From a temporary workbench in a motel unit, stringed-instrument craftsman Richard Panting strives to ensure the sweet sound of their instruments (some nearly 300 years old) is not affected by the resort's challenging climate.
The Auckland-based violin maker and repairer has been in the resort for the past week to look after the violins of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition's 18 contestants.
He has been the competition's dedicated luthier since 2007, tasked with combating the effects of Queenstown's low humidity and temperature changes on fragile and treasured instruments.
Mr Panting said those instruments included the ''creme de la creme'' of Italian-made violins - which included two dating to the early 1700s - as well as modern violins of the highest quality.
Low humidity could cause their wood to shrink, while temperature changes put pressure on glued joints and caused tuning pegs to slip.
Fortunately, most issues had been easy to remedy this year, and there had been no major damage.
He had learned his craft in Australia after spending 15 years as a professional violinist with orchestras in the United Kingdom and Europe.
He relished his contact with the contestants, and found their playing ''inspirational''.
He will return to Auckland for the final round of semifinals on Thursday and the final on Saturday.
