16 August 2012
It’s ‘Party Time’ for DNA Gay Ski Week Queenstown
The countdown is on to the start of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Winter Pride event, kicking off in Queenstown next
week.
DNA Gay Ski Week launches on Saturday 25th August with the More FM opening party, setting the scene for an epic week of
fun and activity for gay and lesbian visitors from New Zealand and around the world.
Sally Whitewoods and wife Mandy are running the event, one that is recognised as a well-established ‘must do’ on the
national and international gay & lesbian calendar.
They said all indicators were pointing towards a memorable and outstanding event.
“We’ve got people coming from all over the world to attend this year’s event and with ticket sales going strong we know
it will be a cracker of a week,” said Mrs Whitewoods.
“The event programme is out there and has been very well received – people are genuinely excited about coming to our
little piece of paradise and enjoying all we’ve organised for them and everything that Queenstown has to offer.”
Gay Ski Week fans will enjoy on and off the snow activity, including ski days at Cardrona ski field and a jam packed
night-time event schedule ensuring ‘no rest for the wicked’.
Mrs Whitewoods said the programme was designed to cater for all, with something for everyone to enjoy and take part in.
“Skiing and boarding is easily accessible for people who enjoy a play in the snow, but for those who don’t, there’s so
much else they can do while they’re here,” she said.
“We’ve organised a fantastic winery day tour and of course there’s Adrenalin Day on Tuesday 28th when Mr Gay World
Andreas Derleth will take part and harness up for an NZONE skydive.”
The ‘Wine Down Central Otago Winery Tour’ is on Monday 27th August, visiting 11 of the region’s most highly regarded
vineyards including Akarua, Northburn, Gibbston Valley, Valli Wines and Mondillo.
The tour is followed by the ‘Wine Down Consumer Evening’ where renowned winemakers Christopher Keys of Gibbston Valley
Wines and Grant Taylor of Valli Wines will host master classes.
Other evening entertainment includes viewing of cult movie classic the Rocky Horror Picture Show at Arrowtown’s Dorothy
Browns Cinema at which fancy dress is compulsory.
Guests can choose to be shaken or stirred at the ‘must do’ Broken Shed ‘Casino Royale’ Gala Evening at Skyline where
guests can ‘glam it up’ for the night. Dice will be rolled and chips scattered across casino tables while entertainment
comes from ‘LA Social Club’.
The fabulous Miss Ribena will make an appearance at the free Karaoke night on Thursday August 30th at Skycity and people
are encouraged to make a date to catch up with old friends, and make some new ones at the Friday Frolics Party at Dux de
Lux.
DNA Gay Ski Week promises to wrap up the week in style with a ‘fluoro’ themed GAYDAR Mystery Dance Party at Queenstown’s
World Bar, featuring DJ Haylenise from Melbourne entertaining guests on the night.
Mrs Whitewoods said she encouraged Queenstown locals to get involved with the spirit of the week and said everyone was
welcome at Gay Ski Week events.
“Straight, gay, lesbian – regardless, this is a week for the whole community to enjoy,” she said.
“This year we’ve launched the fantastic locals ‘Gay on the Bay’ competition and I encourage everyone to be a part in
this and reap the benefits.
“Let’s all dig out the glitter and sequins, glam it up and show the rest of New Zealand, and the world, how to party!”
Hundreds of gay men and women are expected to converge on Queenstown for the week of fun in the sun and snow. More
details about the programme, events and accommodation options are available at www.gayskiweekqt.com.
DNA Gay Ski Week is proudly supported by DNA magazine, Broken Shed, SKYCITY Queenstown Casino, KIRRA Holidays, GAYDARgirls.com, Gaydar.com.au, LOTL, i-SITE Queenstown, curve, Winedown Central Otago, More FM Queenstown, BONZ, rainbow warehouse, Nautilus Wines, Cardrona Alpine Resort, Rata, puregaynz.com and Veuve Clicquot.
DNA Gay Ski Week Queenstown
Saturday August 25 – Saturday 1 September 2012
Queenstown New Zealand
ENDS