What’s On in Queenstown – Autumn 2023
On 23 March 1848, the first settlers arrived in Otago, and the official province of Otago was later founded in 1853.
New Zealand pays homage officially on 20 March, the closest Monday, and encourage people to explore the region, learn about its history, and most will come together and enjoy celebrations across the major towns, such as Queenstown.
Join us at Eichardt’s Private Hotel for the long weekend, and be at the heart of celebrating the beauty of the region and the monumental history hidden within our walls.
New Zealand International Gin Festival – 24th – 25th March
This year, the New Zealand International Gin Festival is being held in Arrowtown across the weekend of 24 – 25 March 2023.
The event will see gin lovers from all over the country, alongside distilleries from across the world, come together showcase the beauty and craft that goes into the wonderful spirit. Friday offers the opportunity for visitors to vote for their favourite summer gin, with the winner announced the sponsors’ function, whilst Saturday will provide an abundance of good food, great music and entertainment from talent across New Zealand.
Visit Arrowtown and see how Queenstown’s own ‘Broken Heart Gin’ fares alongside some of New Zealand’s most intricate flavours, and some of the boldest, from distilleries across the world.
Tickets available HERE
Queenstown’s Lake Whakatipu is home to one of the worlds most beautiful open water swimming races; The Whakatipu Legend.
The 2023 event will see the introduction of the 10km race, offering those with a competitive edge the chance to push themselves, whilst still offering entrants the opportunity to join the 1km, 2.5km and 3.8km and 5km length swims across the lake.
Take the next step in your open water swimming journey, or simply gather on the lakeside to support those competing.
Arrowtown Autumn Festival – 20 – 25 April 2023
Now in its 37th year, the Arrowtown Autumn festival celebrates all that is magical about our favourite season with a week of great food, wine, arts, comedy, music, and sporting events.
Get involved by entering the harvest chutney competition, visit the vintage car display, watch an outdoor movie, try one of the yoga workshops, learn about the town’s roots through a Chinese dance exhibition or simply join the team at Mora for their bubbly brunch. Visitors can also enjoy the Bayley’s Arrowtown Autumn Festival Parade held on the 22nd April, or take part in the Arrowtown photography competition, whilst locals can nominate an unsung hero from Arrowtown
The community-run event has always been a great way to reflect on Arrowtown’s colourful history and experience our regions unique activities with our proud town.
Anzac Day is a National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.
Young and old gather in Queenstown to celebrate and mark their respects, whilst families can enjoy activities held across the town over the long weekend.
LUMA Festival – Kings Birthday Weekend 1st – 5th June
Luma Festival is back as we know it in 2023, kicking off winter in style in the Queenstown Gardens. LUMA23 has been a long time in the making and the team is excited to share the journey over five nights from the start of June here in the deep, dark south.
As soon as the sun goes down, an array of local and international artists will be showcasing their talents through sound, sculpture, sonic environments, illumination, and interactive performance to honour our unique landscape. Enjoy local eats, seasonal drinks, and plenty of unexpected moments at every turn. Get your LUMA tickets HERE
Eichardt’s Private Hotel is proud to be sponsoring LUMA 2023 and supporting the local community in welcoming this cornerstone arts and culture event back as a transformational celebration. Book your flights, book your suite, and join us at Eichardt’s to celebrate all that is exceptional about Queenstown.