Queenstown pivots to year-round tourism as Australian visitors surge

Queenstown is seeing a surge in Australian visitors throughout the year, reflected in record passenger numbers at its airport and trans-Tasman travel reaching 145% of pre-COVID levels. Research by Tourism New Zealand indicates that two-thirds of Australians are open to visiting New Zealand outside the traditional ski period, favoring spring and summer. To capture this demand, the region is expanding its summer portfolio with the soon-to-open Kawarau Gorge Trail, a major Skyline Queenstown redevelopment that adds a new restaurant, viewing platform and a 48-metre Vortex slide, and the launch of Avani Queenstown, a flagship hotel featuring lake-view apartments, a spa and expanded dining.

Direct seasonal flights from Brisbane have been added by Air New Zealand and Jetstar, while Qantas and Virgin Australia provide year-round services. The broader strategy, highlighted by Minor Hotels New Zealand’s James Billing, positions Queenstown as a destination for hiking, cycling, wine, golf and wellness, not just winter sports.