Relief as 'Spirit' is lowered into lake
The wind picked up and Sir Clifford Skeggs nervously remarked ''we should have another boat here'' to help shelter the airborne catamaran.
Christina McDonald
Wealth of theatre talent in town
Wealth of theatre talent in town
In a community of about 30,000 permanent residents how and why does Queenstown support multiple theatre companies which can produce productions rivalling those in New Zealand's main centres?
2015 start for centre possible
2015 start for centre possible
If all went to plan, work on the foundations for the proposed Queenstown convention centre could begin at the start of 2015, Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Adam Feeley said yesterday.
Freedom camping proposed
Freedom camping proposed
The idea of a cafe on reserve land near the Lake Hayes Pavilion is opposed by the Lake County A&P Society, but the previously contentious issue of freedom camping is now a favoured option for the area.
Win, loss at home for Stampede
Win, loss at home for Stampede
A strong win on Friday night had Southern Stampede fans believing the home team might just have its cake and eat it, too.
$50m centre for resort?
$50m centre for resort?
A $50 million convention centre for Queenstown was a step closer yesterday with councillors giving unanimous support for the proposal to go to public consultation..
Temporary work visa numbers fall
Temporary work visa numbers fall
There has been a ''year-on-year drop'' in the number of temporary work visas considered in Queenstown and the decline is attributed to the poor ski season in 2011 and staff shortages in the resort's small immigration office.
No frills on transtasman voyage
No frills on transtasman voyage
Delivering a multimillion-dollar catamaran across the Tasman will be anything but a luxury journey for the four-man crew.
Stampede can make finals: Glass
Stampede can make finals: Glass
Much-needed points were lost in Auckland on Saturday night but Southern Stampede captain Simon Glass is confident his team can still make the finals of the 2013 New Zealand Ice Hockey League.
Smith has no fears about new business
Smith has no fears about new business
For some tourists, a new Queenstown attraction is competing with the likes of skiing for the highlight of their winter trip to the resort - and rather than ear-to-ear smiles the souvenir photos reveal people showing their enjoyment with terrified expressions.
Green gecko not in a rush
Green gecko not in a rush
The Kiwi Birdlife Park's pregnant Auckland green gecko is bulging at her green seams, but having the ability to adjust her gestation according to climatic conditions means it is likely she considers it too cold to let her twins see the world yet.
Drivers get 20kmh lesson
Drivers get 20kmh lesson
The school holidays have been a time of learning for motorists, who are being educated about the correct speed when driving past a school bus, and when school starts again next week there should be no excuses for not knowing the rules.
Winter Games influx begins
Winter Games influx begins
Athletes have arrived for the Winter Games New Zealand and more are expected in the next week.
'Huge' market for stem cell therapy, proponents say
'Huge' market for stem cell therapy, proponents say
Medical tourism is coming to Queenstown, when a stem cell therapy centre begins operating by the start of next year.
Convention centre session rowdy
Convention centre session rowdy
Buoyant applause was countered by ''boos'' in the Queenstown Memorial Centre yesterday, ending a fiery public question-and-answer session on the proposed $50 million convention centre for the resort.
Big cat's long and winding road to new home
Big cat's long and winding road to new home
Even with a huge truck, 16 men and perfect conditions, Spirit of Queenstown did not quite make it from Bluff to Kingston yesterday.
Family escape after van rolls 40m
Family escape after van rolls 40m
A family of four from Hong Kong were lucky their rental van did not roll further than 40m down a gully after it came off the Remarkables access road yesterday, and rolled ''several times'', ripping a door off.
Many having their say
Many having their say
With 429 submissions received on the proposed Queenstown convention centre, Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden said she was ''very encouraged'' about the level of public participation.
Cr Perkins pleased but puzzled
Cr Perkins pleased but puzzled
Arrowtown's newly re-elected second-term councillor Lex Perkins is ''more than grateful'' to again represent the village, but says the lack of opposition is ''one of those awkward situations''.
Systems ready at live music venue
Systems ready at live music venue
At least eight months after popular nightclub Subculture's mysterious demise, a new venture will open within the next week in the underground Church St venue.