Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, draws over 2.2 million visitors each year – and it’s easy to see why! Renowned as the adventure capital of New Zealand, it also boasts world-class venues, stunning scenery, and easy access for international and domestic travellers, making it an exceptional destination for conferences and group events.

Our Groups & Events Manager recently had the distinct privilege of exploring Queenstown in partnership with Destination Queenstown, exploring the region and learning about all of the opportunities that the area has to offer for businesses looking to host a Conference or Event in 2025. Whether you’re looking to host a small Incentive Trip or a major Conference, learn the best places to host and the best things to do on your next trip to Queenstown!

Best Queenstown Conference Venues

Anyone in business knows that the right venue can make or break a conference – and luckily for Queenstown, they’re home to some of the best and most idyllic Conference and Event venues in the world.

Offering up modern and flexible venue options close to transport, accommodation and dining opportunities, Queenstown venues offer the perfect place to mix and mingle against the backdrop of Cecil Peak, with ample places to dine and play in between meetings and core activities. If you’re looking to host in Queenstown in 2025 and beyond, here are our top recommended venues:

Crowne Plaza Queenstown

Crowne Plaza Queenstown is the ideal spot for conferences, offering flexible spaces with natural light, top-notch AV gear, and an expert events team to handle all the details. Right in the heart of Queenstown, it’s perfect for mixing business with adventure, with stunning lake views and everything the town has to offer just steps away.

Holiday Inn Remarkables Park

Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park is a fresh and modern venue, perfect for conferences and events. With flexible meeting spaces, cutting-edge tech, and a dedicated team to support your event, it’s got everything covered. Plus, it’s just minutes from the airport and offers easy access to Queenstown’s incredible scenery and activities.

Heritage Hotels Queenstown

Heritage Queenstown combines elegant alpine charm with top-tier conference facilities, making it a standout choice for events. Its versatile venues feature natural light and stunning lake or forest views, all supported by expert event planning services. After work wraps up, guests can enjoy the tranquil setting or dive into Queenstown’s adventure-packed activities nearby.

Top Things to Do in Queenstown

Beyond a conference location, Queenstown also offers a huge array of indoor and outdoor activities for delegates to enjoy before, during or after conference sessions. Whether you want to try a cooking class, get an adrenaline rush or enjoy the fresh air, here are some of our favourite activities from our visit to Queenstown:

Kjet Queenstown

KJet Queenstown is perfect for adding a splash of excitement to your conference agenda, offering delegates a chance to experience the thrill of high-speed jet boating on Queenstown’s stunning lakes and rivers. With 60 minutes of exhilarating twists, spins, and breathtaking scenery, it’s a memorable way to break up business sessions or reward your team.

They also offer exclusive airport to hotel water transfers for those looking to make a slightly more unique start to the holiday – the perfect way for delegates to start their experience of Queenstown!

Altitude Tours

Altitude Tours NZ specialises in creating unforgettable small-group experiences, making them an excellent choice for conference organisers seeking standout activities for delegates. Their range of premium tours includes wine-tasting adventures through the renowned Gibbston Valley, scenic escapes to Milford Sound, and exclusive journeys to hidden local gems.

With luxury transport, expert guides, and customisable itineraries, Altitude Tours ensures a seamless experience that perfectly balances relaxation and adventure.

HeliWorks Queenstown

HeliWorks Queenstown provides world-class helicopter experiences over Queenstown’s iconic landscapes, including the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Fiordland National Park. Ensuring seamless coordination, top-tier service quality and unforgettable experiences, HeliWorks delivers an unforgettable slice of Queenstown’s beauty.

Want something extra special? HeliWorks offers alpine landings, glacier experiences, and private charters tailored to your group’s needs!

Nomad Safaris

Nomad Safaris offers a range of unforgettable off-road adventures that are perfect for conference delegates looking to explore Queenstown in a unique way. Their tours take visitors to stunning, remote locations, including iconic Lord of the Rings filming sites, hidden gems in the rugged backcountry, and scenic wilderness areas. With a choice of 4WD safaris and private group tours, Nomad Safaris offers tailored experiences that combine adrenaline-pumping action with breathtaking landscapes.

Whether it’s a thrilling team-building activity, a guided exploration of Queenstown’s natural beauty, or a movie-themed adventure, Nomad Safaris guarantees a memorable and engaging experience for your delegates.

AJ Hackett Bungy Queenstown

AJ Hackett Bungy Queenstown offers a range of heart-pumping activities that are ideal for conference delegates seeking a bold and memorable experience. As the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, AJ Hackett provides several options, including the iconic Kawarau Bridge bungy – a 43-meter plunge into the river below – and the higher 134-meter Nevis Bungy for the ultimate thrill.

For groups, they offer tailored packages that can include team challenges, tandem jumps, and a range of fun and exciting experiences that encourage bonding and push personal limits.

Best Restaurants in Queenstown

No successful conference is complete without exceptional fare to go along with it, and when it comes to the food front, Queenstown certainly delivers. Queenstown offers a diverse range of dining options that are perfect for conference groups looking to enjoy a memorable meal together. From upscale restaurants with stunning lake views to relaxed venues ideal for casual group dinners, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion. Our team recently got to visit a handful of these restaurants to try their dishes – check out some of our favourites!

The Grille

The Grille Queenstown, located right on the waterfront, is a great spot for large groups looking for a relaxed yet tasty dining experience. Their menu features a mix of classic Kiwi favourites, including juicy steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty seasonal dishes, all made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant space itself has room for up to 130 guests, while they also offer a private dining room for up to 12 guests to dine in comfort for smaller, more intimate functions.

Ayrburn

Ayrburn is a stylish, contemporary multi-venue dining precinct located just outside Queenstown, set in the picturesque Gibbston Valley. Known for its seasonal menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Ayrburn offers a delicious mix of creative dishes, including standout options like venison, lamb, and fresh seafood. They also cater to groups, providing a welcoming space for events with tailored menus to suit large parties, making it a perfect choice for conference delegates seeking a memorable dining experience in a scenic setting.

Kinross Winery

Kinross Winery, located in the stunning Gibbston Valley, offers a fantastic blend of wine-tasting experiences and delicious food in a picturesque setting. Their menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients with a focus on local produce, and they offer a range of tasting platters perfect for group gatherings. Ideal for conference delegates, Kinross provides a unique opportunity to combine wine tasting, gourmet food, and stunning vineyard views in one memorable experience.

Why Attend Queenstown for your Next Conference?

Queenstown is well-loved for its mixture of world-class venues, breathtaking scenery, and exciting experiences, all of this translating into one spectacular city to host your next Conference, Incentive Trip or Event.

More than just a sleepy ski town, Queenstown’s modern accommodation options, world-class dining and extensive array of unique and thrilling experiences mean it’s an unforgettable location for any Event.

Our team is available now to discuss your next Queenstown Conference – get in touch via groups@pulsetravel.com.au to learn more.