06 April 2004

Queenstown really knows how to party
When Queenstown, New Zealand, throws a party, it really throws a party and this Southern Hemisphere winter’s party could be the one to end all parties as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the festival and a special 10-day party that includes 70 individual events has been months kicking off on June 25th.

Queenstown, has an international reputation as an exhilarating winter holiday destination. Snowfields, majestic scenery, an amazing range of things to do and après ski that lasts all night cooks up a fantastic holiday stew, but for those who really like a party - the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival is the ultimate time to visit.

Featuring events on the ski slopes and in town, ranging from the wild and wacky to the glamorous and cultural, the festival has grown to icon status and now attracts around 30,000 visitors - Kiwis and international. Staged in downtown Queenstown, overlooking Queenstown Bay and on the slopes of Coronet Peak ski area, the festival officially opens on Friday, June 25 with a huge street party culminating in the awesome pyrotechnics of the American Express Fireworks display.

Celebrity snow day
Local ski area Coronet Peak joins in the fun with a number of events throughout the week. A highlight is the 42 Below Celebrity Snow Day where some of New Zealand’s most famous (and infamous) faces race each other down a short slalom course - on skis, snowboards, or whatever else they can get their hands on. The wild and wacky is represented during the Woodstock Downtown Day where drag queens race and things get down and dirty in several invitational and public competitions.

The 2004 Festival web site www.winterfestival.co.nz includes a full programme of events, sponsors, and special highlight events.

Mail this page to a friend
What do you think? Tell us in the Chat Room