NZ takes meetings offshore

NZ takes meetings offshore
By Hannah Edensor


Queenstown and Fiordland are hot on the corporate bucket lists, and with good reason too.

South Island tourism company Southern Discoveries offers groups a unique experience in both destinations, operating as a family-owned business for more than 50 years, and recently venturing further into the MICE market.

Guests are now being invited to rediscover Queenstown both on and off the water with a range of experiences covering all aspects of corporate, conference and incentive travel.

Southern Discoveries’ newest addition, Spirit of Queenstown, is a floating venue, cruising across Lake Wakatipu and doubling up as a transfer option to Mt Nicholas station on the western shores.

Spirit of Queenstown is the area’s most versatile venue for every event, with the added flexibility of being able to explore anywhere on the lake.

As a standalone venue, the state-of-the-art vessel caters for off-site event options from breakfast meetings or sunset cruises with cocktails and canapés, to wine master-classes or product launches – all with the stunning backdrop of the Remarkables Mountains and alpine scenery.

A birdseye view of the Spirit of Queenstown_media

With capacity to carry up to 120 passengers, the vessel has an enclosed interior area with options to add some zest with a fun theme, as well as offering on-board entertainment. Theatre-style seating that can be removed with ease for various layouts, with an open top deck to boot.

A cruise can be also combined with a slice of the country life, as Spirit of Queenstown can transfer guests across the lake to Mt Nicholas High Country Farm.

Stepping off the boat onto the wharf, guests head into The Woolshed, a venue catering for up to 150 guests, which can be transformed into a themed location with theatre or dining experience.

Team building packages can be arranged for indoor and outdoor activities such as games, orienteering, sheep drafting, 4WD trips, fly fishing, target shooting and more.

Southern Discoveries also operates Queenstown Discovery offering day and charter cruises for up to 25 people, enabling smaller groups to experience Lake Wakatipu up close.

Often referred to as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is a unique location to host an extra special event.

Spirit of Milford carries over 200 passengers, while Milford Discovery is an intimate vessel for small groups of up to 10, and the flagship vessel Pride of Milford is currently undergoing refurbishment to include a VIP lounge catering for up to 50 guests.

Conference and incentive sales manager Kayleigh Moriarty said it was important to offer ‘stand-out’ locations in the growing and competitive MICE market.

“With such a range of options for events, meetings and conferences, we’re certain that we can offer something different while matching client criteria perfectly,” she said.

“What sets us apart is the stunning settings and unique venues that make events one to remember.”

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