Traffic stops for lunch

Arrowtown Long Lunch diners (from left) Josie Cederman and Joanne Phelan, both of Queenstown, with Hayley Stevenson, Alma Stevenson, Tessa Stevenson and Julie Hughes, all of Arrowtown, plus Fiona McNaughton and Katrina Roberts, both of Queenstown, between courses of the inaugural fundraising function attended by 250 Wakatipu residents on Buckingham St yesterday. Photo by James Beech.

About 250 residents took back Buckingham St and sat down at a row of tables for the debut Arrowtown Long Lunch function.

Hosted by Queenstown Event Management, staff from 13 restaurants and cafes served al fresco their finest cuisine while the Queenstown Ukulele Orchestra and random buskers entertained.

Patrons booked their seats in the sunshine for $20 to $65 per person. Friends, family, neighbours and colleagues on their Christmas party all gave their enthusiastic approval for the event.

Queenstown Event Management general manager Malcolm Blakey said yesterday he was inspired to launch the lunch in Arrowtown after observing a similar successful function in Noosa.

"I thought it would be the perfect event to hold on the historic street," he said.

"Feedback's been really good. The restaurants all came on board and made it a great event."

All profits from sponsor Chard Farm's wine sales were given to the Queenstown Trails Trust for its work on the tracks in and around the village. An estimated $3000-$5000 was raised. The Arrowtown Long Lunch was set to return at around the same date next year, Mr Blakey said.