Queenstown is a bustling resort town in New Zealand and packs more than a ton of exciting events for visitors. Across the year, several events make this magnificent island come alive. So, it doesn't matter when you're visiting, just keep an open mind and anticipate the best because this town finds it difficult to remain dull. From various sporting events to winery concerts and garden festivals, Queenstown spots a luxurious outdoor vibe and calls out to every visitor for patronage. As the new year draws near, the town gears up to thrill visitors once again. Here are some of the Queenstown Key Events in 2024 to participate in.
photo credit: Destination Queenstown
January
Queenstown Bikers Festival (19th to 28th January, 2024)
Come see the best of Queenstown biking trails and fascinating biking displays at the Queenstown Bikers Festival 2024. From 19th January to 28th, the mountain town is agog with sold-out events, parties full of life, and remarkable events such as Whip Off, McGazza Fest, and Slopestyle. It's a time to bike, wine, dine, play, connect, and more importantly, increase awareness of biking benefits while generating funds for the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club. If you feel like stepping up things on your own, there are more Queenstown Trails to explore and be wowed by the fascinating scenery on this island town.
Coro 1200 #1 and Coro #2 (20th January and 9th March, 2024)
The Queenstown Mountain Bike Club in concert with Coronet Peak, is hosting a sensational biking event in January and March 2024. The Coronet Peak is the playground for this thrilling biking festival, and it's open to bikers of all levels. Whether you're struggling with balance or can ride with your eyes closed, it's a fun time for everyone. Keep the date - 20th January for the Coro 1200 #1 and 9th March for the Coro 1200 #2. Two events, two dates, and it doesn't get better than this for Queenstown bike lovers in 2024. If you are keen on a cycling holiday across New Zealand, explore our range of handpicked Bike Tours in New Zealand.
photo credit: Destination Queenstown
February
Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert (3rd February, 2024)
In February of 2024, Queenstown will light up with one of New Zealand's most iconic summer festivals, dubbed the ‘Summer Concert Tour 2024’. The festival includes the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert and is put together by Greenstone Entertainment. The event will take place on 3rd February 2024 and will be spiced up by major acts like Texas, Simple Minds, Collective Soul, and Pseudo Echo. One of these acts will definitely be hitting the shores of Queenstown as the event will also be held in Hamilton and Taupo. If this event has inspired you for a wine and dine type of escape, discover our range of Gourmet Holidays in New Zealand from renowned wine regions like Marlborough or Hawke's Bay or savouring inventive cuisine in bustling cities.
Gardens + Galleries (8th February to 11th February, 2024)
For art and nature lovers, don't miss the biggest summer festival reserved for you in Queenstown. It's the Garden + Galleries festival that runs for 3 days from 8th February to 11th, showcasing more than 15 art galleries and 10 magnificent gardens. The festival also includes other events like Twilight Opera in Springpointer Garden - a vibrant party of upbeat music and breathtaking landscapes on the last day of the festival. The event will be happening in different locations around Queenstown while promoting the finest galleries and gardens of the Wakatipu Basin. To enjoy the most out of this festival, consider spending all three days in the best accommodations in Queenstown.
photo credit: Destination Queenstown
Ben Lomond Vertical Kilometre (16th February, 2024)
In 2024, Ben Lomond Journeys will be hosting a Skyrunning Vertical race from Ben Lomond Woolshed to the peak of Ben Lomond. Why is it special? Because it's the only Skyrunning Vertical Kilometre Race that is certified in New Zealand, and organised in collaboration with Sky Running New Zealand and Australia. Want to participate? Gear up on February 16 to climb 1200 metres over 3.9 km, and you'll be a part of history. For an active holiday, explore our Ben Lomond Walking Holidays.
photo credit: Destination Queenstown
Goldminer at Coronet Peak (17th February, 2024)
Saddle up for the ultimate biking challenge in 2024 as you hit the hallowed trails of Coronet's Peak in the Goldminer Endurance Bike Race. This 40-kilometre endurance biking race is for mountain bikers willing to prove their mettle climbing up and down the hilly trails of Coronet's Peak, up to heights of 2700 metres. However, there's a milder challenge to build stamina and try a dry run in the Miniminer short course, which is just 15 km of trails and 850 metres of climbing. It's going down on February 17th. Get ready!
Shotover Moonlight Mountain & Marathon Trail Runs (17th February, 2024)
Ben Lomond Journeys comes with another exciting and adrenaline-filled event in the Shotover Moonlight Mountain & Marathon Trail Runs. This event is intentionally organised to make you sweat, test your patience and endurance, and help you explore the steep and diverse terrains of Ben Lomond near Queenstown. The trek kicks off from Shotover River, winding through an assortment of landscapes, including creeks, beech forests, and sheep tracks, to terminate at the scenic Moke Lake. It goes down on 17th February, 2024, and you'll be glad you did participate. If one day is not enough to savour the best of Queenstown, check out these Queenstown holiday ideas for more thrilling experiences.
Torpedo7 MTB National Championships (24th to 25th February, 2024)
For the second year running, Torpedo7 will be returning to Coronet Peak in Queenstown for the Torpedo7 MTB National Championships. February 24th, a Saturday, is for the Cross Country National Championships and Short Course Cross Country National Championships. The second day of the event, Sunday, February 25th will be for the Downhill Championships, and the theme of both events is supporting Queenstown Mountain Bike Club.
New Zealand Open (29th February to 3rd March, 2024)
In 2024, the 103rd edition of the New Zealand Open will be happening live at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from 29th February to 3rd March. This is not an event you would want to be told about. Beyond Queenstown, the host for 2024, it's one of the grandest sporting events in New Zealand and invites golfing professionals from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the world to play four rounds. In addition, the tournament is the only National Open in World Golf to be played in Pro-Am format.
photo credit: Destination Queenstown
March
Motatapu Trail Marathon ( 2nd March 2024)
Each year, this opportunity comes only once - to walk the iconic Motatapu, Glencoe, and Soho stations and behold the stunning natural beauty of the southern high country valleys. A one-day marathon event on Saturday, March 2nd, it incorporates several loops and trails. These include Coronet Loop Mountain Bike, Allpress Espresso Trail Marathon, Ultra Run, Mondraker Mountain Bike, Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run, and UDC Finance Miners Trail. Tons of river crossings and hills will be prominent across the trails, and the views will be unforgettable.
There are many Queenstown Key Events in 2024 to wholly or partially dive into and it gets better every new year, with new vibes and experiences. As the old gives way for the new, exciting times are ahead in Queenstown and you certainly don't want to miss out on these events. Brace yourself because it's going to be a blast next year.
