Queenstown Airport

[Chucksta]

Has anyone flowin in directly to Queenstown from Aus?

I'm thinking of taking a direct flight from MEL or SYD during August.

I have been there before and remember that there is no QC. If i use my pts to upgrade, do you think there will be a biz lounge for QF flights???

thanks

Chucksta

 

[serfty]

I have flown to ZQN before but not directly from Oz.

AFAIK, there is no QP, nor a Biz lounge for QF J PAX. (There is a Koru Club)

 

[grey goose]

yea there is no biz lounge,

Also be carefull as many flights at this time of year a rerouted as the airport is line of sight landings only....

 

[littl_flier]

Also be carefull as many flights at this time of year a rerouted as the airport is line of sight landings only....

Had this experience a couple of times myself. Last year, I was on the last flight (arrived at 11am) before the rest of the day was diverted to Invercargill, a four hour bus drive. :shock: Come ski season, it does become a problem.

As mentioned, there is no lounge but there are some reasonable food outlets to realx in. Don't expect to much though.

 

[turbo]

... Last year, I was on the last flight (arrived at 11am) before the rest of the day was diverted to Invercargill, a four hour bus drive. :shock: Come ski season, it does become a problem.

As mentioned, there is no lounge but there are some reasonable food outlets to realx in. Don't expect to much though.

Great! I am flying SYD-ZQN in a fortnights time (if some decent snow falls!) for a weeks skiing. Whole reason i chose this option was to avoid the 6 1/2 hour drive from Christchurch. Lets just hope the weather is fine. (and we get a dump shortly thereafter). Chucksta, will let you know how it goes.

 

[Mal]

Pretty quiet airport, outside of town and not really close to anything.

No lounge access unless you are able to access the Koru Club. I doubt Qantas would pay Air NZ to let their J pax hide out in the Koru Club, but it is possible.

I spent about 3 hours there a few years ago. About as exciting as the time I spent at Rotorua Airport, and similar to such airports in Australia as Newcastle and Bundaberg.

Try and get to the airport as late as possible!

 

[Josh]

I Flew MEL-SYD-ZQN, ZQN-AKL-MEL last year in the ski season for the same reason as you, turbo - because i didn't want to drive from CHC

From what I remember, it was fairly cloudy on the day we arrived (i don't remember seeing much out the window besides the odd mountain). But they managed to land there anyway. Hopefully you'll have some luck!
(Tip - avoid skiiing at Coronet Peak. Treble Cone is MUCH better )

Josh

 

[grey goose]

yea treble cone and cadrona are far better ski fields than coronet peak.

Hope there is some snow for you, had a look at the snow reports yesterday and it doesn't look very promising. Nsw ski fields however, look like they will have a great season.

ps. The drive from christchurch is only about 5 hours, have done it on over 30 occasions, very pleasant too.

 

[turbo]

I Flew MEL-SYD-ZQN, ZQN-AKL-MEL last year in the ski season for the same reason as you, turbo - because i didn't want to drive from CHC

From what I remember, it was fairly cloudy on the day we arrived (i don't remember seeing much out the window besides the odd mountain). But they managed to land there anyway. Hopefully you'll have some luck!
(Tip - avoid skiiing at Coronet Peak. Treble Cone is MUCH better )

Josh

Cheers, Josh. I am doing almost same run as that. MEL-SYD-ZQN, ZQN-AKL-SYD-CBR-MEL. obviously a popular route judging by how much the price has increases, both before and after we bought our tkts. Dec last year was $540 return, last i checked it was about $1800. Cheers for the advice on TC, will give it a look.

 

[serfty]

Here's a good link to check NZ weather with: www.weather.co.nz

¤ for Skiing ... New Zealand Ski Field Reports Map

¤ for predicted rain/snow ... Model Based Rain Forecast - 3 Days

 

[littl_flier]

(Tip - avoid skiiing at Coronet Peak. Treble Cone is MUCH better )

If not willing to venture as far at TC, the Remarks (providing the big mountain and lift is open) has some quite good terrain with some chance for soft powder for beginners, intermediates and on the big mountain some pretty cool runs for those more experienced. It's a little closer than TC and has the huge benefit that its in the sun most of the day, unlike Coro which gets incredibly cold.

Whole reason i chose this option was to avoid the 6 1/2 hour drive from Christchurch.

98% chance and you'll be fine. Its much easier than flying into Christchurch and driving, particularly if time is of the essence. As the 50 minute flight from CHC is abosultely spectacular.

Enjoy the trip and make sure you check out the nightlife in ZQN. It caters for all age groups and there are some great bars and cafe's. If you have some spare time, I also recomend a package at ~NZD$200 which includes the Shotover, amazing helicopter to top of the cable car mountain above ZQN (can't remember name), Luge and cable car down. The helicopter is awesome and make sure you try and sit in the left hand side of the Shotover. Its the closest to the cliffs giving a hair raising experience.

Enjoy the trip! So envious right now.

 

[turbo]

Cheers for all the advice guys. Some very knowledgeable people out there. Yeah very keen for the trip, first time over there so hopefully all goes well. will have a go at a trip report when i return.

 

[bravoecho1]

QF has solved a lot of the problems with landing at airports like ZQN with the introduction of the HUD and RNP systems on the 73's. This allows them to make CATIII landings which at ZQN would be quite a site.

Last I heard there were only 29 QF captains endorsed to do such approaches into ZQN.

 

[BlacKnox]

Enjoy the trip and make sure you check out the nightlife in ZQN. It caters for all age groups and there are some great bars and cafe's. If you have some spare time, I also recomend a package at ~NZD$200 which includes the Shotover, amazing helicopter to top of the cable car mountain above ZQN (can't remember name), Luge and cable car down. The helicopter is awesome and make sure you try and sit in the left hand side of the Shotover. Its the closest to the cliffs giving a hair raising experience...

Don't forget the Nevis Bungy (weather/ season permitting) if you're into hair raising experiences. In contrast the wine tour is a relaxing way to see the area. Do forget the ice bar; you can sit outside on the boardwalk in the cold with some wine/ beer and save a few bucks.

 

[littl_flier]

Don't forget the Nevis Bungy (weather/ season permitting) if you're into hair raising experiences. In contrast the wine tour is a relaxing way to see the area. Do forget the ice bar; you can sit outside on the boardwalk in the cold with some wine/ beer and save a few bucks.

And if you're not brave enough or have a full day for the 134m freefall, then the original K Bridge was enough to scare my pants off, and then everything is half price after that. Even the sky swing isn't too bad but the ultimate is definately Nevis.

The ice bar is a cool experience and pardon the pun. Make sure if you have an AMEX, you mention AMEX Selects for 20% off. Its a short 30 minutes but the drink is quite nice and you get to smash your glass and play around a bit. (see attachment of some crazy person below)

If you're young, either World Bar or Altitude are the places to be otherwise the Pig is quite nice and has a great fire that creates a lovely atmosphere.

Most of all, soak it up. IMO, its the best place to ski in Aust and NZ. You have made me so desperate I've even checked out lastminute packages. There's a package for $1287 with flights and 7 nights at Rydges departing at 6.20 tonight. Oh...........................

 

[jasonja3]

Pretty quiet airport.....
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Try and get to the airport as late as possible!

Agreed, but be careful, it is not unusual to see the check in que reach the carpark!! Esp. on weekends. Using the business check/QC in certainly quicker.

I agree with all posters about Queenstown, I love the place. Fortunately (for me ) a good friend owns the highest house on Queenstown hill with views from the Remarks all the way around to the Gondala... Absolutley spectacular. Mrs Jasonja3 and I find ourselves there most years for a week. Heading there 4th July for two weeks....can't wait!

I am sure you will enjoy your stay Turbo. Plenty to do and see.