Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

Busy week ahead: the Queenstown Writers Festival rolls in, Jenny Mitchell brings warm storytelling to Sherwood, and late-night energy arrives with Sam Divine at The London and Jingo at SkyCity. There’s also a free community walking tour, plus easy networking with QYP Friday Drinks and Net-walkies. See you out there.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🎃 NZ’s Biggest Halloween Festival – AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre

  Queenstown’s scariest night lands in the Kawarau canyon as the No Trace crew turn the iconic bungy site into a full Halloween playground with DJs, performers, costumes and high-energy vibes. Expect pumping sound, epic lighting and plenty of spooky surprises on Saturday 1 November. Dress up, round up your mates, and get ready for a party you’ll talk about till next Halloween. Only final release tickets left at $119.

• 🎤 Jenny Mitchell – The Forest House Tour – Sherwood

  Award‑winning singer‑songwriter Jenny Mitchell brings her earthy storytelling and new album Tug of War to the Sherwood’s intimate music lounge on Friday 31 October, 7:30pm – 9pm. Tickets from $48 include a night of acoustic folk, country soul and tales from the road. The Sherwood’s organic food and cosy vibe make this a perfect date night.

• 📚 Queenstown Writers Festival – Various Venues 

  A long weekend of bookish goodness lands in Whakatipu as authors, journalists and storytellers take the stage for conversations, readings and workshops. Dive into crime, memoir, politics and more from Thursday 30 October – Monday 3 November, with standard sessions from $27 and the 5-for-$95 multi-ticket deal. Bring your curiosity and make a day (or three) of it.

• 🎉 Jingo Night - SkyCity Queenstown Peacock Lounge

  Part bingo, part dance party, Jingo combines classic songs with a game of chance. Head to SkyCity’s Peacock Lounge on Thursday 30 October, 6:30pm – 8:30pm for free entry. Grab a drink, sing along and mark off tunes for a chance to win prizes. Spaces fill quickly so arrive early for a table.

• 💻 Queenstown Women in Tech – Community Connector – Queenstown Resort College

  Join local coders, creatives and innovators for this inclusive free networking event on Thursday 30 October, 11am – 1pm. Hosted tables from community groups like Coders Connect, FLINT and Pivot Innovation make it easy to find your tribe. There’s a free light lunch and all are welcome. Expect lively conversations and plenty of inspiration.

• 🔊 Electric Rush ft. Sam Divine – The London

  Put on your dancing shoes for the latest edition of Electric Rush. London‑born DJ Sam Divine (Defected Records) takes over The London on Thursday 30 October, 10pm – 4am with house beats and deep bass. Expect high‑energy vibes, local support DJs and a packed dance floor. Only final release tickets left at $35.

• 🚶‍♀️ Free Community Walking Tour – Journey to 2125 – Arthurs Point

  Step into the future on this immersive walking tour exploring local projects shaping a thriving, equitable Queenstown. Across town, meet the changemakers behind housing, energy, transport, food and biodiversity initiatives. It’s Sunday 2 November, 10am – 2, free with registration, with an optional sustainable beer tasting at Canyon Brewing 12pm – 12:30pm ($25).

🏔️ Local and Sponsored Picks

• 🌲 Ziptrek Ecotours – Locals’ Day (Sponsored)

  Give back while you fly! Ziptrek is hosting a special Locals’ Day in partnership with OneBike, with 50% of all ticket sales donated to the charity. Enjoy a high-energy treetop zipline above Queenstown on 1 November. Try the Zip 4-line experience for $60, or turn up to ride the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline for a koha (donation min $10). Limited spaces; perfect for mates, families and thrill-seekers. Book online here or call 0800 947 873 to lock in a feel-good ride.

• 🍻 QYP Friday Drinks – 1876

  Wrap up the week with Queenstown Young Professionals at the sun‑drenched courtyard of bar 1876 on Friday 31 October, 5 pm – 7pm. Mix and mingle over drinks and complimentary nibbles with newcomers and locals alike. Whether you’re new to town or a long‑time resident, this laid‑back networking session is an easy way to expand your circle. Free for members and $10 for non-members.

• 🐶 Net‑walkies – McKenzie Coffee on Cow Lane

  Chat, sip and stroll with the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce. Bring your dog or just yourself and meet outside McKenzie Coffee at 9:55am on Tuesday 4 November. You’ll get a complimentary hot drink and a pleasant walk through the gardens while making new friends. It’s an easy way to get some fresh air and business inspiration.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🦆 Rotary Duck Race Returns

  Hundreds of rubber ducks will splash down the Village Green stream on Sunday 2 November as the annual Rotary Queenstown Duck Race races to raise funds for youth charities. Corporates can sponsor super ducks, while spectators cheer on the colourful entries vying for prizes for speed and creative costumes.

• 🎵 Young Musicians Rock Band Lab

  Turn Up the Music’s new Band Lab programme gives kids aged 10–13 the chance to form mini‑bands, choose songs and outfits and rehearse for nine weeks before performing live. Mentors Violet Hirst and Anna Dorsey say the programme boosts confidence, creativity and teamwork, proving that Queenstown’s next generation of rock stars is already on the way.

• 🌱 Industry Volunteers Plant 2,400 Native Trees

  More than 140 volunteers from Queenstown’s tourism industry rolled up their sleeves at Jardine Park, planting 2,400 native trees as part of a restoration programme supported by Love Queenstown and the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust. The community effort created habitat for native birds and brought people together to care for the land.

Appreciate you being here. Have an epic week in our backyard 🏔️