The biggest party of 2009 in Queenstown - lasting 10 days, including more than 50 events, attracting thousands of people and signalling the resort's official start to winter - has begun.
Last night, Prime Minister John Key opened the 35th Queenstown Winter Festival on a crisp, clear night, to the delight of the huge crowd.
Much of the on-stage banter at the opening ceremony involved Mr Key trying unsuccessfully to encourage jacketless MC Jeremy Corbett to take his shirt off on the cold night.
Mulled wine warmed the hands and stomachs of festival party-goers, with a phenomenal fireworks display causing the resort to almost come to a complete standstill.
Strike Percussion - billed as New Zealand's most exciting percussion group - took to the Earnslaw Park stage before the official opening, playing during the fireworks display.
Formed in 1993 and billed as a high-energy drumming group specialising in choreographed percussion, it certainly did not disappoint.
Christchurch-based Hot Funky Mamas got the party started shortly after 6pm, before the captains of the Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory football teams kicked two balls into the crowd.
The party continued long into the night, with many starting the American Express 2009 winter festival as they intend to continue it.
Today's festival action includes the annual Festival Parade through the streets of Queenstown, with Mountain Bikes on Snow at Coronet Peak from noon.
At 2.30pm, the Wellington Phoenix will play last year's Hyundai A League champions, the Melbourne Victory.
The Lindauer Diamond Masquerade Ball will be held at The Millennium tonight and the Southern Stampede ice hockey team will meet the Dunedin Thunder.
