Queenstown autumn key event listings (March- May 2013)
New Zealand XI vs England cricket match – 27 February-2 March
See New Zealand XI take on England in a four-day warm-up cricket match at Queenstown Events Centre.
New Zealand PGA Championship – 28 February-3 March
Some of the world’s best golfers and well known celebrities will take to the fairways at The Hills for the four-day
Championship including cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham and World Number 1 Women’s Amateur Golfer, Lydia Ko. New to the
programme this year is an all-ages concert featuring rising Kiwi star Jamie McDell adding to the atmosphere of the 19th
hole, which will showcase the best in Central Otago food, wine and entertainment.
Professionals play for the NZ PGA Championship over four rounds, but in a unique event format, 64 invited amateurs and
celebrities are each paired with one of the 64 professionals that make the cut, playing together as a team for the NZ
PGA Championship over the final two days.
The Hills hosted three consecutive New Zealand Open Championships since opening in 2007 and is one of New Zealand’s most
spectacular golf courses.
GODZone Adventure Race – 8-16 March
Some of the world’s best adventure racing teams, including Australia’s top team and current Adventure Racing World
Champions ‘Seagate’ and crack Scandinavian racers ‘AXA-Adidas’, will take on nature’s ultimate playground in the second
annual GODZone Adventure Race in March 2013. The multi-day, non-stop, expedition-style adventure race will see
competitors negotiate their way through backcountry terrain and stunning landscapes. A new Corporate Challenge will
allow businesses do a shortened version of the race and raise money for Starship Children’s Hospital.
Motatapu – 9 March
The Motatapu is New Zealand’s premier mountain bike and off-road running event between Wanaka and Arrowtown in March
each year. From recreational runners, riders and walkers to elite athletes, the Motatapu offers a challenge for everyone
with a 47km Mountain Bike, 42km Off Road Marathon, 49km Adventure Run or 15km Miner's Trail – all through the
magnificent landscapes of the Motatapu and its surrounding valleys. www.iconicadventures.co.nz/motatapu-home
Gibbston Wine and Food Festival – 16 March
Food and wine lovers can sample the ‘best of the best’ at the annual Gibbston Wine and Food Festival (16 March), a
harvest celebration which showcases the famous winemaking region’s finest wines, wine celebrities, local produce and
talented chefs. Learn how wine and food can enhance each other at master classes run by industry leaders such as multi
award-winning winemaker Grant Taylor, try grape stomping, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning wine, food
and lineup of entertainment on offer. This year’s event will be co-hosted at the picturesque Mt Rosa and Brennan
vineyards. www.gibbstonwineandfood.co.nz
Queenstown Bike Festival – 22 March-1 April
Grab your bike and helmet and head to Queenstown this Easter for the Queenstown Bike Festival. It’s an exciting 10-day
event for all ages and abilities and it gives you the chance to check out Queenstown’s world-class cycle tracks, trails,
roads and spectacular lake and alpine scenery.
Whether you’re a biking novice, recreational cyclist or serious biker there’s plenty of action. Events range from the
spectacular Teva Slopestyle, Mega Avalanche and Dirtmasters Downhill to the Tour de Wakatipu, kids’ mini cross, Coffee
to Grape wine trail ride, and bike movies and parties. www.queenstownbikefestival.co.nz
Arrowtown Autumn Festival – 12-21 April
The Arrowtown Autumn Festival provides a superb reason to get out and enjoy the slowing pace of autumn and the
magnificent colours of the season. The region focuses on its gold mining history and celebrates its heritage in the
streets of Arrowtown with a street parade and a programme of community-based events. www.arrowtownautumnfestival.org.nz
Southern Lakes Festival of Colour – 16-21 April
The biennial Festival of Colour is one of New Zealand’s premier regional arts festivals with six exciting days and
nights of performances and inspiring exhibitions set against the Southern Lakes region’s spectacular autumnal backdrop.
The festival, based in Wanaka with events in Queenstown, Glenorchy, Cromwell, Hawea and Luggate, features a broad mix of
local, national and international live performances in dance, music, theatre as well as visual arts. www.festivalofcolour.co.nz
Routeburn Classic – 27 April
An amazing 32km 'adventure run' over New Zealand's world famous Routeburn Track.
Southern Lakes Wedding Show – 11 May
With dramatic lake and mountain vistas, four distinct seasons, and a variety of venues and experiences, Queenstown
provides the perfect romantic setting for weddings at any time of year. To find out what the region has to offer for
your special day, don’t miss the inaugural Southern Lakes Wedding Show on 11 May which promises would-be brides, mothers
and the odd groom a full and entertaining programme with a serious ‘wow’ factor. The show, to be held at the Skyline
complex, will bring a wide range of Queenstown-Lakes businesses and suppliers such as celebrants, spas, hair and makeup
artists, dressmakers, photographers, cake makers, entertainers and event managers together in one stunning location with
panoramic lake and mountain views. There will be plenty of demonstrations, shows and a few surprises as well as a
‘Man-Zone’ for the better halves featuring Playstations, a BBQ, Speights on tap (with the first drink free), men’s
magazines and sports TV. The grooms-to-be can also head out onto the luge track while their brides enjoy the show.
To view a full list of Queenstown’s events please click on the ‘Local Events’ tab on www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.
ENDS