nzholidayhome.com

Queenstown Visitors up 18% at Tourism Booms

tango.kiwi — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:26:36 +0000

Queenstown is leading New Zealand’s tourism market with a massive 18 percent increase in hotel guest nights for the month of April. Hoteliers said a burgeoning Australian market, a resurgence in conference bookings and easily accessible skifields were key drivers of the increase. New Zealand-wide, guest nights were up 208,168 on April last year, a 13 percent increase. International visitor nights were up by 20 per cent and domestic visitor nights were up 1.8 percent. Otago, Southland, Auckland and Canterbury were the only regions that contributed to the increase from April last year.Otago was up 30,000 guest nights, or 8 per cent, while Southland was up by 3000 guest nights, or 4 percent. In Queenstown, hotel visitor nights – defined as one guest staying for one night – were up 18 percent. Mercure Resort Queenstown general manager Paul Clark said demand for accommodation in the 148-room hotel was robust and it augured well for the winter season. Many Australians booked early for a winter break, including repeat visitors impressed by the skifields, he said. He said the business conference market was also recovering. “We have a lot of return visitors. The Aussie market is fantastic,” he said. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside general manager Jim Moore said bookings at the 273-room hotel were increasing. With more flights into the resort town, more holidaymakers needed accommodation, he said. The Australian market was burgeoning but the European market was “delicate”. Visitor numbers from India were increasing and there was potential to grow the China tourism market, he said. The Rees Hotel and Apartments general manager Mark Rose said 70 percent of bookings for July and August were from Australian customers. Many Aussies were repeat customers or first-time visitors and he expected winter business to increase by 20 percent on last year. Mr Rose also said the UK market was struggling with unfavourable exchange rates but tourism operators remained “bullish.” Queenstown Hotel Association head John McIlwain said it was important to bear in mind Easter Weekend and the biennial Warbirds over Wanaka were in April, boosting visitor numbers.

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Filed under: Guests, Home Details, queenstown accommodation, Queenstown Experiences

Queenstown voted No 1 Best Destination in the World for Outdoors and Adventure

tango.kiwi — Sat, 08 May 2010 00:44:19 +0000

Best Destination in the World for Outdoor and Adventure – Queenstown, New Zealand. 11. Best Destination in the World for Outdoor and Adventure – Queenstown, New Zealand. Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits – much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region’s 75 wineries. Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits – much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region’s 75 wineries.

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Filed under: Guests, Home Details, queenstown accommodation, Queenstown Experiences

Queenstown Tourist numbers Soaring

tango.kiwi — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:26:22 +0000

By GRANT BRYANT – The Southland Times 14/4/2010

Queenstown is leading the way in reclaiming international visitor guest nights, Statistics New Zealand revealed this week.

The nights international visitors spent in accommodation in New Zealand slumped after hitting a high in early 2008 but have been climbing in the last six months.

The February accommodation survey recorded a nationwide increase in overseas visitor stays of 6 per cent compared with last February. Otago and Wellington had the largest increases, but a further breakdown of statistics revealed Queenstown was far ahead of the national average, with an increase of 17.8 per cent.

That means international visitors stayed 151,054 guest nights in February last year and 177,881 guest nights in February this year – an increase of 26,872.

The survey collated information gathered from hotels, motels and apartments, backpacker accommodation and holiday parks nationally.

Queenstown’s biggest rise was in motels and apartments, which recorded a rise of 11,966.

Queenstown Motel Association president Colin Chittock said the latest statistics were good news for Queenstown moteliers and accommodation providers, but also for the wider community.

“More visitors are good for us, and good for the town,” he said.

“The first months of last year were pretty average, but visitor numbers from the start of the year onwards have been pretty healthy.”

The increase in international visitors could be attributed to a lessening effect of the global economic crisis, and the strength of the Australian dollar, Mr Chittock said.

“There are a lot of Australians in town, but people from all over the globe seem to be here on holiday at the moment. All that matters is that they are here having a good time, and are frequently telling moteliers around Queenstown that this is one of the best holiday spots in the world,” he said.

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Filed under: Queenstown Experiences

Testamonials of Guests

tango.kiwi — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:35:16 +0000

“We thoroughly loved our time at McKerrow not wanting to ever leave this beautiful home. From every window are THE most spectacular views. We found everything we needed away from home; a fascinating library collection, a welcoming fridge with little touches of kindness & incredibly comfortable beds. Loved the spacious rooms, entertaining & outdoor areas to get lost in. We loved every minute of our stay and will be back! Thank you for making us feel so special!”

Scott & Erica, Sydney, Australia March 2008

“Hi Linda, I just wanted to again thank you for the use of your beautiful home during our stay in Queenstown. Although we had a really great time in New Zealand, our stay in your home was the best of it! Just relaxing and looking at the beautiful view from any of the rooms of your home was really great therapy. You can of course use anything I have written for your website. Best.”

Ben Milecki Jan 2008

“We really enjoyed the week at your home in April. It was a luxury to be so close to town yet so private with the council reserve below. The lake and mountain views were fantastic and we wished we could have stayed longer. Good luck with the jet boating.”

Paul and Kit Prebble

“We stayed at this lovely home in November 2006 and truly enjoyed our stay. The home was much better than it looked in the web site and the views of the lake were fantastic. I am happy to recommend it”.

Peter and Julie Johnson, Jan 2007

“Hi. The family has just returned from our NZ holiday having finished with a cruise in FIJI . Of all the great experiences we have had in the 10 weeks away, the 14 nights at Sunshine Bay was the best. The quality, style and delightful position of the home was a joy for us all. Our thanks for the very nice touch of the Christmas Tree and for the very good preparation throughout. I trust all was well after we left, as we were careful not to break anything. I was sorry to have missed you when you called and I thank you for caring. Cindy & I wish to thank the owners for a very special experience. Typical of New Zealand for sheer classical quality. Keep up the good work!! With our Best Wishes.”

Terry & Cindy Reeves, Hong Kong

“Thank you very much for the use of your lovely home. We had a very relaxing stay and made the most of the new snow that arrived just in time for our holiday. The house was very warm and comfortable and we would love the chance to rent it again in the future.Thanks again”

Stefan Hakkaart & Christine van Betuw, New Zealand

“Thank you very much for the use of your home this past week. We enjoyed our week skiing. We had 5 straight days, two at Coronet and three at Cardrona. We really loved the views in the house and the house was very warm and well stocked. The house has a warm atmosphere and a really good feeling to it. The fire was used daily as it was very cold despite beautiful sunny days. We had full days skiing and we didn’t get to spend as much time in the house as we would have liked. We loved your house and we will definitely recommend it to other people. We are returning for another weeks skiing and we found your place so easy that we would love another week there if possible.”

The Finch Family & Auckland, New Zealand

“Hi Geoffrey and Linda – just got back last night from NZ, and my goodness! I can’t say enough about your beautiful house! Everything about it was geared toward comfort – fully equipped kitchen, plenty of linens and towels, PLENTY of firewood (which was wonderful, since we had snow Wednesday night!). And of course, the views. I am so glad to have chosen your house to stay in Queenstown, as it clearly was by far the best choice I could have made.”

Amy Jehle, USA, Nov 2006

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Shotover Jets

tango.kiwi — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:54:14 +0000

Shotover Jet Queenstown Description
Shotover Jet, the World’s most exciting jetboat ride! It’s an adrenaline rush you’ll never forget! We call it Thrill Therapy, and it’s actually good for you too! From the moment the accelerator hits the floor, your adrenaline hits the roof as you power through the Shotover River and deep into the Shotover River canyons! It’s an amazing ride, as the Shotover Canyon walls tower over you, and your driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops, and skims around crags and boulders.

Rock faces blur in your peripheral vision, the opaque water sprays into myriads of white crystals with every turn, and you grip the safety rail for comfort and reassurance and then let out a whoop of excitement as the driver spins the boat around in its own boat length ? wow, you’ve just experienced the ‘trademark’ Shotover Jet 360 degree spin. You’ll stop briefly while your driver points out interesting landmarks or points of interest.

Trip Includes
- Return transfers from inside The Station Information Centre building in central Queenstown.
- 30 minute exhilirating jetboat experience.

Duration
- 30 minute jetboat ride, 1.5 hrs round trip from Queenstown

Shotover Jet Queenstown Departures
- Every 15 minutes during daylight hours

Other Information
- Children 3-5 years are free (infant)
- Dress warmly, sunglasses are recommended.
- There are free lockers next to the boats for you to secure valuables in.
- Photos of your jet boat experience are available in the retail shop immediately after your ride.
- Spray jackets are provided on request to help keep you dry.
- Weather dependent.
- Not recommended for pregnant women.

Dart River Jets Boats

tango.kiwi — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:53:19 +0000

Dart River Safaris Jetboat Description
Dart River Safaris are located in the small frontier town of Glenorchy, just 45km from Queenstown, New Zealand. Our journey takes us 37km further up the Dart River Valley, into the corridors of the Mount Aspiring National Park.

Discover ice-capped mountains and glaciers, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear streams and pools. Walk in the ancient native forests of Mt. Aspiring National Park World Heritage Area. Enter a new world of enchantment and enrichment, only 45 minutes, but a world away from Queenstown.

If you want beauty and scenery so breathtaking it’s hard to believe its real – then the Dart River Safari is for you!

Trip Includes
- Optional transfers from Queenstown accommodation.
- 1hr 15min Dart River Safari Jetboat ride upstream.
- 20 min native forest walk.
- Journey through the back country roads of Paradise to Glenorchy.
- Entertaining and informative commentary including Lord of the Rings trivia.

Duration
- Ex Queenstown accommodation: 6 hours
- Ex Glenorchy: 3.5 hours

Departures
- Ex Queenstown: 8am, 12pm
- Ex Glenorchy: 8.45am, 12.45pm

Other Information
- Dress warmly as the wind chill can often be quite cold.
- We advise you to take the following: Sunscreen, water, hat, shades, insect repellent and of course your cameras.

Cardona Ski Field

tango.kiwi — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:51:18 +0000

About
The 3rd closest Ski field from Queenstown. Only 1 hour 15 minutes drive by car (you may need chains) or take the bus. The road is sealed from town to the mountain turn off, then its an unsealed mountain road (13 km). Located between Wanaka and Queenstown in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. A high ski resort renowned among skiers and snowboarders for dry snow and wide slopes. Setting the highest standards and leading the way forward among New Zealand ski resorts.

Miles of wide open slopes inspire, steep chutes surprise. Voted New Zealand’s rider choice for the past three years.

Distances from
Queenstown: 57km (1hr 10mins)
Wanaka: 34km (40mins)

The Mountain Road
13km unsealed mountain road

Getting there
Drive yourself or take the Gravity Action ski bus. Bookings are essential.

Chains
If you are driving yourself, chains are often required, these are available to hire or buy from several petrol stations and ski shops in central Queenstown.

Mountain Stats
Height: 1984m (highest lift point)
Vertical rise: 390m
Ski-able area: 320 hectares
Lift potential: 7800 people per hour

Opening Hours
8.45am – 4pm 7 days a week

Terrain
Beginner: 25%
Intermediate: 55%
Experienced: 20%

Ages
Adult: 18 years and over
Child: 6 – 16 years (17years if still attending school – must have ID)
Student: Only NZ or Australian Full time tertiary (Must have ID)
Children: 6 years and under are FREE

Remarkables Ski Field

tango.kiwi — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:50:19 +0000

About
The 2nd closest Ski field from Queenstown. Only 50 minutes drive by car (you may need chains) or take the bus. The road is sealed from town to the mountain turn off, then its 14km of unsealed mountain road. The Remarkables Ski Area is known for its alpine environment, relaxed atmosphere and sense of fun. Young snowboarders, freeskiers and families flock to the mountain’s varied trails, terrain parks and backcountry areas. Freestylers can go on the rampage in a brand new UP & GO Terrain Park in Sugar Bowl this year – twice the size of the existing terrain park. Novice freestylers can progress in the Fruju Beginner Park while not-so-serious visitors can forget the boards and enjoy the Ozone Tubing Park. Live music on the deck adds to the party atmosphere. Children aged 10 and younger ski free at The Remarkables Ski Area. Distances from
Queenstown: 2km (50mins)
Wanaka: 96km (1hr 30mins)The Remarkables Ski Field Mountain Road
14km unsealed mountain road

Getting there
Drive yourself or take the Ski Shuttle Click here to view the timetable (there is no need to book in advance).

The Remarkables Ski Shuttle Service
In addition to the below scheduled Ski Shuttle Services, The Remarkables runs an additional Shuttle from the base access road carpark.
Tickets are only purchasable on the bus. No Prior bookings necessary! For departure timetable Click Here

Chains
If you are driving yourself chains are often required, these are available to hire or buy from several petrol stations and ski shops in central Queenstown. You can also hire chains from half way up the mountain.

Mountain Stats
Height: 1935m
Vertical rise: 357m
Ski-able area: 220 hectares

Opening Hours
9am – 4pm 7 days a week

Remarkables Ski Field Terrain
Beginner: 30%
Intermediate: 40%
Experienced: 30%Ages
Adult: 18 years and over
Youth: 7 – 17 years
Student: Full time tertiary (Must have ID)
Senior: 65-74 years
Children: 10 years and under receive FREE day lift passes
Seniors: 75 years and over receive FREE day lift passes

Coronet Ski Field

tango.kiwi — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:46:43 +0000

The closest Ski field from Queenstown and also the most popular. Terrain suits skiers and snowboarders of all abilties.
Coronet Peak’s diverse terrain, superb facilities, fantastic views, proximity to Queenstown and cosmopolitan ambience create an unparalleled winter experience for every level of snow sport enthusiast.

Night skiing and First Tracks mean Coronet Peak offers longer on-snow hours than any other ski area in the country. Full base facilities include eateries, retail, rental and repair, Snowsports School and a licensed Skiwiland Crèche.

This year Coronet Peak has doubled the size of its dedicated beginner area. A new Kaser Ski Carpet and four new automated snowmaking guns in this area will significantly improve the beginner’s experience. These improvements complement a six seater express chair, express quad, double chair T-bar, handle tow, FIS specification half pipe and terrain parks. Extensive, state-of-the-art snowmaking ensures quality snow over a long season. Children aged six and under ski free.

Distances from
Queenstown: 18km (25mins)
Wanaka: 86km (1hr 15mins)

The Mountain Road
8km sealed mountain road

Getting there
Drive yourself or take the Ski Shuttle Click here to view the timetable (no need to book in advance).

Chains
If you are driving yourself chains are often required, these are available to hire or buy from several petrol stations and ski shops in central Queenstown. There is no hire available on the mountain road so sort them before you go and always consult the road and snow reports before leaving in the morning.

Mountain Stats
Height: 1649m
Vertical rise: 450m
Ski-able area: 280 hectares

Opening Hours
9am – 4pm 7 days a week
Night skiing: 4pm – 9pm Fri & Sat (early July – mid Sep)

Terrain
Beginner: 25%
Intermediate: 45%
Experienced: 30%Ages
Adult: 18 years and over
Youth: 7 – 17 years
Student: Full time tertiary (Must have ID)
Senior: 65-74 years
Children: 6 years and under receive FREE day lift passes
Super Seniors: 75 years and over receive FREE day lift passes

The Home

tango.kiwi — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:11:30 +0000

Built in 1986 to the highest standards this prominent classic architectural cedar home with its outstanding lake and mountain views is a landmark in the Bay from the lake directly below.
Furnished to a very high standard with no expense spared.
This family home is available for short or long term stays, for a maximum of six people.

Features of the Home

Three Double Bedrooms
Two full bathrooms with baths
Formal and Informal dining
Two separate living areas c/w with full library
Quality Hi – Fi system
Telephone/Fax for local calls
Wide Screen TV with Sky Digital -Multi-channels
DVD/Video Player c/w collection of DVDs
Washing Machine and Clothes Dryer
Secure Wireless Broadband available free of charge

Additional Services on Request (extra cost)

Weekly Cleaning Service
Sightseeing activities (pre booked)
Groceries purchased
Baby Sitting
Airport Meet & Greet

Tariffs

Rental per night in Peak Season	NZ$ 375 NZ$ 375 (20 December to 20 February and 1 June to 15 September)
Rental per night for all other periods	NZ$ 350 (6 January to 30 April)

Long term rentals by negotiation. Rates quoted are for four people. Please ask costs for additional persons.

NB: Peak season and high season, mimimum 7 nights stay, low season minimum 4 nights stay.

Ask for our full information memorandum on the home.