Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

There’s a real spring in Queenstown’s step this week, with big flavour, bold art and a heap of community fun. From tattoo flash days and cocktail classes to immersive dining, urban art, ice skating and live music in Arrowtown, the town is overflowing with one-off moments worth catching. Set your pace and dive into whatever lights you up.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🐶 Santa Paws Day Out – Remarkables Park Town Centre

  Bring your dog (or two!) to Hawthorne Drive on Saturday 13 December between 10am and 2pm. There will be live music, crafts and Mr Whippy, and Santa will roam for photo opportunities. Free tickets include a chance to buy $2 “Puppaccinos” with proceeds supporting SPCA. It’s a heart‑warming afternoon for fur‑families, and donations are welcome but not required.

• ✒️ Flash Day – Ōtautahi Tattoo Queenstown

  On Saturday 13 December from 10am to 5pm, Ōtautahi Tattoo hosts its annual flash‑day featuring eight artists and a wall of one‑off designs. Pieces range from $80 – $450, and once a design is taken it’s gone. It’s cash‑only and walk‑ins, so arrive early to score a unique tattoo and kick‑off summer with fresh ink.

• 🍸 Cocktail Workshop Launch – Cargo Collective Frankton

  Cargo Collective unveils its hands‑on cocktail workshop on Saturday 13 December with hourly sessions at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. For $35, participants receive a welcome bubbles, then shake and stir two signature drinks while learning pro‑mixology tips. Spaces are limited, so book early to craft your own tipples and toast the weekend with friends.

• 🍽️ Le Petit Chef – Crowne Plaza Queenstown

  Transport yourself to a magical dinner experience as the world’s smallest chef takes over the tables at Crowne Plaza Queenstown. Projection-mapped 3D visuals, theatrical cooking and fine dining combine for an immersive culinary journey. The show runs from 3 December 2025 to 30 April 2026. Booking dates and times vary. Prices are $190 pp for the Grand Menu, or $160 pp for Classic or Vegetarian Menus; children aged 6–12 are $80

• 🥂 The Rees Culinary Series – French Edition – The Rees Hotel

  The Rees Hotel’s grand finale pairs Billecart‑Salmon Champagnes and Bordeaux wines on Friday 12 December from 6:30pm with Chef Trent Watson’s decadent menu. Hosted by Puneet Dhall, this exclusive dinner offers six courses with matching wines for $432.50 and promises refined flavours and festive flair.

🏔️ Local and Sponsored Picks

• ⛸️ World Ice Skating Day – Queenstown Ice Arena

  Celebrate on Sunday 14 December from midday until about 5pm at the Queenstown Ice Arena. A snow machine will run every 30 minutes and families can take snowy photos, sip hot chocolate or craft beer, and watch the kids skate. Book online to secure your spot and enjoy a winter wonderland right in the heart of summer.

• 🎨 From The Streets To The Peaks - The Arts Hole Urban Gallery

  Don’t miss the final days to catch this vibrant celebration of urban art right in the heart of Queenstown. This free exhibition runs daily until its final day on Sunday, 14 December. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see how street art culture has been brought to the mountains, offering a different kind of visual inspiration.

• 🧵 Crafternoon Social – TIKKI Studio

  Join the friendly makers of TIKKI Studio for a monthly Crafternoon Social on Saturday 13 December from 1pm to 4pm. Bring your own sewing or craft project and some snacks, share tips and stories, and enjoy a tea‑and‑coffee‑fuelled afternoon. Contributions start at $10 to cover space and onsite instruction. It’s a relaxing way to make, mend and meet new friends.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🚧 Infrastructure Upgrade for Frankton Track

  Work begins in January on a new wastewater pipeline between Queenstown and Frankton. Though sections of Frankton Track will close, the project will significantly improve network resilience and boost future capacity. When completed, the trail will feature native plantings, new seating overlooking Lake Whakatipu and better way‑finding signage, and the work is now expected to finish six months earlier than first planned

• 🌳 Libraries Launch Forest Quest Summer Reading Challenge

  Queenstown Lakes Libraries has kicked off its annual Summer Reading Challenge, a wonderful free program designed to keep kids reading over the holidays. In partnership with the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Te Kākano, this year's "Forest Quest" theme combines literacy with local environmental education, offering prizes like a kōwhai seedling kit and a specially designed card game featuring our district's native plants.

Cheers for hanging with us. Have an epic week out there 🙌