Fireworks display ‘best ever’

Talk about timing.

Queenstown woke up to a much-needed fresh dusting of snow yesterday — with more to come — as the resort prepared to get winter officially started with the DFS Winter Fireworks display last night.

Thousands gathered along the waterfront to watch the display — touted by many as "the best yet" — while thousands more packed into bars, boats, businesses and on to balconies to watch the 10-minute extravaganza.

Illuminated street performers and food vendors were also part of the celebrations.

The DFS Winter Fireworks display lights up the Queenstown waterfront last night. PHOTO: JACKIE GAY/STILL VISION PHOTOGRAPHY

T Galleria by DFS general manager Mario Gabriel, of Queenstown, said since the outlet opened in Queenstown in November, DFS had been looking for ways to create a meaningful event which catered to the community, rather than visitors.

Since 2020, DQ had organised a "Welcome to Winter" celebration as a placeholder for the Queenstown Winter Festival. However, this year it was revealed Winter Festival was no longer part of DQ’s planning and offered the fireworks to DFS to organise and run.

Mr Gabriel said they planned to run the event annually.

tracey.roxburgh@odt.co.nz