The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact for tourism and hotel operators in New Zealand over the past 5 weeks or so since the government locked down borders to visitors. This week, LATTE chatted with Kiwi tourism figurehead and CEO/General Manager of The Rees Hotel Queenstown, Mark Rose, to get an update on how his luxury property is coping through the COVID-19 travel crisis, and what his thoughts are on the proposed “travel bubble” between Australia and New Zealand, and how long he believes it will take for the market to recover.

New Zealand tour operator, Alpine Adventures, has repositioned in response to changes in overseas markets and dynamics, rebranding as Alpine Luxury Tours.

Radisson Hotel Group will introduce its top-tier Radisson Collection brand to the New Zealand market in Q1 2022, with Queenstown selected as the launch location.

Queenstown looks set to welcome a new five-star hotel with developers of Jack’s Point this week confirming residential and hotel planning is “well advanced”.

Qantas will launch new seasonal flights direct from Melbourne to Queenstown to meet the growing number of Australians seeking winter holidays in New Zealand over the peak ski season*.

Queenstown’s highest altitude boutique hotel opens and it’s set to offer an elegant retreat in the adventure capital.

Queenstown’s much-awarded lakeside retreat, Matakauri Lodge, has launched a limited-time Bed + Breakfast offer, perfect for guests wanting to unwind and relax in stylish surrounds while enjoying the renowned dining options in and around Queenstown.

Queenstown ski field, Coronet Peak, has launched a new limited-run, high-altitude dining experience at the popular on-mountain bistro, Heidi’s Hut. From now until 8 September 2018, the banquet-style dinner will run on Friday and Saturday nights in line with Coronet Peak night skiing. However, this is not a ski-in, ski-out experience, but a full package with return transport from town and a glass of Veuve Clicquot included.

The attraction by Utah-based Ice Castles features tunnel slides, turrets, peep holes and a large throne which have been created by professional ice artisans, including an award-winning ice carver. The team has hand-placed thousands of icicles and ice blocks each day since construction began in June to create the 4000-ton structure.