Queenstown Information

Queenstown is a lakeside, alpine resort town in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. The town is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin lake shaped like a staggered lightning bolt, and has spectactular views of nearby mountains. Known locally as the Adventure Capital of the World – a reputation earned through the actions of a number of local thrill seekers who have developed some unbelievable, adrenalin stirring, sanity-reducing adventures, Queenstown offers bungy jumping, skydiving, skiing, white river rafting, fishing, horse riding, scenic flights, jet boat rides, hang-gliding, and parapenting – all practically within the town boundary!

Queenstown has also over the years, quietly expanded into a sophisticated tourist destination with attractions such as wineries (and wine-tasting!), art galleries, arts trails and challenging golf courses. Downtown Queenstown is a compact and picturesque shopping area where you’ll find international labels alongside the best in New Zealand designs. It’s an imaginative and vibrant retail scene - shops are open all day and much of the evening, 365 days of the year. Many hours can be happily whiled away in Queenstown’s incredibly picturesque town centre. Top restaurants, stylish cafés, family eateries, sushi bars, wineries are all within a stone’s throw of the town centre. During balmy summer and autumn days and evenings, alfresco diners pack sidewalk cafés, restaurant gardens and wineries to enjoy great food and wine, warm conditions and late evening sunsets. In winter, roaring log fires, and hearty menus warm restaurants provide the perfect way to end the day in New Zealand’s winter wonderland.

Surrounded by six fantastic ski areas, Queenstown offers a superb winter experience with a generous après ski culture in its vibrant town centre and a wide range of fun activities off the slopes. The ski season runs between June-October and skiing around Queenstown is top notch, and Olympic ski and snowboard teams are regular visitors here. Within a short driving distance from Queenstown are six ski fields – Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Park, and Waiorau Snow Farm.

Note: We don't expect snow during the conference.