Queenstown expands tourism appeal to Australian travelers

Queenstown, New Zealand, is successfully expanding its appeal to Australian travelers beyond the traditional ski season. International traffic through Queenstown Airport has reached record levels, with trans-Tasman travel from Australia’s eastern seaboard hitting 145 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

To encourage year-round visitation, the destination is investing in new attractions and infrastructure. These include the upcoming opening of the Kawarau Gorge Trail for cycling and a substantial redevelopment of Skyline Queenstown, which will feature the new Stratosfare restaurant and a 48-metre Vortex slide. Research from Tourism New Zealand indicates that 67 per cent of Australians considering a New Zealand holiday are open to off-peak visits, with spring being the most preferred alternative season.

In addition to adventure sports, the region is increasingly focusing on wellness, food, wine, golf, and hiking to diversify its tourism offerings.