Feeding the Quenstown Winter Festival

The 10-day Queenstown Winter Festival extravaganza kicks off today with 45,000 people celebrating the arrival of the snow. This year marks the 42nd year of festival which has grown leaps and bounds since the first mountain race and show in 1975. This year visitors will celebrate with street parties, fireworks, and many international and local acts.

A host of Queenstown’s top restaurants will keep the crowds well fed and watered with hearty Winter meals and big mugs of mulled wine. From four-course feasts to a quick bite at the bar we’ve got the skinny on the best eats all festival long.

Christmas Feasts

Francophone foodies will delight at the special festival meal menu from True South at The Rees on Saturday June 25th. Starting at 6:30pm, the $150 meal features Tattinger champagne followed by 4 French Christmas courses with wine pairings including White Burgundy, Red Bordeaux, and Sautemes.

On Thursday June 30th Wakatipu Grill are hosting a wine-matching dinner featuring Vasse Felix wines and a special menu created for the festival for $85 per head. 

Live Entertainment

Brecon Street Merchant have an exciting programme of Apres Ski live gigs featuring Pear of Pommes from 5-7pm on both Friday 24th June and Friday 1st July. On Saturday 25th June Becs & Bardie play at the later time of 8-11pm. 

Sharing is Caring

Couples will love the spread Farellis put on this festival with their $64 special for two. A slow braised whole Cecil Peak Lamb Shoulder is served with olives, capers, garlic & tomato, fresh ciabatta, mixed green salad, and salsa verde.

Casual Dining

Straight off the mountain and in need some heartwarming comfort food? Head to Bella Cucina for a wood-fired pizza made from scratch the old fashioned way or Wild Ginger for their famous peking duck. Visitors to the Community Carnival on 3rd July should try Lombardi’s stall for their famous Lasagna, a signature Queenstown dish for the last 18 years.

Dinner, a show, and a snow

If you’re heading American Express Comedy Debate at Queenstown Events Centre this Saturday check out the "Come dine with us" feed at El Gaucho beforehand. The restaurant is walking distance to the venue and has ample parking. Or after a day of skiing and snowboarding at Remarkables Ski Field pop in for a special $10 El Gaucho Draught with a Chorizo Roll.

Fish & Chips

Throughout the festival Finz are running two early specials on fish & chips from 5-6pm. Diners can choose from Silver Trumpeter for $21 or Blue cod for $25, both served with house wine or beer.  For takeaway, a 2-piece Blue Cod fish & chips is just $15 from 5-7pm.

Bands, Beers & Burgers

Public Bar & Kitchen have live music every Sunday from 2-5pm featuring Paul Shipman and Cole, Dom Hazzell, Pol and Fiona and Chad and Shay. They have a $14 Bevvie’n'Burger special running throughout the festival including a chicken, beef, or pork belly burger served with house wine or beer.

Dessert by the Fire

Sasso have 2 new winter desserts for the festival. A saffron canoli is filled with ricotta cream & citrus and served with pistachios & coconut ice cream. Or try the dark chocolate fondant with a white chocolate centre served with vanilla ice cream & cinnamon shortbread. Sasso have a roaring fire every night and also provide blankets and gas heaters if you’d like to sit outside and sip mulled wine.

Making Nightmoves

Upstairs at The Bunker DJs kick off every night at 10pm. Head down tonight for DJ Stevie G and tomorrow for Murry Sweetpants from Auckland. This Saturday DJ KIer presents Electrosing Shakedown and Sun 26th Bunker presents DJ Jack Liffen. The following week kicks off on Weds 29th with funky house from DJ Ribera, DJ Stevie G on Thurs 30th, DJ Sinclair on Fri 1st July and DJ Cuz closing the party on Saturday 2nd July.

American Express Queenstown Winter Festival

WINTER STARTS HERE! From 24 June – 3 July 2016 the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival celebrates the start of winter like only Queenstown can, with street parties, music, comedy, family fun and madness up the mountain. For events and information visit www.winterfestival.co.nz.