Queenstown Winter Festival 2009

Way back in 1975 a bunch of locals decided that the start of Winter was a great excuse to have a party. They organised races on the mountain and in town, lollies for the kids, beers for the grown-ups a concert or two and a town-wide ball, all of which were a great success.

News spread quickly and the next year people came from further afield to join in the festivities.

Since then the Festival has evolved into New Zealand’s biggest winter party – it’s a 10 day celebration of Queenstown’s unique culture and community with street parties, fireworks, international and local acts, jazz, comedy, Mardi Gras, family fun, rail jams and plenty of Mountain Mayhem.

From June 26 – July 5 this year the town will be a buzz with around 60,000 people celebrating the arrival of Winter and Festival’s 35th birthday in true Queenstown style

Learn more about the event calendar on the Festival Website

New Zealand Winter Games 2009

 

Winter Games NZ is an elite, international winter sports competition, supported by the NZ Olympic Committee and the NZ Government.

It will be held every 2 years in Otago, utilizing the same venues on an ongoing basis. Every 4 years the Games will act as a direct lead up to the Winter Olympics. The timing is perfect.

The status of the individual event will provide world ranking points for athletes and allow them to post qualify for the Winter Olympics.

Otago is an ideal location to hold this event, as world class facilities already exist within this one compact region. The rugged, natural beauty of Otago makes it a great stage for the worlds top performers.

Events include – Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding, Curling, Figure Skating and Ice Hockey.

The inaugural Winter Games NZ will be held from 21 – 30 August 2009.

For more information visit the Winter Games Website