On ya bike! Otago extends its cycling trails

Otago is New Zealand's capital of adventure tourism, from hiking and biking to bungee jumping.

Now Otago is strengthening its position as one of New Zealand's premier cycle tourism destinations, with its interconnected trail network set to expand beyond 500 kilometres.

Key to this growth is the opening of the Kawarau Gorge Trail this spring.

It marks another step toward creating a seamless network linking Queenstown through Central Otago and onward to Dunedin.

Stretching 32 kilometres, the Kawarau Gorge Trail will connect Gibbston to Bannockburn along the Kawarau River corridor.

Built on the opposite side of the river from the highway, the grade 2-3 trail offers a moderately challenging ride through striking landscapes. Riders will traverse remote terrain, navigate rock bluffs, through areas once inhabited by gold miners on a journey between renowned wine sub-regions.

Importantly, the trail will link two of New Zealand's Great Rides, the Queenstown Trail with the Lake Dunstan Trail.

At the same time, local tourism authorities report work is underway on the final 13km section of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail between Doctors Point and Shingle Creek, with completion anticipated in summer 2026-27.

Currently accessible only by boat, this section has long been a missing link in the network. Once completed, riders will have the choice to experience this remote and spectacular landscape entirely by bike.

With more than 500 kilometres of connected trails, Otago offers a variety of experiences - from short half-day rides to multi-day journeys.

Supporting this network is a well-established ecosystem of experienced local operators providing bike hire, transfers, luggage services, accommodation, and tailored itinerary planning.

See https://www.centralotagonz.com
  

St Regis to make its New Zealand debut in Queenstown

 

Global luxury hotel brand St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is to make its New Zealand debut in Queenstown. 

Marriott International this week announced a signed agreement with PHC Queenstown Limited with the property due to open late next year. 

The hotel is set to be located on a prominent corner site in central Queenstown, with views to The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. 

Expected to feature 145 rooms, the new-build luxury hotel is set to be Marriott’s inaugural foothold in Queenstown as the first St. Regis hotel in New Zealand. 

"Securing a luxury presence in Queenstown has been a strategic priority for Marriott, and we’re thrilled to soon establish the iconic St. Regis brand in such an exceptional destination," said Richard Crawford, vice president for Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific for Marriott International. 

"Founded on New York’s 5th Avenue more than 120 years ago, St. Regis is a globally revered name in luxury that is sought after by discerning travellers worldwide. 

"Queenstown attracts more than two million visitors annually, making it ideal for a world-class luxury hotel.

“This latest signing is another example of Marriott’s leadership as the world’s largest operator of luxury hotels, a rapidly growing segment in the industry. The St. Regis Queenstown is set to be undeniably the destination’s finest hotel offering and will further elevate Queenstown’s status as a must-visit destination.”

The St. Regis Queenstown is expected to feature an all-day dining venue and an event space. 

St. Regis’ butler service has been a signature offering of the brand for over a century, and will offer guests personalised service that ensure their preferences are understood and realised," the media release says. 

It will also offer a hydrothermal facilities zone and a relaxation and wellness lounge, complemented by the hotel’s indoor heated pool and fitness centre.

The St. Regis portfolio now consists of more than 65 properties globally. It will also open a property on the Gold Coast in Australia in 2027. See marriottbonvoy.com.

Simply Red: new hotel for Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand's boom tourism destination, is to get another major international hotel. 

Radisson Hotel Group has signed the Radisson RED Hotel Queenstown, a new-built lifestyle hotel set to open in early 2028. 

This follows the brand's upcoming Radisson RED Auckland opening. 

Radisson RED Hotel Queenstown will feature 221 rooms, including four deluxe rooms and five suites.

The plans details an all-day dining restaurant and bar along with a rooftop bar with a large terrace and mountain views. 

There will also be two flexible meeting rooms and a gymnasium. 

The hotel will be situated a seven-minute walk from the centre of Queenstown, in an emerging precinct that is adding new retail outlets, a supermarket, and dining concepts. 

Guests will look out toward Coronet Peak, the surrounding ranges, and Lake Wakatipu. Coronet Peak's ski lift is a 15-minute drive from the site. 

Queenstown is New Zealand's four-season adventure capital, with skiing, lakefront trails and biking, along with easy access to Arrowtown and Central Otago wineries. 

The developer of the project is Redwood Group, which has been responsible for numerous projects across the Queenstown region. 

Tony Gapes, owner of Redwood, said, "We're delighted to be partnering with Radisson Hotel Group to bring Radisson RED to Queenstown. The brand's energy, design-led style, and understated luxury feel perfectly matched to the spirit of the region. 

"This is an exciting project for Queenstown, and we're proud to continue to deliver developments that add long-term value to the region."

New luxe resort unveils its high-end charms

There is a new kid on the luxe block in New Zealand tourism hotspot Queenstown with the opening of multi-million dollar luxury property Coronet Ridge Resort.

Described as "a five-star luxury alpine sanctuary", the new retreat has opened its doors following a multi-million-dollar redevelopment. 

The boutique resort - formerly known as Nugget Point - has just 41 rooms and is aiming at a high-end vibe. 

Perched above the Shotover River in the enclave of Arthur's Point, Coronet Ridge Resort is pitching itself as a destination for travellers seeking a combination of nature and luxury. 

“We are delighted to welcome guests to experience a new era of luxury hospitality amid the secluded beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps," says Clare Davies, founder and managing director of Capstone Hotel Management. 

"Coronet Ridge Resort is a sanctuary where the peace and tranquillity of its location allow guests to enjoy a soul soothing getaway yet still be minutes away from the excitement of central Queenstown."

Designed by G2 Studio including interiors in collaboration with Furnz Group, every room and suite features either private balconies or patios with mountain vistas. 

Room types range from 37sqm Alpine View and Shotover River View rooms (with three accessible rooms), to 62sqm and 70sqm Shotover Suites to a 70 sqm two-bedroom Coronet Suite. 

Entry level room rates start from $835 per night including breakfast, so not a cheap destination. 

Elevation Bar & Restaurant offers views of the Wakatipu Basin, the Remarkables mountain range, and the Shotover River below.

Executive chef Dominic Dsouza promises a seasonally inspired local menu. 

Guests can dine in fresh alpine air on the terrace or retreat to the stylish interior for cocktails, or world-class wines from Central Otago. 

The resort's leisure amenities include a Roman-inspired day spa, outdoor hot tubs, a fitness centre, squash courts, and a private cinema. 

"With Coronet Ridge Resort, we've created a haven that honours Queenstown's status as one of Australasia's most coveted luxury destinations," says Davies. "Every moment has been elevated, every detail considered, and every experience designed to be memorable."

The expectation bar is certainly being set high. 

To celebrate its opening, Coronet Ridge Resort has special rates available from $650 per night in addition to special packages including dinner and a bottle of bubbles on arrival. For reservations and further information, visit coronetridge.co.nz. 

Choose between two special Kiwi gourmet weekend options

 

Have you been meaning to visit New Zealand for the weekend but have been waiting for the right opportunity? 

Two of the country's most popular gourmet destinations have wine and food  events scheduled for the same weekend in November, so you will have to choose between the two.

From Hawke’s Bay produce to star New Zealand wines, guests at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers (top image) can enjoy a Perfect Pairing weekend with chef Peter Gordon and wine guru Cameron Douglas, MS, from November 7-9. 

Guests are being offered cooking classes, wine experiences, meals and fun before the main event on Saturday evening: a five-course tasting menu crafted by Gordon, with each dish paired with wines selected by Douglas. 

The event costs $AU2238 per suite per night, double occupancy with a two-night minimum. See rosewoodhotels.com.

Meanwhile, The Rees Hotel in Queenstown will host its annual signature spring Wine Weekend from on Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8. See https://therees.co.nz/. 

The Rees has long been renowned for its wine cellar (above) and innovative culinary events, and will celebrate the best of Central Otago and Nelson terroirs with Blair Walter from Felton Road, Bannockburn, and Todd Stevens from Neudorf Vineyards in Nelson.

Think masterclasses and lunches with events culminating in a degustation dinner at The Rees’ True South Dining Room with a menu designed by The Rees’ executive chef, Trent Watson. 

The package comprises two nights in Lake View accommodation, daily breakfast in True South Dining Room, tickets to wine weekend events, with complimentary car parking and late check out. It costs from $NZ552.50 per person, per night with a minimum of two people. 

Let's go clothes shopping; and have a wine or a cocktail

It's an odd concept: a bar/restaurant owned and operated by a clothing manufacturer.

But it has worked in the past and the team from Rodd & Gunn are confident it will work again.

Rodd & Gunn’s remodelled ‘The Lodge’ in Queenstown in Central Otago - described as an "experiential retail space" - is now open after a major refurb.

Initially opened in August 2016, the The Lodge now has a bespoke bar that will showcase cocktails made using spirits from local distilleries on the South Island.

Helmed by executive chef Matt Lambert, the expanded commercial kitchen has a refreshed dining menu featuring dishes ranging from steamed green lip mussels to cacio e pepe and Lake Ohau Wagyu T-bone steak.

Complementing the dining options, Cameron Douglas - New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier - has transformed The Lodge’s beverage offering with a selection of Central Otago and New Zealand’s finest wines. This includes the Rodd & Gunn Central Otago Pinot Noir – the brand’s very first wine launched earlier this year.

The building has views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks.

Visitors can combine shopping with dinner, cocktails at the bar, or New Zealand wine and snacks by the window.

See roddandgunn.com/au/the-lodge-bar/queenstown

A gourmet excuse for a weekend in Queenstown and Central Otago

Been meaning to visit Queenstown and Central Otago?

Why not time your trip to coincide with a gourmet experience at recently re-branded Rosewood Matakauri, one of New Zealand’s top luxury lodges?

Burn Cottage winemaker Claire Mulholland and executive chef Jonathan Rogers are set to host a gourmet weekend at Rosewood Matakauri from September 6-8.

The weekend will be a showcase of the acclaimed biodynamic wines of Burn Cottage, as well as of seasonality and local produce.

The presenting pair are both fanatical about the local terroir, promising a food and wine love letter to Queenstown and Central Otago.

Rogers’ Matakauri menus change every day. 

“It’s an incredibly rewarding way of cooking,” he said. “What I cook is dictated by my local community - the farmers, the growers and purveyors who supply the lodge, and this is what this wonderful weekend will showcase.”

Rosewood Matakauri has a stunning location on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and views of the Remarkables Mountain range and Cecil and Walter Peaks. 

Guests for the two-night weekend will arrive on Friday afternoon and enjoy a tutored wine tasting of different varietals and vintages from the Burn Cottage cellars. A relaxed and unstructured a la carte dinner will follow.

The food and wine events kick off on Saturday with a cooking demonstration in the morning and a grand finale dinner that night - a five course tasting menu matched to the premium Burn Cottage wines (vineyard above). 

The tariff for two nights is NZ$2180.00 per person, based on double occupancy (not cheap, but it is a special spot) and includes two night’s accommodation at Rosewood Matakauri; pre-dinner aperitif; full daily breakfast, and complimentary non-alcoholic minibar, cooking demonstration; tutored wine tasting of Burn Cottage wines with winemaker Claire Mulholland; a la carte dinner on Friday evening
and five-course tasting menu dinner on Saturday night with Burn Cottage wines to match.

For reservations at Rosewood Matakauri call +64 9407 0065 or email matakauri.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com

Major Tasmanian tourism attraction faces shutdown

One of the biggest tourism attractions in Tasmania - the West Coast Wilderness Railway - is to shut from June.

Tourism Tasmania reported that the railway, which can operate between Queenstown and Strahan in the west of Tasmania, will shut to undergo major upgrade work during the winter in a bid to improve the reliability of the operation.

The railway is already offering reduced services following a recent derailment and all services will close from June 5.

Railway operations are expected to recommence gradually in time for the peak summer tourism season of 2023-24.

In response to the shutdown, the Tasmanian Government has developed a $1 million support program to drive continued visitation, while also supporting West Coast operators to invest in their businesses during the winter period.

The program includes:a targeted travel voucher program to encourage Tasmanians to visit the west and enjoy the attractions that are open during winter.

The West Coast Council and West by North West regional tourism organisation will develop a heritage tourism masterplan to ensure the railway is developed and enhanced as a visitor attraction for the long term and linked to other ventures.

Further information on the support package, including the travel voucher and grant program will be available soon.

Anyone with tickets booked on affected services will be contacted directly and provided a full refund.

Passengers booked on services out of Queenstown between now and June 5 will not be affected by the shutdown.

All staff will be retained and cafés located in Queenstown and Strahan will continue to operate.

A serious wine and food experience in Queenstown, New Zealand

The Rees is one of New Zealand's finest luxury hotels, known for its focus on fine food and wine. It is a destination I can highly recommend.

The hotel overlooks Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown and hosts regular wine and fine events hosted The Rees' director of wines Mark Rose, who is also the general manager.

The first dinner this season features winemaker Kate Radburnd from Radburnd Cellars in Hawke's Bay, who has over 35 vintages in her kitbag. She was formerly chief winemaker with Vidal and Pask, and started Radburnd Cellars in 2017.  

The Rees executive chef Corey Hume will craft a five-course menu to accompany the Radburnd Cellars wines with tickets $165 per person. 

For those who want to stay the night, the Rees' Radburnd Cellars Residential Package costs $302.50 per person including one night’s stay in a lake view hotel room with a complimentary upgrade; two tickets to dinner;  breakfast for two the next morning and a noon checkout.

Email events@therees.co.nz to book.

Future events on The Rees' schedule include:
Friday, June 24 - Esk Valley with Gordon Russell
Friday, September 23 - Ata Rangi
Friday, October 21 - Dhall and Nash
Friday, December 2 - Taittinger Champagne 

For details and hotel bookings see https://www.therees.co.nz/

Somewhere new to stay in Kiwi gem Queenstown

There is something special about Queenstown in New Zealand.

It is a ski resort, a base for adventure lovers, a gourmet destination and the gateway to the Central Otago wine region. There is a palpable party vibe. 

Now New Zealand’s first new-build Holiday Inn hotel in a decade, Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park, is set to make its debut in early December and unveil the first Holiday Inn ‘open lobby’ in New Zealand.

The open lobby design transforms the traditional hotel lobby and separate eating areas into the one energetic living space.

It is aimed at offering guests a casual and flexible space to eat, drink, work, meet, relax, and socialise around the fireplace, Giants restaurant and bar, media lounge, cosy seating areas, and an E-Bar with power, wifi and wireless printing.

The new multimillion-dollar hotel featuring 182 rooms and suites - many with mountain views of The Remarkables - is the first full-service hotel to open within the new Remarkables Park lifestyle development in Frankton.

The hotel joins a multi-use retail, resort, residential, and recreational precinct near the Queenstown airport.

Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park is situated 30-minutes from The Remarkables ski area.



The hotel will provides a secure drying room with ample storage for ski and outdoor gear.

A high-tech gym enables holidaymakers to maintain their health and fitness routine indoors, while scenic trails for running, walking, and biking are easily accessible from the hotel’s doorstep.

Rooms and suites will showcase mountain views, and many will have balconies.

All twin, king and accessible rooms will feature Vittoria pod coffee machines, robes, slippers, smart TVs with personal app streaming and free wifi.

Bathrooms will feature SOAK superfood skincare amenities (so many brands nowadays feel the need to shout their names in capitals).

Giants Restaurant will serve "refined rustic" food and drink (whatever that means). Families with children aged 12 years and under stay and eat free in Giants restaurant when sharing a room with their parents.

For corporate groups, the hotel has four flexible meeting rooms catering for small events for up to 30 people to larger gatherings of up to 200 people.

“We are excited to open New Zealand’s flagship Holiday Inn hotel and be the first in the country to showcase the brand’s next generation open lobby design," says general manager Mathew Simister.

“We are delighted to offer holidaying families, leisure and business travellers affordable, full-service accommodation that genuinely connects them with the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown’s snow-capped mountains, rugged trails, river canyons and vineyards.“

Rates at Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park will start from NZD$160 per room per night. Book at ihg.com or phone reservations on NZ 0800 322 222 and AU 1800 486 357.