Latest News

Queenstown’s Frankton Road will exceed 10 million vehicle trips for the first time in 2025, making it one of New Zealand’s busiest single-carriageway roads. Resolving the district’s transport issues has been studied in multiple business cases spanning the past decade, during which time traffic volumes on arterial roads around Queenstown have approximately doubled.

Local brewery The Cargo Collective is set to put a refreshing spin on Queenstown’s summer with the launch of Cargo Eco Mode 3.5 % AVB – a bespoke trail ale crafted in support of the Queenstown Trails.

After thousands of rides (and treats) in cities including Auckland and Wellington, Uber Pet is officially launching nationwide - just in time for the busy holiday season, when Kiwis (and their four-legged friends) are out and about more than ever.

Alpine safety rescuers and experts are urging hikers heading into the backcountry, especially overseas visitors unfamiliar with the area, not to rely on social media for “realistic information” about the conditions and skill level required.

Leading Central Otago law firm Todd Walker (formerly TODD & WALKER Law) is proud to announce the launch of its refreshed brand identity, unveiling a new name, visual style and website that embody the firm’s continued evolution and commitment to clarity, connection and trusted legal expertise.

Two young Australian men in their early 20s off on a mission to climb Mount Aspiring (3033m) had to be rescued by helicopter just across from the Bonar Glacier on their journey in after suffering from severe exhaustion.

A visiting Australian father and son, stranded high on the Wye Creek Track overnight in just underwear after stripping to cross a badly swollen river, were finally rescued by helicopter about 8am last Thursday morning, (27 November).

Police netted 16 drink drivers in the Wakatipu area alone in a week (19 – 25 November) – 12 of the 22 nabbed in a mass, joint Queenstown Lakes-Central Otago Police Checkpoint operation stopped around Queenstown – the highest level allegedly blowing 928mcg.

A large section of Frankton Track will be closed for the majority of 2026 when work begins in January on a new wastewater pipeline between Queenstown and Frankton. The completed work will result in a larger, more effective wastewater system and boost capacity in the area.

A 19-year-old German tourist has been charged with careless driving causing injury, and his 18-year-old German passenger is still in a critical condition in Dunedin Hospital after their vehicle smashed into a tree on the Glenorchy-Paradise Road at 9.20am on Saturday (22 November), Police say.

Health New Zealand says shifting appointments out of major hospitals and into communities could spare Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes residents as many as 40,000 road trips a year.

Queenstown Lakes Libraries is inviting young readers to join this year’s Summer Reading Challenge: Forest Quest. The nature-inspired theme aims to encourage children to read over the summer holiday period and features prizes for every five books read.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has received two abatement notices from Otago Regional Council (ORC) in relation to recently communicated performance challenges at the Project Pure Wastewater Treatment Plant in Wānaka.

A 34-year-old Taiwanese tourist, who ploughed head on into a local family near Roaring Meg on Sunday, 15 November, seriously injuring a Queenstown woman, was driving for the first time on New Zealand’s open roads, Police say.

A Queenstown high school volleyball team is recovering from a crash last night that left a dozen people injured in Invercargill.

Ute flips, crashes into parked Jeep at Lake Hayes Estate - Occupants flee Police are working to identify the driver and three passengers of a Nissan ute that flipped onto its roof allegedly colliding with a parked Jeep, which then careered into a parked Volvo at Lake Hayes Estate at 12.20am on Saturday, 15 November.

Hato Hone St John has marked 140 years of service to Aotearoa New Zealand with one of its busiest years yet, supporting more than one million people and delivering faster, safer emergency care amid rising demand.

Rātā, one of Tāhuna Queenstown’s most well-loved restaurants, has refreshed its dining room – marking a new chapter for the legacy dining destination.

Air New Zealand is set to make it even easier for Kiwis to swap snow for sand and enjoy some Queensland sunshine, today announcing a new non-stop seasonal service between Queenstown and Brisbane.

A local hobby goldminer in his 30s was airlifted to hospital by the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter late on Sunday afternoon (9 November), after suffering a seizure late morning while panning up Twelve Mile Creek on the Mount Crichton Loop Track.