Go Orange goes above and beyond

by September 24, 2019

Go Orange goes above and beyond

Innovative tourism operator Go Orange, based in New Zealand’s stunning South Island, has notched up yet another award for its trophy cabinet.

Following a year of fast-paced success and industry ‘gongs’, Go Orange picked up another accolade when it was named Fiordland Tourism Operator of the Year 2019 this weekend.

Going the extra mile to deliver industry-leading visitor and employee experiences is a hallmark of the company, which in the past year has been named New Zealand’s fastest growing service company by Deloitte and ranked 37th in the Deloitte Fast 50.

General Manager Luke Taylor was named TIA emerging Leader of the Year, and Go Orange was a national finalist in the Humankind Employee Experience Awards.

Never one to rest on its laurels, in the past 12 months the company has launched the renovated Milford Haven cruise boat experience in Milford Sound, a new state-of-the-art coach fleet, and a purpose-designed and built fleet of unimogs to add additional elements of fun and exploration to its rafting experiences.

Fiordland Tourism Awards judges said Go Orange had shown leadership in the industry by developing unique products in Milford and Doubtful Sounds as well as Queenstown.

This summer Go Orange launches its own Fiordland-specific guidebook with information about the sounds, their flora and fauna, key points of interest in the national park and on board the Milford Haven. The book supports Tourism New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise by highlighting the responsibility kiwis (and visitors) have in respecting and caring for New Zealand’s precious landscape.

Go Orange is also currently nominated as a finalist in the best tour/activity category of the Australia & New Zealand Adventure Tourism Awards 2019. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of tourism businesses servicing the backpacker, youth and adventure travel sector in both countries. A public vote on the awards counts for 30% of the score and the rest is up to a panel of judges.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team here at Go Orange, who have built an adventurous, fun, and innovative brand,” says GM Luke Taylor.

“Our mantra is ‘Go Beyond’, inspiring and challenging visitors to become travellers, to go deeper, further and beyond the average tourist. I’d like to think we’re doing just that.”

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Top yoga brand Fierce Grace launching in Australasian ‘first’

by July 25, 2019

Top yoga brand Fierce Grace launching in Australasian ‘first’

The UK’s fastest growing yoga brand, Fierce Grace Yoga, is about to unleash its revolutionary yoga system on New Zealand – starting with Queenstown.

Local businesswoman Sally Whitewoods will open Australasia’s first studio at Queenstown Central shopping centre in August.

Fierce Grace (FG) is an interconnected yoga class system that combines the best of Ashtanga, Classical Hatha, Iyengar, Yin and Bikram yoga.

The Queenstown studio will be the tenth Fierce Grace studio in the world, with the majority based in the company’s hometown of London as well as New York and Rome.

The classes are sequenced in ways that adhere to ancient yogic principles, married with the latest cutting-edge research on attaining optimum results in the minimum time.

UK-born franchise owner Sally fell in love with Fierce Grace Yoga after attending classes in Bournemouth and London while visiting family in 2017.

“I instantly fell in love with the classes, it’s literally the best thing I’ve ever done, and I can’t wait to bring it to Queenstown,” she says.

“It’s completely different to anything else; the system incorporates a range of yoga styles woven together beautifully, and taught in an encouraging, relaxed and empowering manner.”

FG is the only new interconnected yoga system in decades, designed by one of the world’s foremost yoga teachers Michele Pernetta, who introduced hot yoga to the UK in 1994.

“It’s not enough to be super-fit physically, busy people want more, they want emotional freedom and mental wellbeing as well. I designed this yoga method to help people achieve this,” Michele says.

“To live life with Fierce Grace means to develop your personal balance of male and female forces: strength and flexibility, effort and surrender, intensity and relaxation, and take these qualities into your life.

“Classes are designed to bring a balance between these forces and allow the practitioner to self-prescribe what they need on any given day, to balance themselves and work on their weak areas.

“This yoga method will grow you emotionally, not just physically, as each class reaches different parts of who you really are. The timid can become brave just as the inflexible can become flexible.”

Taking a more relaxed, humorous approach to yoga is at the foundation of the Fierce Grace philosophy she says.

“For some reason yoga can get so very serious when really it’s about embracing who you are right now, being honest, vivacious, free to experiment, fall over and be humorous.”

FG classes are for anyone and everyone. No matter age, flexibility, fitness level or injury status, every FG teacher has been trained to modify the poses up for the athletic, or down for the injured or stiff.

The Queenstown classes will be offered in a state-of-the-art studio which sits between 35 – 38 degrees, with a few non-heated classes woven into the timetable.

Fierce Grace Queenstown classes will be held in a bright, spacious, modern studio that can host up to 70 people.

The studio is set to open with four teachers, hosting five classes per day which will increase with demand.

For a taste tester, Fierce Grace has a pre-opening offer of 30 days unlimited yoga for just $39. Class details and bookings are at www.fiercegracequeenstown.com

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VisitorPoint commits to the Living Wage

by July 23, 2019

VisitorPoint commits to the Living Wage

New Zealand brochure distribution company VisitorPoint commits to the Living Wage.

As of July 1 all VisitorPoint staff are now entitled to an hourly rate minimum of $21.15, considerably more than the minimum wage of $17.70.

General manager Jenni Powell says the welcome change is part of the company’s pledge to Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s (TIA) sustainability commitment goals which includes employment.

“We have an extremely loyal and committed workforce which we appreciate immensely,” she says.

“As a company we genuinely believe our staff deserve this commitment from us as they are our most important asset, and we’re excited to be able to support them in this way.

All future employees will also be entitled to the new wage.

VisitorPoint has decided to forge ahead in driving social change for its 28-strong staff.

“As tourism businesses continue to grow throughout the country, we do too. From a financial and moral standpoint this is the right choice for us to make.”

VisitorPoint is New Zealand’s only national distributor of tourism information, having distributed brochures throughout New Zealand for more than 30 years.

It operates three warehouses in Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown equipped with full teams of warehouse staff working in tandem with 19 merchandisers, as well as sales and marketing and senior management teams.

VisitorPoint’s move to a Living Wage for staff aligns with its commitment to TIA’s sustainable tourism promise.

One of TIA’s goals is for businesses to pay a fair wage to all staff, which aligns with VisitorPoint’s existing efforts in offsetting carbon emissions from all flights, the introduction of live online reporting for its clients and supporting print companies which share its sustainable print visions.

“We’re trying hard to make changes which improve our business while taking sustainability into consideration; it’s all part of a journey for us,” says Jenni.

VisitorPoint currently distributes over 3,500 brochure titles from New Zealand tourism operators the length and breadth of the country. It has over 2000 physical display outlets nationally and operates 38 distribution circuits.

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Progressive Dinner Tours launch in Queenstown

by July 18, 2019

Progressive Dinner Tours launch in Queenstown

The region’s first ever Progressive Dinner Tour is about to hit Queenstown, hosted by renowned operators Alpine Wine Tours.

As of mid-July, guests can explore the very best of Queenstown’s renowned wineries, micro-breweries and restaurants in just one evening, on the ultimate Progressive Dinner Tour.

Owner-operator Emma Chisholm says she saw a gap in the market for night-time activities and jumped at the opportunity to launch something a little different.

“Evening activity options are few and far between in Queenstown, but the Progressive Dinner Tour fills that void and gives people a chance to go on an incredible night-time journey where they can relax, meet new friends and experience the very best food, wine and craft beer the region has to offer,” she says.

“Especially if they are short on time, people can fill their days with activities and then spend a stress-free evening wining and dining. All they need to do is book and turn up, we take care of the rest.”

The Tours visit three iconic locations, including the picturesque Shotover River, the Valley of Vines – Gibbston Valley – and historic Arrowtown. Tours start and end in vibrant central Queenstown, meaning guests can start their evening in town early before pick up, or extend into the night following drop off.

Guests travel comfortably in a luxurious Mercedes Sprinter driven by a knowledgeable local host.

Alpine Wine Tours is family-owned and operated by Emma and director Lee Saunders. With family connections to Queenstown and the wider Otago region dating back nearly 60 years, the pair’s combined local knowledge and family heritage means they offer guests a genuinely authentic kiwi hospitality experience in ‘their own’ backyard.

Emma says dinner tours are hugely popular around the world, where they are sometimes known as Safari Suppers.

“They were the thing to do in the UK during the 1950s and 60s, then made a bit of a comeback when dinner parties became all the vogue again and thanks to the rise of TV show ‘Come Dine With Me’,” says Emma.

On the Queenstown Progressive Dinner Tours, courses are expertly matched with multiple glasses of renowned Central Otago wine, locally brewed craft beer and a cheeky after-dinner nightcap.

All Alpine Wine Tours group experiences are adults only, and the Progressive Dinner Tour is no exception.

The tours leave the centre of Queenstown at 6.45pm daily and guests are dropped back into town at 10.15pm, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the resort’s night life.

Prices are $249 per person all-inclusive and pre-bookings are required.

For further information or to book go to www.alpinewinetours.co.nz

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VisitorPoint secures AA Travel & Tourism contract

by August 17, 2018

A New Zealand brochure distribution company has secured a national contract with the largest visitor guide publisher in the tourism industry. Effective from today (Monday August 13), AA Travel & Tourism will outsource the warehousing, distribution and merchandising of its market-leading AA Traveller brochures, guides and directories to VisitorPoint. VisitorPoint is New Zealand’s only national…

AA Traveller’s 25 publications cover accommodation, activities and maps, and special interest areas including cycle trails, food and wine and golf.

The publications, targeted at domestic and international travellers, will be distributed to designated AA distribution stands and locations through VisitorPoint’s comprehensive national network of 37 merchandised distribution circuits.

New brochures, guides and directories published by AA Travel & Tourism will also be in VisitorPoint’s remit.

The contract is a result of AA Travel & Tourism’s review of storage, distribution and merchandising for its print products, and will secure significant cost savings and productivity improvements for their business.

Delighted to add AA’s full contract warehouse services to the company portfolio, Kelly Harland of VisitorPoint says it’s an exciting time for the team.

“The agreement is an extension of our long-standing relationship with AA Travel & Tourism, and we’re excited to see it flourish,” she says.

“To date, we’ve been managing exclusive displays in the Queenstown and Auckland markets, but nothing on this scale.

“The collaboration not only strengthens the offering to our network of outlets, but it enables us to offer the most comprehensive library of collateral to the travel and tourism industry all in one place.”

With the announcement, comes the employment of a new staff member.

Having worked with AA Travel & Tourism for over ten years as distribution manager, Eileen Philpot brings her expertise and knowledge to VisitorPoint as national distribution assistant, providing continuity of service and support to outlets stocking AA guides.

AA Travel & Tourism General Manager Greig Leighton has congratulated VisitorPoint for its robust processes and expertise in packing and delivery of product.

Outlets will now order direct from VisitorPoint’s trade website (www.visitorpointonline.com) from Monday August 13.

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Millbrook Resort starts work on $50million development

by August 17, 2018

Four years of planning, appeals, hearings and zone changes have finally come to fruition for Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort. The multi-award-winning resort has been granted resource consent for a $50m development that will see it develop a neighbouring farm into a new golf course interspersed with 42 sections for high-end residential homes. The development will add…

Initial site clearance is underway and, under a separate consent, work has almost been completed on shifting the Arrow Irrigation Pipe to a new location to make way for the development.

Groundworks include a raft of ecological and landscape enhancements, the first land titles should go live in late 2020, and once the new golf course is constructed and ‘grown-in’ it should be playable by 2021.

Millbrook Director of Property and Development Ben O’Malley says the net was cast “far and wide” for project tendering, with the main earthworks contract going to Grant Hood Contracting from Ashburton.

Highly-experienced turf specialist company TIC Golf Projects Ltd has been awarded the main golf course construction project, the same company that developed the resort’s Coronet Nine course, along with a golf course irrigation installation contract.

Millbrook is still working through detailed design on works such as roading, reticulated services and the resort’s distinctive schist stone walls.

In the initial earthworks phase, half a million cubic metres of material will be moved within the site. A ‘zero cut to fill’ balance means all work will be carried out with material contained within the farm area, with topsoil stripped and stored before being re-spread once earthworks are complete.

Mr O’Malley says Millbrook has been working alongside the Friends of Lake Hayes and the Otago Regional Council to support their initiative to discharge off-peak water from the Arrow River irrigation race to Mill Stream (which runs through Millbrook into Lake Hayes).

“They believe this will help enhance the water quality of Lake Hayes and we have the means to provide them the link between the Arrow Irrigation Company pipe and Mill Stream,” he says.

The ORC is part-way through a plan change process that will see a minimum flow placed on the Arrow River, from which Millbrook currently sources its golf irrigation water via the AIC.

The minimum flow process would pose a risk to Millbrook’s golf operations, as it’s sand-based tees and greens, installed to meet international PGA specifications, require daily watering.

“To guard against this risk we’re also constructing a 30million-litre water storage lake on the farm land,” says Mr O’Malley.

The new 36-hole format at Millbrook s been described as a ‘game changer’ for the resort, effectively adding 100% golf capacity with two fully operational 18-hole courses that can be operated simultaneously.

It’s being welcomed by the growing number of Millbrook Country Club members who will be able to play an ever-changing private members’ course on a daily basis, as well as another for tourists and locals.

It’s also good news for the long-term future of the New Zealand Open, currently hosted at Millbrook in conjunction with The Hills golf course.

The Open has always planned to move to a three-course model, similar to international Dunhill Links and AT&T events, and having two courses available at Millbrook would enable this goal to be achieved.

Ben O’Malley says the resort is “ecstatic” to be getting underway with the development.

“It’s been over four years since we first bought the former Dalgleish Farm land with the dream of adding to the resort,” he says.

“There’s been a lot of hard work from our consultants and planning team to get to this point, but now it’s all coming to fruition it’s simply fantastic.”

The land has provided a fantastic opportunity for the golf course team, as well as lending itself to the development of two discretely and geographically-separated residential neighbourhoods.

The large upper plateau contains 24 sites boasting elevated panoramic views over fairways and pastoral lands to the wider basin. The lower slopes are home to a further 18 sites with north-facing outlooks over an enhanced Mill Stream and the last of the stunning new golf holes. Most of the sites are expected to sell for over $1million each.

Parts of Mill Stream will be widened to create larger waterways and enhanced wetlands. The new development will retain a rural, agrarian style with over 20 hectares of working farmland retained for grazing and retention of a historic woolshed.

The original 1860’s farmhouse will also stay on the land, with some sympathetic additions.

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Stunning Queenstown home wins Southern Supreme House of the Year

by July 24, 2018

A Queenstown building company renowned for quality standards in workmanship and ‘ultimate pride in the job’ has struck gold, again. AJ Saville Builder Ltd was named Supreme House of the Year Award winner for a Queenstown home at the Southern Registered Master Builders 2018 House of the Year gala dinner this weekend (Saturday July 21)….

The multi-award-winning company had a second home in the awards, which also won Gold and a GIB Show Home Category awards for a Millbrook Country Club property.

Arrowtown-based owner and founder Allister Saville says the seven awards are testament to the hard work and dedication of his team of over 35 tradesmen, sub-contractors and suppliers.

“It’s a winning result for everyone involved,” he says.

“The immaculate detailing and craftsmanship of the Queenstown home won over the judges, and we’re delighted with the feedback.

“This project was a ‘once in a lifetime’ build for our tradesmen and subbies, delivering a home with this level of bespoke requirements.

“The client, builders and designers all worked in harmony, and it’s demonstrated in the immaculate finish of this four-year build.

“Both projects demonstrate consistency in our work and it’s hugely rewarding for our staff to be recognised for their hard work and quality craftsmanship.”

The substantial 802sqm four bedroom, four-plus bathroom Queenstown home is a collection of different building types, functions, cladding and internal finishes, all centred around a sunny courtyard.

The judges were most impressed with the immaculate detailing of curved glass galleries linking stone buildings to the kitchen, lounge and living areas.

The project was constructed in keeping with historic buildings of the Queenstown Lakes district, using local stone and steep-pitched slate and iron roofs.

The energy-efficient Millbrook Country Club show home, designed by Mason & Wales Architects, exudes modern class and a subtle French feel with all the charm and character of a traditional Central Otago cottage.

Allister says the show home is a timeless design that epitomises the sophisticated rural elegance and character that is world-class Millbrook Resort.

“A show home demonstrates the very best standards in your work and I’m honoured to work in partnership with Millbrook Resort to deliver functional, spacious and energy-efficient homes at the resort,” he says.

A total of 13 Gold Award winners from the southern region will now be judged against Gold Award winners from around the country to identify the National Gold Reserve finalists.

Those finalists will go head to head at the Registered Master Builders Supreme Awards for House of the Year and Renovation of the Year on November 24 in Auckland.

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Mt Cook Alpine Salmon appoints Sir Bill English to board

by July 12, 2018

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon has announced the appointment of Sir Bill English to its board of directors, effective August 1 2018. Board Chairman, the Rt. Hon Jim Bolger says Bill’s profile is obviously well known throughout New Zealand. “His recent retirement from politics gives him the opportunity to apply his talents and unquestionable belief in…

Mr English is delighted to be joining the board of Mount Cook Alpine Salmon.

“I am looking forward to joining a southern company producing a world-class product that is doing extremely well in high-value export markets, and I hope to contribute to its ongoing success,” he says.

Mr Bolger says the continued success of Mt Cook Alpine Salmon depends as much on the performance of the organisation as it does on the product.

“I am confident that Bill’s strong relationships within New Zealand, along with his developed international experience, will prove invaluable as we continue to expand our business,” he says.

“I very much look forward to his contribution.”

About Mt Cook Alpine Salmon

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon operates its aquaculture business in the heart of the Mackenzie district at the foot of the Southern Alps and sells its Freshwater King Salmon to high-end customers around the world including Australia, UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and the US. The company operates two hatcheries; has a primary processing plant in Timaru along with a secondary plant in Christchurch where it produces its popular Aoraki smoked brand. The company employs 175 staff.

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Ray White Queenstown celebrates re-opening following car incident

by July 12, 2018

Two months after a car ploughed into their real estate showroom, Ray White Queenstown owners Bas Smith and Cam Reed have finally re-opened the doors. The ground-level office and showroom in Church Street was extensively damaged when a local worker finishing a night shift accidentally drove into the building around daybreak on April 19. Staff…

The space now has a new, modern look and feel including a lounge area, and upstairs areas have been remodelled to enable staff to remain there.

The new-look showroom opened as Bas and Cam celebrate ten years operating the Ray White franchise in Queenstown, and Ray White marked the 25th anniversary of its presence in New Zealand with an Auckland celebration in late May.

“We’ve always been in Church Street, and as the town has grown we’re thrilled to be in such a vibrant area which is fast becoming the lynchpin of downtown,” says Cam.

“When we started ten years ago it was just the two of us, and now we’re an efficient, cohesive team of 15 agents and staff.

“Bas and I made a decision when we opened up that we would commit to the town and our business and we’ve certainly seen plenty of change in the past decade.

“We’ve raised our families here and we’re proud to support local community groups that mirror our own family values as well as those held by Ray White, which has had four generations of the White family at the helm over its 115-year history in Australasia.

“When the car smashed into our premises, our only reaction was one of relief that neither the driver or any of our staff were injured.

“As a result we’ve finally got a new showroom that’s bigger, better and brighter than ever before, showcasing our listings to visitors and passers-by and complementing the online and social media sales and marketing work carried out by our team.”

There are over 1100 Ray White offices in Australasia including over 165 in New Zealand. Ray White has a national market share of close to 20%, and local strength in Southern Lakes with offices in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Cromwell and Te Anau.

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Two new businesses at The Landing in Queenstown

by July 12, 2018

Queenstown’s The Landing is drawing in two new businesses as the popular boutique retail centre continues to expand its offering. Located in the district’s retail hub of Frankton, close to Remarkables Park Town Centre, Wakatipu High School and Queenstown Airport, The Landing is home to a wide range of established businesses that appeal to local,…

Growth is the focus for makeup artist Genevieve Silcock who moved to Queenstown from Auckland three years ago and established EVE Makeup Artistry as a mobile business servicing the wedding industry.

With two makeup artists doing about 750 makeup services a year, the business has been running at full capacity for the past 18 months, so Genevieve is delighted to be opening the salon in mid-July with a bigger team offering a wider range of services.

“We’re opening up in The Landing because it’s a fantastic location that’s popular with locals and is really well established, with plenty of free parking,” she says.

“Currently a large percentage of our clients are brides travelling to Queenstown to get married, so we will continue the mobile service as many prefer us to come to them in the comfort of their accommodation on their big day.

“However opening a salon at The Landing will enable us to grow our local clientele with a much larger range of treatments on offer from manicures and pedicures to waxing, spray tans, eyelash extensions, makeup and makeup lessons.”

EVE Beauty will also stock a selection of makeup, skincare and beauty accessories previously lacking in the Queenstown retail space.

Meanwhile, Vū Jewellers is set to open in September this year.

Business owners Anna and Trond Johansson and Claire Antill are delighted to be launching a contemporary jewellery boutique at The Landing.

Vū Jewellers will feature a full jewellery workshop instore to design, make and repair jewellery.

As sister company to long-established Goldfields Jewellers in central Queenstown, the team will bring their artistic talents to bespoke handmade commissions using everything from precious metals and beautiful gemstones to funky silver jewellery.

They delight in taking old, unused or inherited jewellery and turning it into unique modern designs.

“We specialise in everything from modern takes on classic diamond rings to contemporary wearable art,” says Claire.

“There will be chunky silver bangles, funky rings, pendants and dangly earrings sitting alongside delicate gold and platinum pieces that show off the precious gemstones we’ve collected from around the world.”

Vū Jewellers will also offer valuations, repairs and full servicing for jewellery and watches.

Other businesses at The Landing include the hugely successful Odelay Café and Zambrero restaurant offering excellent food and beverage, and a range of interiors, fashion, gift, beauty, automotive and fitness offerings.

The surrounding Remarkables Park area continues to bring more people to the area thanks to the just completed 127-apartment Wyndham Garden Queenstown, the Toru Apartments (230 units) currently under construction and the new Ramada Kawarau River Hotel & Apartments to follow.

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Remarkables Residences development in Queenstown launches Stage Two

by June 14, 2018

The property market in Queenstown is showing no signs of a slowdown, with the second stage of a $200m residential development being launched this week. The Remarkables Residences townhouse development in the popular Frankton area of Queenstown is launching another 46 homes onto the market, following the successful sell down of all but one of…

Construction is well underway on the first homes, with completion expected in summer 2019. Roughly half of the purchasers have been Queenstown locals who have bought as an investment property or to live in, while the remainder are a mix of Auckland based investors and holiday home owners.

Local realtors Sheryl Williams and Mark Martin from Bayleys Queenstown said buyers saw superb value for money in the homes and loved the configurations of the properties that had flexible living and renting opportunities.

Another 46 terraced homes are available in Stage Two, with prices ranging from just over $1.1million.

The new release properties have slightly different layouts to Stage One, after designers took buyer feedback on board and made the majority of the homes four-bedroom properties with four ensuites.

The development is being driven by GYP Properties Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore public-listed Global Yellow Pages Limited, and marketed by the Bayleys Realty Group.

Bayleys Projects’ General Manager Suzie Wigglesworth said the company was “very pleased” with the successful sell down of Stage One and that construction was underway.

“Remarkables Residences appeals greatly to owner occupiers as well as investors, with functional layouts and a location that provides convenience and accessibility,” she said.

“The annual capital growth in Queenstown continues to rise and the demand for residential properties is still at an all-time high.

“We believe Remarkables Residences offers what buyers are looking for, and its central location with the airport, major ski-fields, retail and dining all a walk or a short drive away makes it highly desirable.

“We’ve already received a high volume of interest in Stage Two and we expect these homes to sell out fairly quickly.”

The development aims to have a vibrant community of owners from all walks of life, from owner-occupiers through to seasonal-based workers.

The Remarkables Residences display suite at Five Mile Centre is open 12pm – 2pm weekdays and 12pm – 3pm Saturday and Sunday. To register interest or request further information go to www.remarkablesresidences.co.nz

About Remarkables Residences

Master-planned and designed by Auckland-based Ignite Architects, these are well-built, stylish and low-maintenance homes that are a very modern interpretation of popular developments of this kind.

Different building forms within each street offer individuality amidst a community, while each residence is thoughtfully designed to optimise sun and natural light. Quality fixtures and fittings are used alongside energy-efficient design elements for year-round comfort.

Green spaces incorporated in the development include a main public square and smaller Pocket Parks throughout the area. There are good links to surrounding biking and walking tracks, as well as easy access to public transport.

Remarkables Residences is in one of the most accessible parts of Queenstown, close to the airport and a very short walk to retail and hospitality outlets. It is just 15 minutes from central Queenstown and Arrowtown, and 30 minutes to ski fields.

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World-class freeride coaches hit the slopes at Treble Cone

by June 01, 2018

Some of the best freeride and ski race coaches in the world hit the slopes at Wanaka’s Treble Cone this winter, joining internationally-renowned instructors at the mountain’s Snowsports School. Local young skiers (and snowboarders) can take skill levels and confidence up a notch or three with full and part-time children’s development programmes throughout the season….

His solid competition results around the world — including a podium in Alaska in 2017 — secured him a spot on the Freeride World Tour in 2018 and 2019. As well as coaching Team TC this winter he’ll be coaching the NZ Freeride Team.

Sam will coach alongside Louis Charnaud, who has instructed all over the world including New Zealand, Japan, USA and Switzerland. Louis also competes in Big Mountain skiing in the Freeride World Qualifier events.

Meanwhile head ski race coach Michael Shenkel is no stranger to Treble Cone’s slopes, embarking on an impressive 24th season at TC in 2018.

Mike holds USSA National Coach Level 400 and PSIA Level 3 qualifications and has had a long and successful career of ski race coaching in New Zealand and the States, with 72 seasons under his belt.

Yes, he loves his US mountains, but TC is his ‘favourite’ when it comes to leading the coaching team and seeing the progression and growth of kids on and off snow.

Meanwhile, youngsters aspiring to work their way up to Team TC level have plenty of other ski and snowboard packages and lessons to choose from.

Already renowned worldwide for Mother Nature’s natural bowls and challenging upper-mountain runs, in recent years the much-loved ski area has developed rewarding intermediate terrain.

It’s unique among Southern Lakes ski areas in having a Northwest-facing learners and beginners area alongside the base building, bathed in sunshine and warmth all season-long and perfect for those having their first ‘on-snow’ experience.

TC’s renowned Snowsports School delivers superb value lessons and packages range from tailored learn to ski and snowboard packages to high intensity adult packages that sell out year after year.

Littlies happily start their time on the slopes with a Ski School Kitty Cat Lesson for five-and-unders including a one-hour rental, one-on-one lesson and all-day learner lift access for just $99.

A full-day solution for families is a child lesson (ages 6 to 17) which includes drop off from 9am, two group lessons, lunch and pick up at 4pm (rentals and lift additional).

School holidays are a breeze with five-day school camps starting on July 9, July 16 and July 23 for youngsters wanting to hone ski race, freeski or snowboarding skills. Camps include two group lessons daily and are a steal at just $499 per camp (a saving of $171 on full retail child group lesson prices).

Treble Cone’s official Burton Learn to Ride Programme provides specialised snowboard equipment designed to smooth the transition from beginner to intermediate rider.

TC’s much-loved Riders and Sliders and Riders (for kids aged from four to 17) and Sliders Mini (three and four-year-olds ski only) runs for six consecutive Sundays from July 29.

For Wanaka, Queenstown and Central Otago parents (and others!) Treble Cone’s premium ski improvement and development camps for adults are back after a highly successful 2017 season. Sofa Ski Camps have top hand-picked coaches leading five-day intensive camps suitable for intermediate to expert skiers.

Sofa Ski Camps run over seven weeks throughout the season and two programmes in August are already sold out – so get in quick!

Value-add packages across the board include a Learner Lift Package, Lift Package and Lesson, Progression Package and Learn to Ski Package.

About Treble Cone

Renowned for its 550 hectares of skiable terrain and the longest vertical in the Southern Alps, Treble Cone is the perfect destination for every level of skier or snowboarder.

The sheer size of its skiable terrain, from 30% to more than 50% bigger than surrounding areas, means lift queues are a rarity, even on a powder day, and slopes are wide open and crowd-free.

Access to the mountain in 2018 will be easier than ever with a free TC Mountain Shuttle driving guests from the bottom of the access road straight to the slopes.

Kids under 6 ski or board for free ($20 card fee applies) and there’s free helmet rental with every child rental or child lift and rental package, subject to availability. The Magic Carpet and snowplay area remain free to all.

Treble Cone’s 2018 season runs from June 28 to September 23. For further information go to www.treblecone.com

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Director Gavin Taylor – GFORCE Paragliding

what our clients say

“I am very proud to have worked with Southern PR for nearly a decade. I love working with them, not only for their creative and thorough briefs and clear communication on shot requirements but also their enthusiasm on the shoot days.  If you want a positive, focused and creative team to get your brand out to your target market – Southern PR are your team!”

Photographer & Director Jackie Gay – Still Vision Photography