accommodation and venue for the reception to suit any size event, in the spectacular setting of Queenstown.
Not-so-serious but want some time together? Romantic getaways a specialty in beautiful Queenstown with sophisticated or laid-back options for activities, experiences, and time alone with that special someone that you will always remember. Onsen hot pools, couples spa treatments, a heli-picnic for two, a walk, hike or bike ride, wine tasting, gourmet dining or simply bunker down for some time alone in the luxury of your apartment with every comfort and those awesome views.
Love on the lake? A Valentine’s Day getaway could include a mellow boat cruise, a kayak adventure for two or madly exciting jetboat ride to get the heart pumping.
Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert 11 February. Four fantastic international acts will star at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert, Taupo Summer Concert and Whitianga Summer Concert in February – ZZ TOP, PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and THE ANGELS.
The Rees Hotel
377 Frankton Road, Queenstown Otago 9300, New Zealand
T: +64 (0) 3 450 1100 | E: events@therees.co.nz
