The last week of June is the best time to visit Queenstown. The reason? It's because this is the time when the Queenstown Festival is held. Dubbed as the "biggest winter party" down south, Queenstown Festival signals the start of winter season in New Zealand.
The festival is reputed for its outrageous yet amazing must-sees. Yahoo! Travel listed Queenstown Festival as one of world's top 10 must-see festivals. It is considered by many as the Kiwi counterpart of Pamplona's Running and New Orleans Festival.
Short History
The festival started in 1975 when a group of Australians organized mountain races and series of concerts. Nearly four decades later, Queenstown Festival has grown into one of New Zealand's much-awaited festivals.
Every year, thousands of people (both tourists and residents) walk along the streets with their ski slopes for a week of non-stop mountain races, family run, street parties, live concerts and spectacular fireworks display. According to festival director Simon Green, the ultimate secret to the festival's continuing success is its cultural basis. In other words, Queenstown Festival celebrates the diverse yet unique culture of New Zealand.
Highlights
Queenstown Festival traditionally opens with a fireworks display and street party. In 2013, nearly 2,000 people are expected to visit Queentown's lakefront area where the festival's major activities are held.
Mountain Mayhem
Mountain Mayhem is the time when people create fantastic costumes and fly across Lake Wakatipu. The latter is also where people do night skiing, slopestyle, cyclocross and ice hockey.
In 2012, the festival organizers invited Jermaine Clement and Bret McKenzie of "Flight of The Conchords" fame to headline its series of comedy shows. The organizers also held advanced screenings of "Ice Age 4: Continental Drift".
After its successful debut in 2011, the Village Garden's ice rink has become a home to the festival's magical ice skating shows. It also serves as a downtown hub for public skating.
Queenstown Festival culminates with a Mardi Gras-inspired show and community-led street party celebrating the modern-day culture of the Kiwis.
Earnings
Queenstown Festival has the largest earnings in the southern region. In 2010, organizers spent NZ$250 million during the 10-day festivities. According to reports, the number of visitors was estimated at 40,000.
Must-See Events
In 2013, the festival will kick off with an opening party sponsored by American Express. Inspired by "Fire & Ice" concept, Queenstown Festival will be held at Earnslaw Park during that time.
Here are other must-see events to check out:
According to Graham Budd, chairman and CEO of Queenstown Festival, the latter is a wonderful time for people to come together and experience the winter season in New Zealand. Festival Manager Lisa Buckingham meanwhile said that people always look forward for winter-inspired activities that are free of budget and child-friendly.
Short History
The festival started in 1975 when a group of Australians organized mountain races and series of concerts. Nearly four decades later, Queenstown Festival has grown into one of New Zealand's much-awaited festivals.
Every year, thousands of people (both tourists and residents) walk along the streets with their ski slopes for a week of non-stop mountain races, family run, street parties, live concerts and spectacular fireworks display. According to festival director Simon Green, the ultimate secret to the festival's continuing success is its cultural basis. In other words, Queenstown Festival celebrates the diverse yet unique culture of New Zealand.
Highlights
Queenstown Festival traditionally opens with a fireworks display and street party. In 2013, nearly 2,000 people are expected to visit Queentown's lakefront area where the festival's major activities are held.
Mountain Mayhem
Mountain Mayhem is the time when people create fantastic costumes and fly across Lake Wakatipu. The latter is also where people do night skiing, slopestyle, cyclocross and ice hockey.
In 2012, the festival organizers invited Jermaine Clement and Bret McKenzie of "Flight of The Conchords" fame to headline its series of comedy shows. The organizers also held advanced screenings of "Ice Age 4: Continental Drift".
After its successful debut in 2011, the Village Garden's ice rink has become a home to the festival's magical ice skating shows. It also serves as a downtown hub for public skating.
Queenstown Festival culminates with a Mardi Gras-inspired show and community-led street party celebrating the modern-day culture of the Kiwis.
Earnings
Queenstown Festival has the largest earnings in the southern region. In 2010, organizers spent NZ$250 million during the 10-day festivities. According to reports, the number of visitors was estimated at 40,000.
Must-See Events
In 2013, the festival will kick off with an opening party sponsored by American Express. Inspired by "Fire & Ice" concept, Queenstown Festival will be held at Earnslaw Park during that time.
Here are other must-see events to check out:
- Auckland Airport Family Fun Run & Festival Parades (June 22)
- Comedy shows at Queenstown Event Center (June 23)
- Big Brunch (June 23)
- "7 Days Live" – a satirical comedy show held every 26th of June at Queenstown Memorial Hall.
- Quiksilver Invitational Slopestyle (June 30)
According to Graham Budd, chairman and CEO of Queenstown Festival, the latter is a wonderful time for people to come together and experience the winter season in New Zealand. Festival Manager Lisa Buckingham meanwhile said that people always look forward for winter-inspired activities that are free of budget and child-friendly.
Visit http://bestflights.co.za/pacific/new-zealand/queenstown for more information on Queenstown, New Zealand.
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