Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

From sipping your way around town on the Urban Wine Walk to catching rising talent at Yonder, this week serves up something for every mood. Families can join Ranger Reads or explore creative workshops at Te Atamira, while film buffs head to Arrowtown for the RISE Fly Fishing Tour. Add in alpine vibes at Heidi’s Hut Angel Hour and a thoughtful Dying Matters session at the library. It’s a week of culture, connection, and a little indulgence.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🍷 Urban Wine Walk – Local Queenstown

  Sip your way through Queenstown as the streets become an urban cellar door on Saturday 30 August, 12pm – 4pm. For $82 you pick a starting venue then meander between participating bars to sample wines from seven local winemakers. Tickets include tastings, a food voucher and a wine voucher. A leisurely Saturday of sips and chats.

• 🎤 Khellsey‑Anna – No One Else Gets It Tour – Yonder

  Rising indie artist Khellsey‑Anna takes the stage at Yonder on Friday 29 August. Doors open 8pm and tickets start at $10 + booking fee (or $25 on the door). With her raw vocals and genre‑bending sound blending blues, alt‑rock and indie pop, expect an intimate, R18 gig filled with honest storytelling and fresh Kiwi music.

• 📚 Ranger Reads Storytime – Queenstown Library

  Celebrate Conservation Week with Ranger Reads on Monday 1 September, 10:30am – 11:30am. DOC rangers share nature‑inspired tales with preschoolers, encouraging them to care for the outdoors while sparking imaginations. Free entry, bookings are requested for this gentle, family‑friendly morning.

• 🎣 RISE Fly Fishing Film Tour – Dorothy Browns, Arrowtown

  The world’s best fly-fishing short films return for a one-night screening in Arrowtown’s boutique cinema. Expect remote rivers, big trout and gorgeous cinematography—angler or not, it’s a vibe. Friday 29 August, 6pm – 8:30pm. Seats are limited, so book your tickets early.

• 🎨 Cyanotype Jewellery Workshop – Te Atamira

  Create your own wearable taonga using the cyanotype printing process with artist Jasmine Horton this one-day workshop. All materials are supplied, so you’ll simply bring curiosity. Saturday 30 August, 10am – 1pm, $45. A beautifully creative, reflective morning where image-making meets tangible Māori storytelling and connection.

• 🥂 Heidi’s Hut Angel Hour — Coronet Peak

  Swap ski laps for alpine après as Heidi’s Hut teams up with Whispering Angel for a Euro-style afternoon on the deck. Expect DJ beats, rosé pours and mountain views that hit different. It all happens Saturday 30 August, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, free to join with food and drinks available to purchase.

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🏔️ General Picks

• 🌺 Polynesian Dance Workshop – Te Atamira

  Immerse yourself in Pacific culture at this free dance workshop on Friday 29 August, 6:30pm – 8pm. Expert instructors guide you through traditional Polynesian movements and explain their cultural significance. Open to all ages and skill levels, it’s an uplifting way to move, learn and connect.

• 📝 Dying Matters: Preparing Your Affairs – Queenstown Library

  Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn why wills and Enduring Power of Attorney matter with solicitors Madline Patterson & Annabelle Alloo, plus practical finance tips from Nilam Dayal (ASB). Moderated by Marie Wales (Queenstown Hospice). Tuesday 2 September, 12:30pm – 2pm. Free but RSVP.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 💰 Pak'nSave Donation Goes Above and Beyond

  Pak'nSave Queenstown owners Anthony and Michelle King donated $3000 worth of groceries to KiwiHarvest, including a one-and-a-half-tonne consignment of canned goods, pasta, and fresh produce. The generous donation went "above and beyond" usual collections, supporting 17 local charities during a time when they're helping record numbers of people in need.

• 🏆 Amisfield Crowned New Zealand's Restaurant of the Year

  Queenstown's Amisfield restaurant has been crowned New Zealand's restaurant of the year at the prestigious Good Food Awards. Located near Lake Hayes, the organic vineyard and restaurant earned the coveted 'three hats' rating among over 300 establishments. This follows their earlier recognition as third best restaurant in the world by a US culinary magazine.

• 📖 Arrowtown Artist Publishes Heartwarming Children's Book

  Arrowtown artist Jenny Mehrtens turned a birthday gift for her three-year-old grandson into a published children's book. "William and Rosa Go For a Walk" features watercolour illustrations of things he loves during Arrowtown visits. After positive Instagram feedback, she self-published the heartwarming tale, complete with fabric cover and gold leaf details.

Get out there and make the most of this exciting week! 🏞️