Sustainable Venues, Scenic Views, and Exceptional Hospitality
If you’re planning a conference, or business event and considering the South Island, here’s why Queenstown should be at the top of your list.
In May 2025, Tess Frampton, Managing Director of Lime Events, travelled to Queenstown for a hosted famil with the Queenstown Convention Bureau. Over four days, Tess met with more than 48 suppliers, experienced a range of venues and activities, and discovered why Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s leading destinations for business events and conferences.
A Warm Queenstown Welcome
The famil started with a mihi whakatau (Māori welcome) at Bob’s Cove and a peaceful native bush walk, offering a meaningful introduction to the region. This focus on culture, connection, and care for the environment set the tone for what makes Queenstown more than just a pretty place – it’s a destination with purpose.
Meeting 48+ Business Event Suppliers
One of the biggest highlights was a speed-dating-style tradeshow at Winehouse, where Tess met with over 48 Queenstown event suppliers. From conference venues and luxury accommodation to team-building activities and transport providers, the diversity and quality of the offering was impressive.
These face-to-face meetings provided great insights into how Queenstown’s operators work together to deliver seamless, high-quality experiences for event organisers.
Queenstown is Leading the Way in Sustainable Events
A consistent message throughout the famil was Queenstown’s bold goal to become a carbon zero visitor economy by 2030. Sustainability isn’t a side note – it’s front and centre.
From electric transport options and eco-conscious venues like Royalburn Station, to tourism businesses actively involved in regenerative tourism initiatives, Queenstown is walking the talk. If you’re looking for sustainable event destinations in New Zealand, this region is setting the benchmark.
Incentives, Experiences and Scenic Wow Moments
There’s no shortage of unforgettable moments when planning a business event in Queenstown. On this famil, Tess experienced:
A scenic flight over the Southern Alps
A conservation safari and native planting with Ridgeline Wānaka
A gin-making workshop at Cargo Brew Hall
E-bike riding from Arrowtown to Kawarau Bungy
Incredible meals at venues like The Grille by Eichardt’s and Ayrburn
These kinds of experiences make Queenstown ideal for incentive programmes, team offsites, or multi-day conferences with built-in social activities.
Unique Team-Building Experiences in Queenstown
One of the more unexpected highlights of the famil was a team-building session at River’s Edge, hosted by motivational speaker Paul Nicholson. Paul led a powerful workshop that pushed us out of our comfort zones - quite literally. In a moment none of us will forget, we each overcame fear and self-doubt by snapping a wooden arrow using only the soft part of our necks. Yes, really!
Paul offers bespoke workshops and motivational sessions perfect for corporate groups, leadership teams, or conference breakout sessions.
Queenstown is Perfect for Purpose-Led Events
For Lime Events, Queenstown ticks all the boxes: world-class infrastructure, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep commitment to sustainability. It’s a region that aligns with our values - helping our clients deliver strategy-driven, purposeful events that also leave a lighter footprint.
