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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.”
ROKI Collection raises the bar for luxury in Queenstown
With ROKI Collection Queenstown slated to open by mid-2025, it stands to raise the standard for luxury in New Zealand's adventure capital. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, ROKI Collection promises the luxury of tranquility and offers luxurious escapism in a sanctuary of calm. At this urban retreat, gracious service, curated design, and breathtaking natural beauty converge. The art of sheer luxury Every detail at ROKI Collection Queenstown is crafted to offer an immersive sense of calm, and for guests to reconnect with their senses and breathe. The interiors are by acclaimed New Zealand designer Virginia Fisher and feature a harmonious blend of refined elegance and local craftsmanship. The collection of suites ranges from the intimate 50m² Junior Suite to the extravagant 550m² ROKI Suite. Every suite offers stunning panoramic views over the mountains and Lake Wakatipu, fireplaces, private bathtubs, and walk-in wardrobes. Where wellness takes centre stage Travelers can indulge in ROKI's dedicated wellness and spa offerings with a spa concierge and treatments. ROKI Pure offers guests the opportunity to pause, and enjoy the thermal zone, private treatment suites, and an indoor pool and jacuzzi. The wellness journey extends to in-room amenities, made from local ingredients and extracts, and a ROKI Pure Wellness and Sleep Concierge supporting guests with a selection of wellness resets. For gourmands, Essence at ROKI Collection Queenstown showcases a culinary narrative of New Zealand, seamlessly fusing modern European influences with the finest local ingredients led by culinary director Paul Froggatt, NZ's Luxury Lodges chef of the year 2023/24. The Terrace restaurant is perfect for an aperitif, lunch, or relaxed dinner after a day of exciting experiences, designed for all weather and framed by two fireplaces. The hotel's Library Bar and Conservatory offer a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for indulging in world-class wines and crafted cocktails. Guests can also enjoy private dining in intimate 'snugs' or on the terrace with fireplaces. In the heart of Queenstown Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, ROKI Collection Queenstown offers direct access to the region's world-renowned adventure and leisure activities. Guests can opt to ski The Remarkables, enjoy a private heli-skiing excursion, or take a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park, or simply unwind with a lakeside aperitif. From a romantic gourmet lunch in the mountains to a private boat excursion, a scenic guided hike or world-class fly fishing, the ROKI Collection Queenstown team can arrange bespoke excursions. ROKI Collection Queenstown is close to attractions including the Botanical Gardens, Skyline Gondola and Steamer Wharf, and just three minutes' walk into the heart of the city.
Auckland International Airport appoints new representative to Queenstown Airport board
The Auckland International Airport announced the appointment of a new director to the Queenstown Airport board effective 1 January 2025. Incumbent director Mark Thomson confirmed his intention to resign from the board effective on the first day of the new year, and Auckland Airport chief planning and strategy officer Mary-Liz Tuck is slated to take his place. In her current position, Tuck holds leadership responsibility for master planning, strategic capital planning, strategy, regulation, and sustainability. She is also a trustee for the airport marae Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa. Tuck said of the appointment: “Queenstown Airport plays a vital role in the community, connecting Kiwis and overseas visitors to and from the region, and supporting the local economy. I’m delighted to be joining the board at an exciting time for the airport as it looks to progress delivery of its Master Plan and lean into the challenge of decarbonising aviation.” A warm welcome, a fond farewell Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood welcomed Tuck’s appointment even as he acknowledged Thomson’s service to the board. Flood said: “Mark has made a valuable contribution to the QAC board over several years. We’ve greatly appreciated Mark’s airport-specific knowledge, as well as the breadth of his property and retail experience. I look forward to welcoming Mary-Liz to the board table as the Auckland Airport shareholder representative in the new year. At Queenstown Airport, we are embarking on a significant infrastructure delivery programme and Mary-Liz’s airport master planning and sustainability expertise will be welcome.” Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers added: “On behalf of the community and QLDC, as Queenstown Airport Corporation’s majority shareholder, I extend a warm welcome to Mary-Liz. The airport continues to perform strongly in a highly competitive market and earlier this year delivered a record dividend to the Council of $14.7 million. Mary-Liz’s proven track record at Auckland Airport will add fresh insight and governance skills to the board to help it build on this success. I’d also like to thank Mark for his huge contribution as AIAL’s representative on the board since 2017, especially as it navigated some unprecedented global challenges.”
Queenstown Airport announces $23m airfield safety project under way
Queenstown Airport announced that a NZ$23 million airfield safety project has commenced on its main runway. Engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) beds will be installed at both ends of the main runway over the next few months. Queenstown Airport is the first in Australia or New Zealand to use this innovative technology, which utilises cellular cement blocks that crush under the weight of an aircraft. These are designed to slow a plane to a safe stop with little damage, should one overshoot the runway. Airport CEO Glen Sowry says there’s never been such an incident at Queenstown, but the airport wants to minimise the risk if an overrun did occur. He said: “EMAS technology has proven its worth in the northern hemisphere, and we are proud to be leading its introduction in this part of the world. It’s the gold standard and will substantially increase the margin of safety for those landing here.” Queenstown Airport operates with a runway end safety area (RESA) of 90 metres, and the EMAS will provide the same protection as a 240m RESA. A sod-turning ceremony was held to mark the start of the project, with representatives of the airport company and the head contractor, Downer, wielding the spades. More substantial earthworks are now under way at the Shotover end of the runway to prepare for the construction of new pavement, on which the EMAS bed will be laid. Work is being done at night, starting after the last scheduled flight has landed. No work is planned for Friday or Saturday nights. There will be no disruption to flight schedules and no change to the types of aircraft that may land at Queenstown Airport once the EMAS is installed.
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