Podcasts about Queenstown

The country's top restaurants have been crowned at this year's Cuisine Good Food Awards. Queenstown's Essence has taken restaurant of the year and is one of just six nationwide awarded the esteemed three hat rating. Auckland's Ahi, Cocoro, Tala, and Paris Butter, along with Hawke's Bay's Craggy Range were the other five, and Tala's founder and chef Henry Onesemo was named Chef of the Year. Cuisine Magazine Editor Kelli Brett told Mike Hosking it's an exciting time for hospitality, with the best yet to come. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major crypto summit kicks off in Queenstown today, with hope it could attract more investment. 'CryptoWinter' is looking to cash in on the country's digital asset sector – worth more than $9 billion dollars. It brings together industry leaders, government representatives, and innovators to discuss the country's digital asset strategy and ways technology can drive investment. Blockchain New Zealand Executive Director Trevor Topfer told Mike Hosking New Zealand has a big opportunity in the ever-changing financial world. He says if we don't get moving, then we won't have a currency in the new financial system and will have to import technology. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesse Campbell grew up in New Zealand, and works full time as an accountant on the Gold Coast while juggling Marathon training himself, coaching and Content Creation. He ran his first marathon in Queenstown in November 2024 in 3:28 18 months later he ran 2:44 in Osaka. That is 45 minutes off a marathon in under two years, done around a nine to five.In this episode Jesse and I discuss why he started running, which had nothing to do with racing and everything to do with being lost after he stopped playing basketball. He explains what a day actually looks like at 4:30am, seven runs a week fitted around a full working day, and why that stopped feeling like discipline a long time ago. We get into the race he blew up in after Osaka and his honest read on why it went wrong. Most of it lands wider than running though. What putting a goal out in public actually does to you. How he handles comparison when everyone is posting their times. And what he would say to someone who looks at the people ahead of them and decides there is no point starting, which is that if you stick at anything you can progress at it, and that has carried into the rest of his life further than the running has. Follow Jesse: YouTube Instagram For more just like this #162 Jake Barraclough (RanToJapan): 280km Weeks, Running in Japan & Finding Your Limit: Spotify · Apple · YouTube #160 Andy Buchanan: Finding Purpose In Running: Spotify · Apple · YouTube Listen and subscribe: Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube Follow for more: Podcast Instagram Keegan's Instagram TikTok See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kgomotso Modise (standing in for Relebogile Mabotja) speaks to Anathi Qolo, a South African international rugby union player for the Springboks and Bulls Daisies, born in Queenstown. Anathi Qolo became South Africa’s 11th Test captain when she led the team to the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in 2025 as a forward and respected leader who has become a prominent figure in South African women’s rugby. 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja is broadcast live on Johannesburg-based talk radio station 702 every weekday afternoon. Relebogile brings a lighter touch to some of the issues of the day as well as a mix of lifestyle topics and a peek into the worlds of entertainment and leisure. Thank you for listening to a 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja podcast. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 13:00 to 15:00 (SA Time) to Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/2qKsEfu or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/DTykncj Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mayors of Queenstown and Auckland have written to the Infrastructure Minister urging for a pause in the fast-tracking of new large-scale greenfield residential developments. But others around the country are voicing their concerns too, with the mayors of the Waimakariri and Selwyn district councils also putting their names to a seperate open letter calling for a halt. They argue their councils have meticulously planned for the high growth expected in the coming years and fast-track developments risk running roughshod over that work. Selwyn District Mayor Lydia Gliddon spoke to John Campbell.

On Friday the government announced plans to allow councils to claw back more costs from developers announced plans to allow councils to claw back more costs from developers relating to fast-tracked projects. That came as Queenstown Mayor John Glover and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown joined forces to express their concerns about ratepayers bearing the cost of developments. If all consented, projects currently being considered for fast track would add 11,000 homes to the Queenstown area.

First up, a gondola network to help reduce traffic congestion is being investigated by Queenstown. If re-elected National would allow a gondola project to receive public transport funding. The panel hears from Garreth Hayman, CEO of ropeway company Doppelmayr New Zealand. Then, the Kelburn Residents' Association is campaigning against telecommunications company Spark's proposal to build a 14.5m cell tower and equipment cabinets on a footpath in the centre of their leafy village. Sarah Wilcox, coordinator of the Kelburn Conservation Network joins the panel to discuss her issues with the project.

Viktoria De Dominicis left the rat race in Chicago a decade ago and now calls Queenstown home. She shares how a spur-of-the-moment first trip to India in her twenties opened up years of travelling through Southeast Asia and South America, before she landed in New Zealand and knew within a year that it was home. She talks about six years in Wellington, chasing the town-belt trails to a lookout where she could see the South Island, then moving south to Queenstown with her second baby on the way. From road trips through the Mackenzie to a Doubtful Sound cruise with her kids, Viktoria reflects on building community far from family, and why New Zealand can still make you feel like the only person for miles. Thank you so much for tuning in and coming along for the ride. If you love the show and enjoyed listening, please take the time to leave a review on Apple or Spotify. I would also love to connect with you, so send me a DM on Instagram, leave me a voice message and I can't wait to see you next time. Until then, keep adventuring :) Follow Viktoria on Instagram: instagram.com/viktoriawanders/Visit Viktoria's website: www.viktoriawanders.com/Read Viktoria's Substack: viktoriawanders.substack.com/ Follow Aotearoa Adventures on Instagram: instagram.com/aotearoa_adventures_/Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Scott Riley, Aron Price, and Matt Every kick things off with visor talk, memorabilia, and a few classic golf-nerd tangents before turning to bigger-picture golf topics. The episode centers on New Zealand golf, PGA Tour playoff format ideas, and a long conversation about aging stars, young talent, and what makes a tour event feel meaningful.We discuss how to make PGA TOUR tournaments feel more dramatic, why some events should reward winners more aggressively, and which players still look dangerous well into their 40s. The crew also gets into WNBA chaos, music nostalgia, sports cards, and the kind of side conversations that make this show feel like a clubhouse hang.Key topicsIn this episode, the guys open with visor obsession, including a Phil Mickelson Bearing Point visor, a Brad Faxon visor, and a joke about opening a memorabilia shop.Aron Price shares old tournament stories from Australia, including caddying as a kid, meeting Brett Ogle and Robert Allenby, and bringing a 1995 Faxon visor back into the mix.The conversation turns to New Zealand golf, with Scott Riley pitching a stronger push around events like the New Zealand PGA and New Zealand Open.Matt Every and Aron Price talk through the geography and vibe of New Zealand courses, including Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Paraparaumu, and Auckland.The crew floats a marketing idea for pro ams in New Zealand, suggesting local celebrities and athletes could add more value than a standard setup.The PGA Tour playoffs and Wyndham Championship are a major topic, with Scott pushing for a more dramatic “if you win, you're in” structure.Matt offers a full alternative postseason concept where tournament winners auto-qualify for the Tour Championship and the remaining spots go to the best non-winners.The guys debate whether the PGA Tour needs more emphasis on winning, more stakes late in the season, and fewer playoff events.They break down Michael Brennan's win and why his swing, composure, and pace stood out coming down the stretch.The conversation widens to older players still producing on tour, with Alex Noren, Gary Woodland, Eric Cole, and others used as examples of longevity and consistency.Brooks Koepka gets a strong vote of confidence, with the group noting that his ball striking is still elite even if the putting has been off.The second half turns into a sports card and memorabilia segment, including a rare dual autograph card featuring KJ Choi and another Korean golfer, plus a story about Russ Stevens as a rare Donruss Rated Rookie who never reached the majors.Travis Hunter, Bo Bichette, and Jags talk appear as the guys swap between current sports and card-market speculation.The show closes with more New Zealand open chatter, pro am nostalgia, and the crew joking about how they always play better in team events.If you like living forever, and you like golf, then you're going to LOVE Live Forever Golf.Enter discount code "LFG20" for 20% off your next order at LiveForeverGolf.comStraight Down the Middle'ish is brought to you by Live Forever Golf. Check out our Final Few collection to get great deals on our clearance inventory! Free shipping on all orders over $100.

Finishing school is not a concept you hear so much about these days and if you did, you wouldn't associate them with the skills being taught at one in the South. Changing a tyre, cracking a stock whip and shooting a gun are among the subjects at the Southern Girl Finishing School. It's being run by Laura Koot on a farm in Kingston, about 45 minutes from Queenstown. Koot spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Welcome to this weeks Main Talk Birdie To Me, and as usual there are plenty of things to discuss in the world of golf.01:00Mark raises Cam Davis' form, he really has fallen off a cliff, and Nick and Mark discuss what is happening with Cam.02:00Lots of LIV news, and it really seems to change almost daily. What to make of it? Nick and Mark discuss the latest news on the LIV funding situation, and the criteria around said funding - specifically that it appears contingent on the key players re-signing with LIV.07:00We touch on next weeks Claude Harmon 3rd chat, which we recorded this week and will publish next Tuesday....it's a ripper!09:00The next LIV events10:30Nick was in New Zealand last week and bumped into Elvis Smylie in Queenstown.11:30The Fedex Cup, we discuss a few of the players who missed out, and do a deeper dive on Jason Day.15:00This week our Hostplus 'Plus for Golf' goes to Brooks Koepka, for an unusual reason. Nick explains.17:00Nick says Tiger was the master of never making excuses when he played poorly, and we discuss Jack's consistent position that he never 3-putted in a tournament, or something along those lines.20:00Our BMW Touch of Class goes to a legendary figure in South Australian golf who we lost this last week - Nick McCormack OAM.After the turn:23:30Nick's Top 5 for Betr is the Top 5 players that he'd like to see turn their form around.28:00Feedback for Southern Golf Club, we have comments and questions on LIV and the player departures, OCM and Cypress Point, Marks comments about the Cypress bunkers, and some suggestions for Nick and Mark's bespoke designed golf course.38:00Nick talks about he has never played golf in Tasmania, Mark shares some memories of playing there.40:00Feedback on the Cathedral Invitational, there's been plenty of positives, and a couple of negatives - we deal with the negatives front on.43:00Nick takes us through the global result highlights from the last week or so.47:30There's been another 59! Mark rates it on his 'patent pending official Talk Birdie To Me 59 ranker'.49:00We look at, and discuss, an hilarious premature 'anti-celebration'.51:00And for the Golf Clearance Outlet, todays masterclass from Mark is on playing bunker shots out of thick, wet, sand.Big show, love your input in the comments, and if you're enjoying the show we'd love you to share the pod with a friend!We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:Hostplus, Talk Birdie To Me's official retirement partnerBMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;The Find My Player app - follow every player on every tour;And Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queenstown won the 2026 Vincent Delaney Memorial Racing Weekend 2yo fillys final.

Biking and trails can have a huge impact on a destination's economy and community life. Why, then, is it so difficult to fund trail maintenance, and what can your destination do about it? Aotearoa New Zealand economist Benje Patterson joins two Canadian DMO leaders to talk about common challenges in finding sustainable funding for trail networks. They discuss what's working in Queenstown and how to show residents, travellers, businesses, and government the true value of trails, with practical examples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday Feedback show today and Nick is still enjoying the show in Queenstown with the family, so we're all remote today, rather than being from Titleist and FootJoy HQ....back there next Wednesday. Onto the show...01:00Question from Paul about Lucas Herberts putting, specifically his short putting. We discuss.03:00Nick talks about something he has noticed with Lucas' putting style.04:00Mark says Lucas' preparation is as professional as you will see from anyone.05:00Nick names one of the players who prepared exceptionally when he was on tour, particularly regarding his short game. This player was a World #1 so it obviously worked.07:00What is the most 'unsexy' thing about being a golfer? Nick reveals it.08:00Oh dear....Mark has bought a new gadget. Not from Temu this time...09:00This week Kevin Kisner made some comments about trenching, Nick didn't see them, Mark did, we chat about trenching and whether it qualifies for the 'watch list' After the turn:15:00We put our third entrant into the draw to win a trip to The Cliffs at Kangaroo Island to play the course with a friend, and Mark Allen and Course architect Darius Oliver. If you want to enter, there's about 4-weeks to go: enter here.18:00A question from Mitch about Nicks reflective learning technique that he spoke about on a Monday Mini recently.19:30Nick talks about, as part of reflective thinking, how he'd capture his thoughts and use them to improve his game...how he would use reflective thinking.20:30There was one aspect of his game that Mark always did when he made a cut, and when he missed a cut he didn't do, he explains.24:00And a fun question from Tim leads to Mark revealing his pickup technique form when he was young and single. Awkward.Have a great weekend !! We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:Hostplus, Talk Birdie To Me's official retirement partnerBMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;The Find My Player app - follow every player on every tour;And Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slightly different episode today as Nick is in New Zealand on holidays for a week or so with the family, so it sounds a tad different to usual, but plenty to discuss as always!01:00Nick is in Millbrook, near Queenstown in New Zealand and gives us a snapshot of what he's doing and how it looks (hint: it is beautiful!)02:00Royal Lytham hosted the WOmens Open, and Shiho Kuwaiti had a stunning playoff win to claim the title. Nick talks about what he loves about Royal Lytham, what a course.04:00On the Open, more specifically Mens and Womens majors, Nick feels they're too close together and explains why. Mark has a different view.05:00Yesterday we confirmed in a bonus news pod that Rory McIlroy would be staying in Australia after the AO to play the Cathedal Invitational, Nick is likely to play the tournament as well....can he take Rory?06:00Massive news on golf architects OCM - they have been appointed to redo one of the worlds greatest golf courses. Mark reveals the news that he has heard from a member at the actual club.08:00We discuss Cypress Point. Mark calls it a 'sacred place', Nick says arguably the best parcel of land that a golf course is on anywhere in the world. They discuss their experiences playing the course, and what they'd love to see improved.12:00Nick talks about playing Cypress with surfer Kelly Slater.14:00Plenty of LIV news. We discuss their search for sponsorships, and Mark is doubtful that the eyeballs will be enough for the money they want given LIV 'only worked in 2 or 3 markets'. 20:00LIV's player payments are reportedly unpaid, which does not bode well22:00Nick awards our BMW Touch of Class to Donald Trump for his 'humility' in 'winning' the Club Championship at Bedminster. If you missed his comments, Nick reads them out. And for clarity, we are being sarcastic over 1) him winning and 2) him showing any humility. 23.30Mark awards our Hostplus Plus for Golf to Nelly Korda for her gift to a young fan in the UK, a real plus for golf from a superstar.25:00We discuss the winner of the Rocket Classic in Michigan, Michael rocket classic winner Michael Thorbjornsen, a very talented young pro who we love.27:00Nick found some great stats this week - average numbers from PGA Tour Pros, they make for sobering reading for aspiring pros, and Mark points out a couple of stats that if you are aspiring, or know someone who is, to turn pro that you need to be all over.After the turn:34:00Our Top 5 for Betr, Mark lists the Top 5 golf course renovations at clubs he has seen, and why. He also defines great renovations in a slightly ususual way....37:00Okay - during the Turn we saw some breaking news from our mates at Flushing It Golf about LIV, specifically that they have given a number of employees and contractors notice that their employment will end in September. We discuss this evolving story which will develop further over the coming days.39:00Nick runs through the Global results highlights.42:30Feedback for Southern Golf Club....phew okay....last weeks Top 5 swings got a mountain of feedback, and we run through some of the names you said should be there. One was mentioned above all others. Do Nick and Mark double down on their list or do they amend the 'indisputable' list, rendering the name completely ironic?50:00 Few more bits of feedback on Lucas Glover's spikes video, Cam Smiths 9 birdies in a row, and we discuss if we can claim South Korea's Jenny Shin as an Aussie?53.00And we wrap on a masterclass for the Golf Clearance Outlet from Nick live from Queenstown where he discusses Michael Thorbjornsen's 10-finger grip. Note: audio on the masterclass is a touch dodgy this week, it's listenable, but not as good as we'd like - apologies.Big show today !!! We're live from Titleist and FootJoy HQ thanks to our great partners:Hostplus, Talk Birdie To Me's official retirement partnerBMW, luxury and comfort for the 19th hole;Titleist, the #1 ball in golf;FootJoy, the #1 shoe and glove in golf;Golf Clearance Outlet, they beat everyone's prices;Betr, the fastest and easiest betting app in Australia;The Find My Player app - follow every player on every tour;And Southern Golf Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A gasfitting expert says changes are needed to prevent unsafe installations, after a 12-year-old Otago boy died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the shower at his family's Haast bach. Almost eight years after Jesse Samuel's death, an inquest is being held in Queenstown to examine what can be done to stop something similar happening again. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd has more.

Queenstown's mayor is setting up a taskforce aimed at reducing congestion, with an influx of tourists contributing to significant traffic problems. Data from Queenstown Airport shows nearly 250,000 international arrivals in the first six months of 2026 - nearly 100,000 more people than in the same period in 2019. Queenstown-Lakes District Mayor, John Glover spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The number of international visitors to Queenstown is soaring above pre-pandemic levels but some locals say the town has reached a tipping point with crowding and congestion. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd reports.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Adult kids moving into $31,000 flatpack studios? Investors completely bypassing Auckland to chase high rental yields down south? The standard New Zealand property playbook is being rewritten right before our eyes! In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts (owner and financial adviser at Property Apprentice) breaks down the 5 biggest stories you need to know to make smart, risk-reduced property decisions. Inside This Episode:

Clint, Meg and Dan kick off Thursday talking about not wishing life away and being present with kids, then hunt for New Zealand’s best wake-up sound with the Jurassic Park theme as a frontrunner. They share an Overthinkers clip about a woman finding her dad and discovering his explicit SoundCloud, before discussing allegations against Jared Leto. The first call comes from Amy in Queenstown, a new drug-testing worker. Meg panics over a mysterious computer mouse package that turns out to be her mum’s lost Airbnb item. The team covers banana disease, a Fiji shark attack survivor’s advice, and sprinter Zoe Hobbs’ Commonwealth gold, then play Easy Money with callers. Dan triggers a workplace security alert while booking a spray tan, leading into “glow up to blow up” beauty disasters, and they debate a controversial post-date voicemail demanding sex, plus stories about crying to get out of trouble. 00:31 Being Present in Life 01:49 New Alarm Sound Hunt 03:13 B-List Celebrity Debate 04:32 Lost Dad SoundCloud Rap 07:44 Jared Leto Scandal Talk 09:54 First Call Amy in Queenstown 13:40 Mystery Mouse Package 17:22 Radar Bananas Sharks Sprinting 21:43 Easy Money Letter V 25:48 Theyre a 10 But Game 31:23 Funny walks debate 32:31 Helpful husband annoyance 34:21 Spray tan security scare 37:43 Glow up to blow up calls 42:32 First date voicemail drama 51:36 Easy Money game chaos 54:54 Crying to escape trouble

One district is crediting its proactive programme for its top water ranking. The Water Services Authority's latest report suggests Grey District, the Far North, Queenstown, Ashburton, and Clutha councils are the worst for leakages. Meanwhile the place with the least leakages is Hauraki District Council. Mayor Toby Adams told Kerre Woodham the District has invested heavily in ensuring local dairy farms have reliable access to water. He says it wants to get it right, ensuring there are no disruptions and there is enough to go around. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenstown's famous gondola and luge operator continues to reach new heights. Skyline Enterprises has reported revenue of $239.3 million, up 15%, while net profit more than doubled to $86.1 million in the year to March. International visitor numbers from its key markets have now surpassed pre-Covid 2019 levels. CEO Geoff McDonald told Mike Hosking the Iran conflict is influencing where people travel, and is helping New Zealand's shoulder season. He says there's a clear rise in the number of Americans coming through. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's just about coming up to full time in the World Cup final clash between Spain and Argentina. Reporter Jessica Hopkins is watching with Argentinian fans at La Pachamama in Auckland's Hillcrest, and Jeremy Rees is with the Spanish contingent at Auckland's Wynyard Pavilion. Reporter Katie Todd spoke from Queenstown where some Spanish fans were watching the game. They spoke to John Campbell.

Reporter Katie Todd spoke to John Campbell from Queenstown where some Spanish fans were watching the game

The cameraman behind award-winning images that helped to bring Sir David Attenborough's conservation work to life, is being remembered in a special charity event 'A Night to Remember' in Queenstown.  

The Daily Quiz - Geography Today's Questions: Question 1: Which of these countries borders Bahrain? Question 2: Which region of the world uses '.sd' at the end of its web addresses? Question 3: In which country is the city of Guayaquil? Question 4: What volcano showers ash on Sicily? Question 5: In which country is the city of Queenstown? Question 6: In which country would you find the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cappadocia? Question 7: Where is the Admirality Arch? Question 8: Which U.S. state has the largest sub-national economy in the world? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 19 year old will be taking a plunge into the ice cold Lake Wakatipu as part of the Wakatipu Legends swim on Saturday. But the gruelling swim is just part of extensive training for Jemimah McIlroy before she swims the Cook Strait. Next week, the Otago Polytech sport and exercise student will set off on a 50km swim from Glenorchy to Queenstown. Jemimah McIlroy spoke to Lisa Owen.

It's time for Mayoral Minutes where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them... and what makes their community special. Today we're heading to the jewel in our tourism crown - the spectacular Queenstown Lakes District where Mayor John Glover joins us. [picture id="4JX3C1X_251218_Queenstown_01_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

The country's property sector is opening its doors to establish branded residences. Bayleys Real Estate is facilitating the opportunity for developers to partner with brands. The concept has been successful overseas – with high end fashion brand Bvlgari partnering with a residency in Dubai. General Manager Gavin Lloyd told Mike Hosking they're focusing on Auckland and Queenstown first, with plans to grow. He says as it expands the market matures, there could be an opportunity to expand to the Bay of Islands and the wine regions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I totally run the risk of being way too much of a fangirl about the Michelin stars handed out, but I am so excited about this. Mainly, I'm excited for the people who run those restaurants because I realise what this means for them. It means full bookings. It means international recognition. It means the ability to walk into a kitchen anywhere in the world and say, "I worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant," and have people know exactly what that means - and know that you're good. I am also stoked for the people who love eating out. All of a sudden, there's a list to tick off, isn't there? How is it, for example, that I've eaten at Arataki Restaurant in Queenstown but never at Paris Butter in Auckland, even though it's just down the road from me? I now intend to rectify that quickly. But there's also a part of me that is really pleased because this has righted a wrong - the local punishment that has been going on for Amisfield. I don't dispute that the alleged behaviour of the former head chef wasn't good and I don't dispute that the owners of the restaurant should not have allegedly turned a blind eye to it for so long. But I did not like the fact that the establishment continued to be punished even after Vaughan Mabee, who was at the centre of the controversy, had left the building. Especially by Cuisine magazine, which then refused to recommend Amisfield as a restaurant. Amisfield was the best restaurant in the country until, all of a sudden, it was no longer the best restaurant in the country according to Cuisine because one man had left. Michelin has now righted that wrong by giving it a star. That decision was controversial. I've already read one take on it that wasn't entirely complimentary. But I don't care. Because what I want to know is this: is Amisfield a good place to eat? Now that the legendary - and problematic -chef has gone, is it still good? Apparently, the answer is yes. But we had to get foreigners to tell us that because we all went a bit weird and a bit cancel-culture on the place. For the record, I ate at Amisfield when the chef at the centre of the controversy was still there. It was one of the best meals I've ever had and I'm pleased it remains excellent - at least according to Michelin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World-class honours have been dished out to select New Zealand restaurants, with hopes they'll lead to a much-needed boost for the industry. Queenstown's Essence has been crowned our only two star Michelin restaurant - alongside 14 others awarded a single star, like Auckland's Tala and Christchurch's Inati. Ninety-five other venues received the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected accolades. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained how this development will boost tourism. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifteen New Zealand restaurants now hold a coveted Michelin star, with one Queenstown restaurant being awarded two stars at a glitzy ceremony in Auckland last night. Undercover inspectors for the Michelin Guide have been secretly visiting restaurants in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown for almost a year. 110 eateries made it into the guide, with Michelin saying it's rare to award so many stars in a country's inaugural launch. Amy Williams reports.

The country's only two star Michelin chef has been left speechless over the achievement. Essence in Queenstown was the only New Zealand venue awarded two stars at last night's Michelin ceremony. Fourteen New Zealand restaurants received a single Michelin star including Kika in Wanaka, Ortega Fish Shack in Wellington, and Ahi at Auckland's Commercial Bay. Essence Head Chef Paul Froggatt told Mike Hosking it's a huge honour, and they'll still be striving for excellence. He says they're only as good as the last plate they served. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Leonie Freeman and Martin Bosley. First up, the nation's hospitals are in the headlines lately and not for good reasons. Middlemore and Hutt hospitals are both facing crumbling infrastructure including leaks in Middlemore's maternity block and an ED patient at Waikato Hospital died in the toilet during a nine-hour wait over the weekend. Health commentator and former executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Ian Powell joins the panel. Then, an alliance of mayors and tourism leaders are ramping up the pressure for a nationwide visitor accommodation levy, a bed tax in other words. John Glover, the mayor of Queenstown has been a persistent advocate.

Jared talks about the fast track application being planned to extend The Remarkables ski field, renewed calls for an accommodation levy, an expansion on a build to rent project up to a thousand homes and how snow has arrived for the ski season.

A small chance Michelin inspectors may not dish up any stars at all tonight. Tourism New Zealand's coughed up $6.3 million to bring the world-class restaurant ranking to this country, with a ceremony taking place in Auckland this evening. Secret judges have been roaming restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown for more than a year. Tourism NZ CEO Rene de Monchy told Mike Hosking he'd be disappointed if no stars were handed out, but judging is completely independent. He says there's no guarantee, but they seemed impressed with the country's food offering. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every time I take a drive on the South Island's Great Coast Road (SH6), between Westport and Greymouth, it never fails to cast me under its spell. It's like a heady, implausible mix of Hawai'i and Ireland; of Maui's Road to Hana and the Wild Atlantic Way. On one side, the raw, unbridled foam-flecking power of the ocean tempest; while across the road, fortress-like mountains piercing the sky, draped in thick, lush rainforest. It's a knock-out medley of elemental scenery to thrill all senses. Curiously, the winter months are arguably the best time to savour the Great Coast Road because visitor numbers are thinner yet the weather is typically better. Winter is often the West Coast's driest season with average winter temperatures generally higher than Christchurch and Queenstown. If you're launching your on-road exploratory from Westport, make a date with one of the Pounamu Pathway experience centres. Westport's revitalised Coaltown Museum has reopened as the Museum of Kawatiri, the second experience centre to open along the Pounamu Pathway. Designed and created by Wētā Workshop, it's a stirring celebration of the heritage and intrepid endeavour of the Buller people, underpinned by the lure of pounamu, coal and gold. As you'd expect from Wētā Workshop, there's a lot of tricked-up technological wizardry powering this immersive experience. Heading south along the Great Coast Road, four seasons in one day vividly powered proceedings, with forbidding storm clouds scudding across the sky before yielding to bright sunshine along the gloriously carved coastline, seemingly under assault from the pounding surf. The highway skirts the ancient limestone cliffs of Paparoa National Park and there's a feast of outdoorsy treats to pick and choose from, along the way. If you're up for some hikes, my first suggestion would be Fox River and the Inland Pack Track, starting from the car park at the mouth of the river. Built in 1867 during the gold rush to avoid dangerous coastal travel, the Inland Pack Track gives access to some of the finest features of Paparoa National Park. If the weather is behaving, a great sampler is the 4 hour return walk to the Ballroom Overhang, a colossal 100-metre-long limestone outcrop, that has provided a safe place to shelter for centuries. There are several river crossings along the way, only ankle-deep unless there's been heavy rain. But if the weather has been fine, it's a gem. Another salivating option that isn't so weather-dependent is the Pororari River Gorge loop walk. Doubling as the entry/exit point for the Paparoa Great Walk, the river track follows a spectacular limestone gorge with two main features – a river with huge rocks set amongst deep pools, and beautiful forest featuring subtle changes from subtropical to temperate. It's a two-hour walk, running the gamut across every shade of green. Even the gently flowing water resembles liquid jade. It's a drop-dead gorgeous walk. Keep an eye out for those famous giant snails, Powelliphanta. Their oversized shells come in an array of patterned colours, from reds and browns to yellow and black. (Hurricanes supporters.) They adore earthworms and suck them up through their mouth just like we do with spaghetti. Back on the highway, the karst-strewn landscape of Punakaiki is just five minutes away. Nestled at the base of the thickly forested Paparoa Ranges, the hillsides are thickly stitched in rimu, beech and matai trees, in addition to the striking nikau palms. The national park's visitor information centre is situated on the highway roadside – and after its $40m the monumental transformation, it's now home to the Paparoa Experience. Opened 18 months ago and operated by the local hapu, Ngāti Waewae, this magnificent multi-media exhibition centre was designed by Gibson International. Blending Māori culture with history and geology, it's beautifully crafted and thoroughly entertaining, thrusting you deep into the natural riches of the area, offering all manner of insights on the formation of the Paparoa range, the incredible fossil records like the 30 million year old whale backbone and the karst landscape beneath your feet. A great touch is the blowhole encounter, where you stand inside the surge chamber to feel the blast of wind and waves. But what I really loved is the 180-degree cinematic experience that transports you deep into the wild wonder of Paparoa National Park, celebrating the untouched beauty of the region and the conservation programmes underway to preserve it for future generations. Right across the road, the biggest blockbuster of all is of course an intimate encounter with nature's theatre at Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. remarkable geological formations, which resemble layer upon layer of pancakes, is the result of many centuries of weathering. The formal term for this fantastic tableau is stylobedding. When the tide is high, nature's inter-play of stone and sea is operatic, with the ocean surging into the caverns and booming ferociously through the blowholes. Even the showy waterworks of Las Vegas or Dubai struggle to match this multi-sensory spectacle. Once again, the winter months make this a far less peopled experience. Peckish? Head straight to the Pancake Rocks Café and whistle up their Pancake Stack. It would be rude not to. Freshly fuelled, there's more enchanting hiking options on offer in the area, but the one trail not to miss is the 30 minute Truman Track, which weaves its way through pristine native forest, taking you right to the edge of the Tasman Sea coastline, with a dramatic seascape. It's a banger of a bush walk starting off the highway in a thick forest of podocarp and rātā trees towering above thickets of vine and nīkau palms. The track then transitions through typical West Coast coastal flax flats before climaxing with that blow-your-hair-back seascape, with a sweeping viewing platform elevated above the cliff overhangs and booming ocean. Those overhangs are unstable sandstone bluffs. Previously topped with limestone, that has already been weathered away and now the sandstone remains under relentless attack. A stairway provides access to the beach at low tide, but do not trifle with the ocean at high tide or when the seas are rough. If you're wondering, the track is named in honour of Jim Truman who ran Truman's Department Store in Greymouth. He had a bach opposite the original track which he substantially enhanced. Just before Rapahoe and Runanga, on the approach to Greymouth, one of the money-shot lookout points on the Great Coast Road is the roadside stop by the Strongman Mine Memorial. The immense coastal vista is operatic, with the long sprawl of 9 Mile Beach unfurling before you. Look closely from this lookout and you'll spot a tucked away property, set back from the beach on a terrace, surrounded by ravishing nature's embrace. Best of all, you can stay here! Strung across two acres, Breakers Boutique Accommodation began life as Dr. Barry Dallas' house in the 1970s. He was a Greymouth doctor and also served as Mayor. The story goes that this was Harbour Board land and wasn't meant to have been built on. But hey, when you're the mayor….! Fast forward to today and after many renovations, Jan and Stephen Roberts are the owners of this dreamy property, with dress-circle views over the pounding ocean and the sublime canvas of 9 Mile Beach. There's a variety of accommodation offerings on-site, all very high-spec, stylish and homely, including in the main house, overlooking nature's pageantry. An adjacent wing includes the Nikau Sunset Room, boasting a supremely cosy super-king bed, luxurious bedding and linens and comfortable sitting area, perfectly-positioned for viewing splendour. The guestroom is decorated in warm neutral colourings, using native recycled timbers and beach stones. Be sure to make time to admire the rich trove of art on display around the property, showcasing some of the finest creatives in the area, including Shades of Jade in Greymouth. Their master carver is Jeremy Dalziel. Greymouth's Leftbank Gallery and Punakaiki Crafts are also prominent, as are Kotuku Pottery's exquisite pieces. Jan and Stephen are the most splendid hosts and environmental guardians, somehow managing to distil the essence of gold-standard West Coast hospitality, with a glorified art gallery of local works, including Stephen's magnificent photography; a profusion of first-hand tips on the best walking trails to explore; and on-site dining. Jan whipped me up the most divine homemade pizza for dinner and laid-on a generous breakfast offering, fortifying me for the day ahead. A private track leads down from the Breakers property to Nine Mile Beach. Nine Mile Creek flows down by the bottom of the track, which is backed by a fabulous waterfall. At low tide, dabble in the rock pools at Mussel Point, replete with colourful starfish and millions of mussels. There's also a little blue penguin colony on this beach, which Breakers actively supports through the West Coast Penguin Trust. In-the-know advanced surfers also adore this beach because it has a powerful left break. But I was quite content to remain languid, luxuriating and lounging above the beach, feasting on the ocean panorama as a famed fireball sunset set the Tasman Sea ablaze. Needless to say, it's a photographic feast. Bask in the brilliance of Breakers Beachfront Accommodation. It embodies the best of the West. You will never want to leave. www.breakers.co.nz Mike Yardley is Newstalk ZB's resident traveller and can be heard each week on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame. LISTEN ABOVEGreat Coast Road SH6 Photo Tourism West CoastPhoto by Mike YardleySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Queenstown chef has taken out the number two spot in the contemporary section at the World Pizza Championship in Naples. The field was vast, with about 600 competitors, mainly Italians. Yoni Dmoch who owns Biga Pizza got to compete in Naples after winning a New Zealand competition last year. Dmoch spoke to Lisa Owen.

Phytophthora Infestans: The Science of the Blight. Guest: Patrick Scanlan. The discussion turns to the biological cause of the famine: Phytophthora infestans, or the potato blight. Scanlan explains that Irish potatoes were grown from cuttings (clones), and this lack of genetic diversity made them uniquely vulnerable to pathogens. While Ireland had experienced localized crop failures before, the blight was a "novel pathogen" originating from Mexico. It traveled through the Americas before crossing the Atlantic to Europe in 1844–45. As a "water mold" that reproduces through spores, it spread rapidly on the wind across Ireland's dense monocrops. While the blight struck across Europe, the impact was most catastrophic in Ireland due to the population's profound dependence on the crop and a lack of alternative food sources. The organism encountered fields that had been separated from such pathogens for centuries, allowing it to sweep across every field it reached and destroy crops with unprecedented speed. 71873 QUEENSTOWN

A fresh push for a nationwide bed tax has been launched by Regional Tourism New Zealand. Its proposal would see a small, user-pays tax for stays at hotels and Airbnbs, with the money going toward events and tourism infrastructure. The plan has the backing of several mayors including those of Auckland, Rotorua and Queenstown. Regional Tourism New Zealand Chair Andrew Wilson Mike Hosking that none of them want to see tourism growth curtailed, which means any charge needs to be modest. He says part of the reason they're calling for a single national approach is so guardrails can be put in place to make sure the charge remains modest over time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For nature lovers, the West Coast of Tasmania is a paradise: Heritage Listed — here you'll find mountains, deep valleys, untamed rivers and wind-blown plateaus. But mining has also left its mark here. Queenstown is one of the larger towns on this coast and Ralph Wildenauer runs a hotel here. - Für Naturliebhaber ist die Westküste von Tasmanien ein Paradies: Heritage Listed - findet man hier Berge, tiefe Täler, ungezähmte Flüsse und windverblasene Hochebenen. Doch auch der Bergbau hat hier seine Spuren hinterlassen. Queenstown ist eine der größeren Orte an dieser Küste und hier betreibt Ralph Wildenauer ein Hotel.

K makes only her 3rd appearance on GTWM, and first time in 3 years and the two friends team up for some eye-opening female dominate caller list. It's a back-to-back set that we are certain you will enjoy!Caller #1 Dee 48yrs from Queenstown, New Zealand. Dee absolutely loves her partner -- just the sight on him who make her wet. He has an awesome career and is an all-around great guy. But he can't match her sex-drive and he is very vanilla in the bedroom. So Dee hooks up with old French-African fling who can easily hit her needs. Caller #2 is Ellie 28yrs from Manila. Ellie is in a mutually abusive relationship. In a recent fight, Ellie pushed her partner down the stairs that could have nearly killed the person. They have decided to get therapy but Ellie's issues trace back from an abusive childhood trauma. Caller #3 is B 33ys from Angeles City. B is also in an abusive relationship but she has decided to hook up with a guy from her past as well. GTWM and Good Times Radio are now streaming exclusively live on Discord!Join the Discord community by going to ⁠⁠⁠www.discord.gg/goodtimesradio

Now in remission, Nicole White is training for her second Queenstown marathon to raise awareness for Brain Tumour Support.

A thousand new homes in Queenstown are being targeted at "high quality, long term" renterns, with seasonal workers warned not to apply. Housing developer Simplicity living has the project on the fast-track pathway, and if it gets the green light the first 200 homes should be available within 18 months. Chief executive Sam Stubbs spoke to Lisa Owen.

Jeannette McGill is a seasoned mountaineer and executive leader who, at 52, became the oldest South African woman to summit Everest in May 2025. With more than 30 years of global climbing experience—including leading expeditions across four continents—she knows deeply that the summit is never just about standing on top.  Jeannette's journey is a testament to patience, resilience, and the quiet power of backing yourself, no matter how many setbacks you face. Beyond her personal achievements, she is passionate about demystifying the modern-day myths of Everest and advocates instead for the very real challenges mountain terrains face through climate change globally. Having been there herself, she brings an informed, honest perspective on what is truly happening above 8,000m.  Today, Jeannette combines her love for high-altitude adventure with leadership on Boards and helping others explore their own limits. She also supports future generations through leading snow camps in the Victorian Alps and mountaineering scholarships, believing that mountains are powerful teachers of courage and humility. Her story is not just about conquering peaks but about becoming the kind of person who dares to try. We first spoke with Jeannette on 7th January 2021 - Jeannette McGill - 1st South African woman to summit Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Jeanette Corporate executive, board director and most importantly a mountaineer South African by origin,  located in Melbourne and spending up to 5 months in Nepal TGP Episode - January 7th 2021 - - 1st South African woman to summit Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world Her Mt. Everest dream  A one day - someday project… How climbing Mt. Everest came to the forefront of her mind To be a real mountaineer you needed to tick Mt. Everest off the list Deciding to go in a different direction in 1995  The pivotal moment - university and having a career or entering the climbing competition  Pursuing her career  Was Mt. Everest a realistic goal? Growing into the project Adding Mt. Everest to the bucket list after covid Going through a back surgery and perimenopause and deciding that 2023 would be her Mt. Everest year Using Mera Peak as an acclimatisation strategy  Getting sick and not recovering well, getting to camp 2 and not being able to continue. Heading back to Australia and deciding to go back in 2024 Deciding to gift herself the power of a mid-life sabbatical  Exciting her role in December 2023 and starting to train properly for Mt. Everest in 2024 Joining a small team Mechanical failure on the mountain - her jumar not working and getting word that her house in Australia had burnt down.  Getting to the South Col and not being in the right head space.  Knowing she was making the right decision to turn around and head back down the mountain  Dealing with the frustration and disappointment and why it was difficult  Not being in a good head space. Needing to pivot and become nomadic during the winter  Floundering and not knowing what was next Deciding that she would regret it if she didn't back herself one final time.  Pivoting and making the best of the situation  Having flexibility and deciding to do Mt. Everest one last time  Figuring out where to do the winter work - in either Scotland or New Zealand  Packing up and heading over to New Zealand to do training  Doing more mountain work, on the NZ Alps in the South Island  How it became a more personal/internal  objective/goal  What training looked like  Working with a mental and physical coach Using Training Peaks  Evoke Endurance Coach  Returning to Manaslu in the fall of 2024 Muscle endurance - steep hills in NZ out of Queenstown carrying 20kgs  Following a structured gym program  Her 'A' Team  Figuring out through processes and what could derail her Having cheat sheets e.g. a mopey list to keep her focused on her goal and what she needed to do Heading back to Mt Everest in 2025 and wanting to do the Everest - Lhotse Double (having 2 permits)  Acclimatising on Mt. Mera Peak  Being an older climber and the changes she made Sleeping at camp 3 on her rotation  Heading up to the balcony  The challenge of the 2025 season  Dealing with extreme winds and not being able to stand up Having to turn around - returning to her tent on the South Col and being hit with disappointment.  Maybe climbing Mt. Everest just isn't going to happen again - shedding a tear  Having her main sherpa needing to head back down to camp 2 Having the opportunity to go for the summit of Mt. Everest the following night  Now or never!!!!! Starting to prepare, getting herself together and heading back to the balcony before reaching the summit Reaching the summit - A surreal, glorious moment.  Crying on the summit and why she will never forget it The descent back to base camp - dealing with fatigue  Being able to look after herself on the descent  The afterwards - Relief? Adventure blues? The pressure on herself to achieve the goal Being at peace with herself  Needing to rest this calendar year and savour her summit Wallowing in the peace and knowledge of achievement  How to connect with Jeannette  Final words of advice for other women who want to take on their own mountains and challenges Keep stretching your fear muscle    Social Media Website: www.mcgillsmountains.com Instagram: @mcgills_mountains   

Tempers flared in Queenstown last night as residents questioned the developer behind a sprawling gondola, housing and tourism proposal. Otago Southland reporter Katie Todd reports.

Tourism has been given a welcome boost, with new figures suggesting overseas visitors are spending more and helping drive export growth. Mat Woods from Destination Queenstown spoke to John Campbell.

Foreign Affairs Minister responds to latest tariff threat; Selwyn District mayor discusses amalgamation plans; Outgoing chair of Remuneration Authority on MP entitlements; Queenstown tourism boss discusses new tourism figures; Beige Bridge co-founder excited for upcoming summer of cricket

The sound of bittersweet strings will be ringing out in the lower South Island this long weekend. Queenstown is playing host to a special competition celebrating a quarter century milestone. But it's missing a special guest this year. Checkpoint producer Johnny Sutherland spoke to Lisa Owen.

The real cost of living in paradise: the Queenstown housing crisis is leaves locals priced out and strugglingQueenstown's million-dollar dream is turning into a housing nightmare as locals are priced out, homes sit empty, and homelessness growsFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details