ZQN wine and food (long) weekend.

[jojen]

Any updates on the weekend this is to be held GPH ? We are looking at going to Auckland in November, but would also love to visit Queenstown for this event.

 

[Deleted member]

Working on it. I promise to have some news soon

 

[FuzzyAUS]

Are the dates locked down as yet? i couldn't see anything in the thread..

 

[Deleted member]

I am 80% locked in to the following dates
Saturday & Sunday 28th and 29th October
I am waiting on confirmation of Coach availability and costing.
so far it looks like the last weekend in ZQN.
I will post a range of other activities as well. given the compact nature of the wine trail Im thinking we will go a a very relaxed pace, and maybe have a non wine distraction en route, more to follow.

 

[Deleted member]

OK, preliminary costings based on a max of 26 Pax will be around $110.00 - $120.00 per head.
the plan is this will cover coach hire, sight seeing, Lunch at a winery , tastings at 3 (Top quality ) wineries.
with a non winery surprise stop as well.
The day is at this stage planned to start around 09.00 and conclude around 4.00-4.30.
the date I am working on at this stage is the 30th October. However after consulting my Wine tour expert (take a bow Buzz) I am prepared to look at the weekend before, (22nd-23rd) however there will need to be strong support for this.
I need a firm show of hands on prospective attendees. and your preferred dates.

I am hoping to have the event locked in with numbers and costings and itinerary by July.

let the fun begin

 

[Doug_Westcott]

Count me in, either date is OK by me.

 

[Buzzard]

22-23 we are Gold (all depends on my staff situation), 29-30 +1 on her own as a Gold

 

[FuzzyAUS]

I am 80% locked in to the following dates
Saturday & Sunday 28th and 29th October
I am waiting on confirmation of Coach availability and costing.
so far it looks like the last weekend in ZQN.
I will post a range of other activities as well. given the compact nature of the wine trail Im thinking we will go a a very relaxed pace, and maybe have a non wine distraction en route, more to follow.

I am no go for 28-29/10 as ill be at a conference in Sydney (likely presenting), weekend before is good for me, no problems with the costs

 

[Princess Fiona]

I am in Northern NSW teaching on Thursday 27th October. It would make it difficult but not impossible to get to ZQN on the Friday.
So realistically either of that weekend or the one before is doable. With the weekend before slightly better. Will go with the flow and dependent on where work sends me in the interim.

 

[stark]

Still keen, either of those weekends work for me.

 

[Mr_Orange]

We are looking unlikely for this now I'm afraid but will stay subscribed in case circumstances change.

 

[tuapekastar]

I am a likely (as likely as I can be this far out, but things can happen in the interim) attendee, but only for w/e Oct 29/30, highly unlikely to be able to make the w/e before.

Appreciate your efforts GPH, and if it turns out I cannot make it due to dates or other (unforeseen) reasons, then so be it - I'll butter up for next time.

 

[Deleted member]

While this is still early days, i thought I would give you some insight into the planning.
I am looking at two options (Numbers wise) 16 or 26 these numbers are sweet spot when it comes to coach hire.
The smaller group will incur slightly higher per pax rate on the hire (only $10.00 , but still higher)
the "All In" price will include: Coach pick up and return to central Queenstown, a lunch (2 course) at a Vineyard restaurant (options being discussed now) and if the "Group" pricing works may also include a glass of wine with the meal. tastings at at least 3 wineries, and a non winery sightseeing stop.
Prizes and raffles will also be included on the day. the aim is to make this a relaxed, Fun Day.

So if this is for you and you want to be in , I will be taking bookings based on getting a group of 16 first, and if interest gains momentum then will see if we can get a group of 26.
I will NOT be finalizing the Coach booking before July, that will give I hope, everyone time to plan.

 

[Kabander]

Looking forward to it - sounds like a great trip!! I think we're in - just gotta check with the other half, re if he can manage it, after getting back from Italy only a couple of weeks earlier.

 

[jojen]

This does not work in with our trip to Auckland, but would still love to come. The last weekend in October would suit us more, but will wait and see what date is decided on.

 

[kpc]

We are going to Zqn this weekend!!....but coold return again for the 22-23 Oct weekend

SCRATCH the above...just remembered that I would have just returned from Lis literally a few days prior so can't really take off again!
So looks like i'm out for Zqn.

 

[Deleted member]

I think this will come down to a vote.
It seems evenly poised.

 

[gwilli1]

I am a no starter for this now unfortunately. I'd love to get back to ZQN but its not going to be this year.

 

[Deleted member]

Because I have had some "unusual" responses from Wineries, Im taking a little longer to sort this out. I have also discovered that the weekend of the 15th - 16th is looming better than the first two options.
this may in fact improve the options for some. Mrs GPH has been looking at accommodation costs in the town and the weekends we initially identified as being ideal have turned out to be a lot dearer. the issue is NZ labour Day weekend (21st - 22nd) and it would appear Melbourne Cup weekend is also dear.
so just as a heads up, im looking for a show of hands on the prospect of the weekend of 15th-16th.
all suggestions will be greatly received .

 

[tuapekastar]

Because I have had some "unusual" responses from Wineries, Im taking a little longer to sort this out. I have also discovered that the weekend of the 15th - 16th is looming better than the first two options.
this may in fact improve the options for some. Mrs GPH has been looking at accommodation costs in the town and the weekends we initially identified as being ideal have turned out to be a lot dearer. the issue is NZ labour Day weekend (21st - 22nd) and it would appear Melbourne Cup weekend is also dear.
so just as a heads up, im looking for a show of hands on the prospect of the weekend of 15th-16th.
all suggestions will be greatly received .

15/16 will almost certainly see me out of action for this, but as I said before, I'll just look forward to the next social opportunity. Just remember GPH, whatever date you choose is not going to suit everyone so don't be shy in doing so. Whoever cannot make it just has to wear it for this time.