Queenstown Winter Festival

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Queenstown Winter Festival 2013 - 21st June to 30th June

If you've never been to the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival there are a few things you need to know. There's the obvious stuff like what to bring, how to dress, how to plan your week, where to go, what events might suit you best and so on. But, the first thing you need to know is that you've never ever been to anything like this!  Nowhere and no-one celebrates winter like Queenstown does.

From the opening night fireworks through to the Mountain Mayhem you will be amazed and entertained. The Festival has something for everyone. There are events for families, skiers, snowboarders or those just looking for some winter fun. It's the perfect excuse to let your hair down, have some laughs and rejuvenate the soul.

When does  the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival  take place?

The 2013 Festival starts on Friday June 21st and runs until Sunday June 30th.

What's on?

A combination of hotly anticipated classics and a real coup or two will once again deliver a programme that’s pure entertainment for both locals and visitors.

Opening Party
As always celebrations kick off with the American Express Opening Party & Fireworks on Earnslaw Park (Friday 21 June) - this year Fire & Ice themed.  The next morning (Saturday 22 June) events can be wild or mild as people decide between the Auckland Airport Family Fun Day and Festival Parade or the decidedly physical Mountain Bikes on Snow, Frontrunner Golden Mile or More FM Birdman, or any combination of the above.  

The following evening, Sunday 23 June, New Zealand comedic export Flight of the Conchords (Oscar winning Bret McKenzie and his co-star Jermaine Clement) touch-down to perform live at the Queenstown Events Centre.

Comedy continues on Wednesday 26 June with TV3’s infamous ‘7 Days Live’ comedy satire show broadcasting live to the nation from Queenstown’s Memorial Hall.

Similar decisions will need to be made on Sunday 23 June between cultural pursuits such as the American Express Big Brunch and the More FM Day on the Bay for example. The following weekend promises sporting fun on and off the mountain with the Air New Zealand Mountain Mayhem on Saturday 29 June, rugby on the Rec Ground, Ice Hockey at the Ice Arena and Night Skiing at Coronet Peak.  On Sunday 30 June winter sports continue with the Quiksilver Invitational Slopestyle and the National Cyclocross. 

Following its successful debut last year Winter Festival 2012, welcomes back the Wonderland Ice Rink on the Village Green.  The Rink will host a dazzling performance from the Australian-based Stars on Ice team (Tuesday 25 June).

Back again due to massively popular demand is the Mountain Scene’s Thriller in the Chiller (Saturday 29 June) and worth noting is that Sunday is the new Tuesday as the Auckland Airport International Mardi Gras is this year to be staged as a closing party on Sunday 1 July.

Ticketing 

Please note that for all events ticketed by Ticketek you have the option to purchase your tickets online via the link provided above or visit the following outlets in Queenstown:
Queenstown i-SITE Visitor Centre (open 7 days, 7.30am - 6.00pm) is on the corner of Camp and Shotover Streets
Queenstown Events Centre (Monday – Friday, 6.00am-9.00pm or Saturday and Sunday 8.00am - 8.00pm) is located on Joe O’Connell Drive in Frankton.

Getting Around

Festival action takes place mainly in downtown Queenstown and at Coronet Peak .  The Remarkables and Queenstown Events Centre will each host an event.  It is very easy to get from A to B.

Queenstown is quite compact and walking is a fantastic way to get yourself to the majority of Festival events. It’s also the best way to also discover the fantastic shopping, art galleries, activity booking offices, bars and restaurants that make this town tick. 

For most of our mountain events Coronet Peak is the place to be. Located a short distance from Queenstown you can drive yourself or catch one of the many shuttle buses which operate daily from town. The Remarkables is home to the Invitational Slopestyle this year and you can get up this magnificent hill via Ski Shuttle, car or taxi.  

Take advantage of the Night Bus which runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (and following mornings) from 11.45pm - 5.15am leaving every hour on the hour between 12.00am and 5.00am from in front of O'Connells in Camp Street.  The Night Bus takes people door to door in Frankton, Arrowtown and Kelvin Heights.

Taxis are always an option and pick up points are dotted around town and clearly marked. For those of you driving, we suggest you leave the car at home or park it up at the Man Street Car Park.

Little People

Free Festival events are all family orientated so please remember the little ones.  Make room for children to see the stage and do your best not to bump into them when you are leaping about.