Largest ever show home opens at Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort

The grandest and most luxurious show home ever built by the developers of Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort is opening its doors this weekend.

Residences on Dalgleish is a collection of five magnificent homes designed by award-winning Mason & Wales Architects, fronting the 4th and overlooking the 7th fairways of the Coronet Nine, bathed in year-round sunshine and with outstanding mountain views.

And while debate rages around whether New Zealand’s property market is going up or down, sales at the high-end golf and lifestyle resort appear to indicate a healthy appetite for homes at the highest end of the spectrum.

The new 405m2 show home is on the market for $5.765million fully furnished — of the different designs available two have already sold while another is under contract.

Millbrook Resort Director of Property and Development Ben O’Malley says sales have been “running hot” since lockdown, adding up to over $15 million in confirmed sales and another $10 million under contract.

“We’re seeing an upswing in buyers from Auckland where there appears to be a mindset that if they’re not going to be travelling, then they’re keen to invest in Queenstown property and enjoy the lifestyle that Millbrook and its surrounds have to offer,” he says.

“It was a new venture for us to build home and land packages of this size, but we were confident that there was a market for larger homes ready to move into. Sales to date vindicate us taking that opportunity.”

The five-home development is made up of two distinct home designs known as the Stirling (show home) and the Braemar which sit on sites averaging around 1,200m2.

Spread over four distinct pavilions, clad in different yet complementary materials including schist stone, glass, timber, steel and slate, the Stirling show home impresses from the outset.

Steel and glass entry doors open up to a spacious entry lobby where a curved stone wall bathed in uplights connects living and sleeping pavilions.

A large wine room has pride of place, and the entrance to the living area is flanked by a sumptuously-decorated semi-circular media room to one side and an office with built in desk, ultra-fast broadband and expansive storage opposite.

The living pavilion is a symphony of light and height, a contemporary interpretation of a Central Otago barn with rich stained soaring cedar ceilings, steel feature trusses and plaster finished walls.

A striking kitchen and scullery with integrated appliances, designed by Rachel Barnes of Ingrid Geldof Design, takes pride of place in the heart of the home, while a steel feature fireplace invites owners and guests to sit back and relax.

The space opens out to three separate terraces to the east, north and west, and a covered loggia with Louvretech roofing features a built-in fire, BBQ and rangehood for the ultimate in outdoor entertaining.

Each of the two-bedroom pavilions boasts a master bedroom and an additional bedroom, perfect for two families buying a holiday home together. All four bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms with a range of freestanding or built-in baths, double or single showers, double basins and some with large dressing rooms. They too have access to outdoor terraces or the loggia, capturing the best of the sun and views at different times of the day.

Another pavilion houses garaging with ample space for two cars and a golf cart, while custom-built ski racks, a drying room and loft storage space means there is plenty of room for holiday sports equipment.

With different bedding configurations available, the show home can very comfortably sleep up to 8 people, all on one level.

Interior designer Roz Hamilton has crafted a stunning aesthetic that is moody and dramatic, with sophisticated use of steel and timber, softened with luxurious furnishings.

Millbrook Resort’s most recent development was the eight-home neighbourhood called The Frontiers. The first four homes are finished and the remaining four are close to completion. Only one of the eight is still for sale.

“We are thrilled with the show home where our design team has collaborated extremely well to achieve what is our most stunning show home to date,” says Mr O’Malley.

“Bamford McLeod Construction has crafted these homes to very high standards and we look forward to people viewing this magnificent property.”

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Homestead Bay welcomes new fun-run series

Queenstown’s Homestead Bay is set to be the stunning ‘home’ of a new, local fun-run series.

Queenstown’s Homestead Bay is set to be the stunning ‘home’ of a new, local fun-run series.

The Homestead Bay Run series will comprise four running/walking events for all ages and levels of capability from August to November, managed by well-established events company Active QT.

Homestead Bay is a new lakeside development set on two natural land terraces spread over 45ha, with a kilometer of pristine lake frontage, all-day sun and uninterrupted views of the snow-capped The Remarkables mountain range.

Associate Director Brandon Morley – himself a keen runner — says he is “absolutely thrilled” to offer other runners, families and those looking for an invigorating walk the chance to enjoy what the land has to offer.

“Homestead Bay is the last lakefront development of its kind, which means this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the tranquility and spectacular 360 views right beside the clear blue waters of Lake Wakatipu,” he says.

“The events promise to be a superb community day out, so whether people are keen to take part or just come along and watch they’re encouraged to do so.”

Each Homestead Bay Run event will offer a 5km and 10km walk/run. Adults and children can either enter individual events, or sign up to do all four in the event series.

Active QT Race Director Adrian Bailey, says the location for the series, doesn’t get any better than Homestead Bay.

“It’s the perfect new location because it ticks all the right boxes with wide open space, and stunning views. I’ve spent time on the land scoping out a superb 5km loop track and we’re extremely lucky and proud to have access to this premium spot.”

Adrian began Active QT in 2009 with just one running series and has since created many unique sporting events across the country including triathlons, trail runs, mountain runs, and multisport events.

The first stage of Homestead Bay, featuring desirable north-facing lifestyle blocks of up to 2.49ha in an area called The Peaks, is nearly sold out with just two remaining.

Future plans for the stunning property include 240 new freehold homes, up to 400 apartments, hotel rooms and terraced houses supported by local amenities. There are also plans for a marina alongside the village area to offer a ferry service into Queenstown.

Homestead Bay is located just 15 minutes from Frankton.

Registrations for the Homestead Bay Run are open today: https://www.activeqt.co.nz/event/homestead-bay-run/

Entry prices range between $15 and $95 depending on age and number of events entered. Free entry for children between children under the age of 10.

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Holiday Inn Express opens first NZ hotel in Queenstown

Holiday Inn Express opens first NZ hotel in Queenstown

Pro-invest Group is set to launch its first hotel in New Zealand with its doors opening to guests in Queenstown for school holidays and the start of the ski season.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown is a 227-room hotel, on the corner of Stanley and Sydney Streets in Queenstown’s centre. It officially opens to guests on Friday 10 July.

The hotel opening is being seen as a massive ‘shot in the arm’ for the beleaguered Queenstown tourism industry and a mark of faith in the resurgence of domestic and future international visitors.

The hotel’s room offering includes spacious suites – a Holiday Inn Express ‘first’ in New Zealand and Australia – in addition to superior rooms, which provide breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range.

Ronald Barrott, Pro-invest Group Chief Executive Officer, said the Group was excited to launch a new product at its first New Zealand property and expected strong demand.

“We are committed to expanding the Holiday Inn Express brand in New Zealand and we’re confident that Queenstown’s reputation as premier destination makes it the ideal place to start,” he said.

“Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown has a stylish vibe, complete with an outdoor lounge with firepit. It’s also equipped with the smart, simple rooms, and features business and leisure travellers know and love.

“With school holidays approaching, the ski season underway and New Zealand’s COVID-19 travel restrictions lifted, we are anticipating that Queenstown and our latest hotel will be a popular destination for many holidaymakers.

“It provides easy access to popular ski destinations of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone, while popular tourist attractions such as the Skyline gondola and the town’s dining precinct are on your doorstep. Queenstown is the home of adventure and also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Milford Sound.

“The hotel’s location will also appeal to corporate and business travellers and makes for an ideal events and convention venue, as it’s only a short distance from the CBD.

“We are pleased to contribute to Queenstown’s vibrancy with another high-quality hotel offering.”

The hotel is equipped with all the features the Holiday Inn Express brand has become renowned for including an Express Start breakfast, power showers, black-out blinds, high-quality bedding with a choice of pillows and uncapped Wi-Fi.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown also features a fitness room, sauna, two flexible meeting rooms, self-serve laundry, dry room, onsite parking and a free business centre.

The hotel’s architecture – designed by local architectural practice McAuliffe Stevens (MSRA) – combines abstract elements representing ice and erratic rock forms to pay homage to the hotel’s landscape history and achieve a design that fits with the surrounding urban environment.

The hotel’s General Manager, Jason Sabin, said his team was looking forward to showcasing what smart, simple travel is all about.

“Our rooms provide all the quality conveniences that make you feel at home, even when you’re away,” he said.

“We are proud of our sustainability-focused facilities and initiatives, such as the carpets throughout the building which are made from recycled fishing nets.”

Mr Barrott also highlighted other initiatives.

“From a design perspective for instance, all air leaving the hotel passes through a heat recovery plant. This extracts the energy from air coming from the hotel’s bathrooms and other areas and transfers that energy, whether it’s heat in winter or cooling in summer, to the incoming fresh air. The results are a substantial reduction in energy used to pre-treat the incoming air for the hotel ventilation,” he said.

“We are also excited to continue rolling out IHG’s flagship sustainability initiative, A Greener Stay, which Pro-invest in collaboration with IHG introduced to the APAC region back in 2017.  A Greener Stay allows guests to take part in conserving the environment through opt out of housekeeping services should they stay two or more nights, resulting in energy and water savings. As an added reward, guests who choose the opt-out receive up to 500 IHG Rewards Club points per night.

“As a group, Pro-invest is committed to developing, operating and managing its hotel portfolio in a sustainable manner and continuously improve on its ESG strategies wherever feasible.

“We look forward to welcoming locals looking for a staycation, travelers exploring the region from all over New Zealand and – circumstances permitting – from overseas very shortly.”

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown is the first and only hotel under the Holiday Inn Express brand in New Zealand to date. It is the sixth Holiday Inn Express property since 2016 to be opened by Pro-invest Group, following the launch of Sydney Macquarie Park, Brisbane, Adelaide, Newcastle and Melbourne Southbank hotels in Australia.

Pro-invest Group has plans for additional New Zealand properties.

“We have acquired a prime site in Auckland on the North Island to help continue the Group’s international growth in the coming years,” Mr Barrott said.

“This site will become New Zealand’s second Holiday Inn Express hotel and Pro-invest and New Zealand’s first voco hotel in 2021.”

The voco Hotels brand is a lifestyle-orientated brand by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

Pro-invest Group develops and operates Holiday Inn Express and voco hotels in Australia and New Zealand under a franchise agreement with IHG.

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Crowne Plaza Queenstown rolls out red carpet to welcome first conference business post COVID-19

Queenstown’s premium place to meet, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, has opened its doors earlier than anticipated and is rolling out the red carpet to welcome its first conference post COVID-19.

Queenstown’s premium place to meet, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, has opened its doors earlier than anticipated and is rolling out the red carpet to welcome its first conference post COVID-19.

The iconic lakefront hotel was originally scheduled to re-open in July to welcome domestic travellers for the school holidays and ski season. Instead it opened yesterday (Wednesday June 17) to welcome a conference group from The Icehouse business growth and development company in Auckland.

Business leaders attending the conference from June 18 to 20 all operate businesses turning over $3million-plus, and after completing management programmes with The Icehouse are visiting Queenstown as part of an Owner Manager Exchange (OMX) program.

The Icehouse Customer Relationship Manager Raewyn Goodwin says there was “no better place than Queenstown” for business owners to take a helicopter view of their business and assess growth opportunities in the wake of COVID-19.

“They own and operate businesses that are the backbone of the New Zealand economy so we’re delighted to bring them to Queenstown and support the town,” she says.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown General Manager Stewart Manson says the hotel also made the best a tough situation, using its temporary closure as an opportunity to refresh its conference rooms and carry out a ‘soft touch’ update to its premium Lakeview Rooms. It has also introduced enhanced cleaning and operating protocols under its new IHG Clean Promise in guest rooms.

“Conference and events are key segments for the business mix of the hotel, and we’re delighted to have had the opportunity to open a little earlier than expected to welcome this group,” he says.

“Although recovery from COVID will certainly take a while, this is a positive indicator that there’s demand for meetings.

“A number of new and repeat customers have already confirmed events for later in the year. This is great not just for Crowne Plaza, but other hospitality and accommodation providers in the region.”

Queenstown Chamber of Commerce chair Craig Douglas welcomed the news.

“Queenstown’s home to a vibrant mix of innovative and resilient businesses, and while we recognise we’re on a long road to recovery, we’re happy to celebrate milestones like this.”

Tourism body Destination Queenstown, which last year generated approximately $47million-worth of leads for Queenstown through its own conference and incentive bureau activity, is also delighted with the news.

“Queenstown is a world-class destination for business events, and it’s fantastic to see the recovery begin in this sector,” says interim chief executive Ann Lockhart.

“Conferences, incentive programmes and other business events will play an important role in our district’s recovery.”

ENDS

Picture captions:

1/ Conference facilitator Professor Darl Kolb (L) and Crowne Plaza Queenstown GM Stewart Manson, today at Crowne Plaza Queenstown

2/ Crowne Plaza Queenstown is in the heart of Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu

For more media information or imagery please contact:

Fiona Woodham
Southern PR
M: 0274 313 270
E: [email protected]

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