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Queenstown Airport begins terminal upgrade design
Queenstown Airport Corporation has appointed architectural firms Warren and Mahoney (WAM) and Hassell to design the concept for its terminal upgrade. This marks a significant step in the airport's Master Plan, approved in 2023, aimed at increasing terminal capacity and enhancing customer experience. Chief Executive Shane O'Hare emphasised the importance of innovation and customer experience in modern airports, stating, "Our vision is to be an innovative airport that people love to travel through." Major upgrades on the horizon The terminal upgrade is the largest project in the airport's infrastructure development programme, and both WAM and Hassell bring extensive experience from projects at major airports across New Zealand and Australia, including Christchurch, Wellington, Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast. O'Hare expressed confidence in their ability to create a design that embodies Queenstown's essence and leaves a lasting impression on travellers. Meanwhile, Katherine Skipper, Managing Principal at Warren and Mahoney, described the redevelopment as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to enhance the traveller experience at Queenstown Airport, a gateway to one of the world's most remarkable destinations. The design will focus on creating a terminal that is welcoming, intuitive, and connected to its landscape and community, whilst meeting the operational demands of a growing international airport. Likewise, the design brief developed through consultations with airline customers, the community, and the travelling public, includes expanding the terminal to the south and upgrading check-in, security screening, and lounges. The concept design is expected to be completed by mid-2027, promising a world-class experience for all visitors. ```
Queenstown Airport achieves 76% emissions reduction
Queenstown Airport has unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Report, showcasing a 76 percent reduction in organisational emissions since 2019, with a target of 85 percent by 2028. The report, supported by a Carbon Footprint Report, details the airport's comprehensive climate-related disclosures and sustainability efforts. Chief Executive Shane O’Hare emphasised the interconnectedness of people, planet, and prosperity, stating, “A lot of effort is going into supporting our community, reducing our environmental impact, and improving how we operate.” A major milestone was the upgrade of the terminal's heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, now fully electric, with the diesel boiler decommissioned. Sara Irvine, General Manager Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, highlighted the importance of understanding and adapting to climate change impacts, noting, “It is vital that we operate sustainably and build long-term resilience.” A notable commitment The airport's commitment to sustainability extends to community partnerships, such as the collaboration with Remarkables Station National Trust Ltd to restore native forest and the ZQN Community Fund, which awarded $50,000 in its first year to local charities. Additional achievements include maintaining Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+, achieving sustainability-linked loan targets, and investing in electrification infrastructure. The introduction of quieter, fuel-efficient aeroplanes by partner airlines and the installation of electric charging stations for ground service equipment and bikes further demonstrate the airport's dedication to reducing emissions. Queenstown Airport continues to focus on sustainable construction practices and employee wellbeing, with initiatives like the Whānau Policy providing additional support to staff. The full reports are available on the Queenstown Airport website. ```
Queenstown Airport prepares for festive travel surge
Queenstown Airport is gearing up for a busy festive season, with an estimated 150,000 passengers set to pass through its gates from 20 December to 4 January. This influx includes nearly 57,000 international travellers crossing the Tasman Sea and about 93,000 domestic passengers, mirroring last year's figures. The busiest day is anticipated to be 20 December, with over 5,500 arrivals. The airport's Head of Operations, Compliance and Safety, Juliet Breen, assured that the facility is well-prepared for the holiday rush. "Summer is always a special time in Queenstown. We love the excitement in the terminal as people fly in to spend Christmas with whānau or head off on adventures," she said. To manage the increased traffic, the airport has boosted staffing levels and added extra customer service support. To enhance the holiday experience, Queenstown Airport will feature live music, face-painting, and a photo booth. Additionally, a pop-up caravan will offer Central Otago cherries throughout December and January. Travellers are advised to check regulations on what can be carried on flights, especially concerning power banks and batteries. Those heading to Australia should be aware of specific rules for powders, liquids, gels, and aerosols. The airport's terminal car parks are expected to be busier than usual, so alternative transport options are recommended. With systems operating near capacity, passengers are encouraged to remain patient and follow staff guidance. The festive preparations aim to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for all. ```
Air New Zealand introduces a new direct Queenstown-Brisbane route
Air New Zealand now makes it easier for Kiwi travellers to swap snow for sand and enjoy some Queensland sunshine with a new non-stop seasonal service between Queenstown and Brisbane. The new route which takes flight from 22nd June 2026 was announced earlier today, 17th November. Likewise, it expands Air New Zealand’s strong trans-Tasman network, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to connecting New Zealanders with more destinations across Australia, and welcoming more Australians to explore Aotearoa. The Queenstown-Brisbane route will operate thrice a week through to 23rd October 2026, perfectly timed for those seeking a mid-year escape or a spring break across the Tasman. To celebrate the route launch, Air New Zealand has sale fares currently available for flights across the Tasman. Customers can currently book flights from Queenstown to Brisbane for only $275 per seat, one way. A new link between neighbours Operated by Air New Zealand’s A320neo narrowbody jet, the service will offer over 17,000 seats, providing a convenient link between the Southern Alps and sunny Queensland. Lucy Hall, Air New Zealand’s general manager for short haul and domestic, explains that the new route will open more opportunities for travel in both directions. According to Hall: “We know Queenstown is a year-round favourite for Australians, and this connection will also help bring more visitors to our region during the ski and adventure season. It gives Queenslanders another direct option to fly into the South Island, giving them the ability to explore Queenstown, the wider Otago region, and more of the beautiful South Island.” She added that Brisbane is also a fantastic destination for South Islanders looking to swap the snow for sunshine. Hall said: “This new service connects two iconic lifestyle destinations, giving travellers greater flexibility and choice when planning their next getaway.” Likewise, Queenstown Airport CEO Shane O’Hare remarked: “Air New Zealand is our biggest customer and we are delighted it is bringing back Queenstown-Brisbane flights. There are strong ties between our communities, and this service will be welcomed on both sides of the Tasman. The morning flight time will be great for those wanting to catch up with friends and family, and convenient for those with onward connections from Brisbane.”
Queenstown Airport is all set for Marathon Weekend
Queenstown Airport is preparing for one of its busiest weekends of the year as thousands of runners, supporters, and visitors arrive for the NZ Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon. From now until Monday, 17th November, the airport expects to welcome and farewell about 50,000 passengers, a 15% increase on last year. Friday will be the peak day for arrivals, with 5,213 passengers expected, while Sunday will be the busiest departure day, with 4,804 passengers expected, up four percent on the Sunday after last year's marathon. Monday will also be a big day, with 4,467 passengers forecast, 17 percent up compared with last year. Necessary preparations To support the surge in demand created by the marathon and related events, airlines have added 46 extra flights between today and Monday. Indeed, Air New Zealand has boosted domestic services by 21 percent. Queenstown Airport chief operating officer Todd Grace has assured the public that their team is ready. Grace said:"The Queenstown Marathon is a fantastic event for the region, and we're excited to welcome participants and supporters from across New Zealand and overseas. We encourage everyone to plan ahead, allow extra time to get to and from the airport, and enjoy the atmosphere of this special weekend."
Queenstown Airport is improving the bathrooms in the domestic departures lounge
Queenstown Airport has heard the feedback loud and clear – the bathrooms in the domestic departures lounge are not meeting travellers’ needs. And it’s taking action to put that right. The project includes a brand-new male toilet block and a dedicated parenting room for families. The existing block of toilets will become female-only, with a minor refurbishment, and the gender-neutral accessible toilet will remain. “When we expanded the departures lounge in 2023, we built as many toilets as we could in the available space,” Queenstown Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Todd Grace, says. “However, we admit we were caught short [pun intended]. When the terminal is busy, people often need to wait for a toilet, and because of this, it is difficult to keep the facilities as well presented as we would like.” Part of the security screening area will be reconfigured to create space for the additional toilets. To minimise disruption to passengers and airport operations, the work will be carried out at night. “This upgrade is focused on comfort, cleanliness, and convenience for those waiting for domestic flights,” Grace says. “We expect to have the project completed by the end of October, and thank everyone for their patience and understanding while it is under way.”
ROKI Collection Queenstown slated to open in September
ROKI Collection Queenstown in New Zealand is slated to open its doors on 1st September of this year. This urban retreat on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand is located right in the heart of Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world. According to hotel general manager Stephen McAteer, every aspect has been thoughtfully designed to be a space to pause and breathe, a sanctuary of calm. McAteer said: “ROKI Collection Queenstown is where gracious service, curated design and breathtaking natural beauty converge. It brings something truly different to New Zealand: an urban retreat that combines the tranquillity of a lodge with the energy of a hotel in stunning Queenstown, where you can immerse yourself in nature.” Designed for elegant stays ROKI Collection Queenstown will offer wellness, culinary, and adventure experiences for guests. Designed by Sumich Chaplin Architects, with interior design by acclaimed New Zealand interior designer Virginia Fisher, each of its 15 spacious suites, ranging in size from 1 to 4 bedrooms, offers swoon-worthy panoramic views over The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Each has a fireplace, private bathtub, and walk-in wardrobes. For gourmands, ROKI Collection Queenstown will have two restaurants available to in-house guests and the public. Essence and The Terrace. Essence will showcase a culinary fine dining narrative of New Zealand, fusing modern European influences with local produce, led by culinary director Paul Froggatt, who is Luxury Lodges of New Zealand Chef of the Year 2023/24 and revered in the culinary industry. This will also be the first time guests outside of a lodge environment can experience Paul Froggatt's cuisine. Frogatt said: “At Essence, my approach is simple: to honour the purity of exceptional ingredients, letting flavour, seasonality and technique speak for themselves. Each dish is a reflection of place, memory, and craft and is designed to evoke a sense of quiet luxury and connection to New Zealand's natural rhythm.” On the other hand The Terrace, which is more seafood-centric, offers the best restaurant views in Queenstown. It is an ideal perch for an aperitif, lunch, or relaxed dinner after a day of adventure, framed by two fireplaces for all seasons. Guests can also enjoy the sophisticated yet relaxed Library Bar, also open to the public, and Conservatory, with a cocktail or a wine list highlighting New Zealand's finest. Private dining is available in intimate snugs, or the 3 - bedroom Brunswick Suite, 4-bedroom ROKI Suite or 7-bedroom Grand ROKI Suite. Diving into luxurious wellness For after a day of skiing, hiking, or vineyard hopping, there is ROKI Pure, a dedicated wellness sanctuary where guests can truly pause and reconnect. ROKI Pure has a thermal zone, two private treatment suites, an indoor pool, and a jacuzzi. According to McAteer: “We have moved well beyond the traditional spa model. Today's guests are wellness savvy and not just looking for pampering. They want wellness experiences that shift something. That make them feel different.” ROKI Pure is a sanctuary of serenity, exclusive to guests staying at ROKI Collection Queenstown and designed for modern travellers, who crave more than just rest and relaxation.
WiT Queenstown to Debut in July 2026
Winter scene in the snow, Queenstown. New Zealand. WiT (Web in Travel), Asia Pacific’s travel tech media and events platform, will make its New Zealand debut with WiT Queenstown in July 2026, marking a milestone for the region as it aims to establish itself as a hub for travel and hospitality technology innovation. The one-day event will be held in partnership with Technology Queenstown, a not-for-profit agency founded by Roger Sharp, who chairs global travel business WEB Travel Group and regional tech investment bank North Ridge Partners, and who witnessed firsthand the power of WiT’s global community at WiT Singapore and WiT Japan & North Asia last year. With more than three million visitors annually, Queenstown offers a unique southern hemisphere testing ground for innovations that enhance travel experiences. WiT Queenstown will spotlight this potential, bringing together travel operators, tech companies, DMOs, tourism boards, investors, and senior executives from global travel tech brands. Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder of WiT, said: “We’ve long had our sights set on Oceania. After the success of WiT Australia in Sydney in 2011, we’re excited to return with WiT Queenstown, set in one of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations on earth. “Our mission has always been to spark innovation in travel tech, from Singapore to Tokyo, Seoul, Cape Town, and Dubai,” she added. “We’re excited to collaborate with Technology Queenstown to build a unique edition that marries WiT insights with local strategic vision and talent.” Technology Queenstown is spearheading efforts to diversify Queenstown Lakes District’s economy, where tourism and hospitality account for more than 60%, by developing a world-class tech sector. “Covid showed us how vulnerable a tourism-dependent economy can be,” said Sharp. “Bringing WiT to town is a cornerstone of our strategy,” said Sharp. “I was struck by the dynamism, camaraderie and deep knowledge at WiT events. We’re thrilled to bring that energy to Queenstown.” Appointed in December, Technology Queenstown’s inaugural CEO Sarah Russell has hit the ground running and this partnership with WiT is evidence of that. “With a strategic blueprint developed by Accenture, strong corporate support, and plans to launch a tech university campus, we’re building the foundation. Travel tech is the first cluster we’re backing, and WiT is central to making that happen,” said Russell. The launch of WiT Queenstown underscores a broader ambition: to make Queenstown not just a world-class destination for adventure, but also for tech. “Launching a globally successful event is central to the process of building out our travel tech sector, which already has several nascent rockstar companies being built,” said Russell. “By amplifying what already exists, we aim to make Queenstown known for solving real-world travel problems through tech. We’re inviting the world’s travel tech community to experience this for themselves against the stunning backdrop of alpine lakes, snowy peaks, and world-famous wines.”
Queenstown Airport launches community fund to support local communities
Queenstown Airport just launched the Queenstown Airport Community Fund, a new initiative designed to provide financial support to local charities and community organisations. Administered by the Wakatipu Community Foundation, the annual fund will distribute NZ$50,000 in grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, to eligible non-profit organisations operating in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts. The fund reflects Queenstown Airport’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and aligns with its broader sustainability objectives. Through this initiative, Queenstown Airport aims to create a meaningful and lasting impact by empowering grassroots organisations that contribute to the well-being of the region’s people and environment. A smart way to give back Queenstown Airport partnerships and marketing manager Vanessa Hartnell said of the initiative: "As a key gateway to our region, we recognise our responsibility to give back and support the communities that support us. The Queenstown Airport Community Fund is a way for us to invest in local organisations that are making a real difference, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive." This new fund will add to the $150,000 that the airport already contributes through its sponsorships and partnerships programme each year. Wakatipu Community Foundation chief executive Jennifer Belmont added: "We are delighted to partner with Queenstown Airport to facilitate this new community initiative. Local charities and not-for-profits play such a key role in our communities, and this fund will provide some extra support to help them continue their work." Applications for the Queenstown Airport Community Fund will open on 3rd March, with organisations located in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts encouraged to apply.
Queenstown Airport releases its half-term financials
Queenstown Airport just released its results for the first half of the financial year and declared a $7.0 million interim dividend, reflecting a strong start to the year. Releasing the interim report for the six months that ended 31st December 2024, Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood said the business had started the financial year well with a strong financial performance and significant progress towards its strategic goals. Flood said: “We are grateful to our shareholders for their ongoing support and, following our first-half results, we are pleased to be able to distribute an interim dividend of $7 million, which will be paid out to shareholders this month. In determining the level of the dividend to be distributed, the Board has considered not only our results for the period under review, but also our commitments in the foreseeable future.” It should also be noted that the airport company is an important community asset, and the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will receive $5.2 million as the major shareholder. A busy time Queenstown Airport has been busy, with a total of 1,343,006 passengers passing through the terminal in the first six months of the current fiscal year. This represents a six percent increase compared with the same period the previous year. Revenue for the first half of the financial year was up 22 percent and profit up 27 percent compared with the same period the previous year. Flood explained: “Airport operations ran smoothly during the peak winter weeks and over the summer holidays, when record numbers of passengers travelled through the terminal: a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our team.” He noted the growth in passenger numbers was driven by continued demand for travel to and from Queenstown, with particularly strong trans-Tasman numbers. He said: “Over the coming years, we will complete the most significant capital investment programme in the airport’s 90-year history. A key strategic focus for the board of directors and executive team is the delivery of the Queenstown Airport Master Plan. Detailed development and organisational planning are underway. Capital investment planning, procurement, and programme delivery will continue in sequenced stages. An important focus will be ensuring Master Plan progress updates are provided to our broad range of stakeholders.” Projects running on time In October, Queenstown Airport began a major project to install engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) beds at either end of the main runway. Flood said of this: “We are pleased to report the project is running on time and on budget. Queenstown Airport is the first airport in Australasia to adopt this innovative technology, designed to safely stop an aircraft that overshoots a runway." He added that, should a runway overrun occur at Queenstown, this will be the best investment the airport have ever made. Of this, Flood said: "We are proud to be leading the way in risk mitigation and enhanced safety.” Sustainability at the fore Queenstown Airport CEO Glen Sowry said good progress had been made on other key areas of focus, including sustainability, and projects to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. According to Sowry: “We closely monitor customer sentiment and undertake internationally benchmarked research to understand what customers want. These data sets highlighted the opportunity to expand and improve the food and beverage offering in the international gate lounge area. Skippers, a new casual bar and eatery, opened just in time for Christmas, and is proving to be a popular addition.” Queenstown Airport’s commitment to sustainability and the organisation’s decarbonisation plan continues. This has led to the achievement of a 71 percent reduction in organisational emissions compared to 2019, the baseline year. As Sowry puts it: “Our successful transition from Toitū Envirocare to the globally recognised Airport Carbon Accreditation was a highlight of the reporting period. We entered the programme, which is administered by Airports Council International and independently assesses the efforts of airports to reduce carbon emissions, at Level 4+, the second highest-tier.”
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