Gibbston rocks out for final time
More than 14,000 people danced in the sunshine for the last Summer Concert at Gibbston Valley Winery on Saturday.
The concert has become one of Queenstown's biggest annual days out over the past 15 years but it's now on the move as the winery looks to develop the property.
Cold Chisel, ICEHOUSE, Bic Runga and Everclear took the stage to rock the winery for the final gig, with warm-up support from Cromwell College band five-piece Mistep.
"Today's Queenstown Summer Concert served up an epic line-up of truly exceptional artists across different genres resulting in a magnificent day of entertainment," Amanda Calvert, CEO of Greenstone Entertainment, says.
"We are so thrilled to close out our partnership with Gibbston Valley Winery on such a high."
US rock band Everclear were the first headline act to take to the stage. Fronted by Art Alexakis, they played popular 90s classics including Santa Monica, Father of Mine and Everything To Everyone.
Bic Runga was next up, providing a change of tempo and lighting up the stage with Drive, Sway and Something Good. She was followed by ICEHOUSE, led by singer and creative force Iva Davies, performing hit songs Great Southern Land, Hey Little Girl, Electric Blue and We Can Get.
And then it was time for Australian rock royalty Cold Chisel, who delivered a blistering performance fresh from their 23-date sell-out 50th anniversary tour, with a set that spanned their entire song catalogue, including their massive hits Flame Trees, Khe Sanh and Bow River.
The 2025 Summer Concert tour now moves on to Taupo on Saturday, 25 January, followed by Whitianga on Sunday, 26 January, as Greenstone Entertainment continues the search for a new Queenstown venue, with Gibbston Winery no longer available for concert events of this scale.
"Greenstone Entertainment are currently working with Queenstown council as well as private individuals with view to securing a new, suitable location for what is a undoubtedly the highlight of the summer events calendar as well as generating significant business and income for the region as a whole," Calvert says.
