As the dust settles on the final 10-day Queenstown Winter Festival, organisers say next year's edition will be an"action-packed'' four days that will better suit visitors, commercial partners and the media.
An estimated 45,000 locals and visitors have sampled more than 60 events at this year's festival, which culminated in a colourful Community Carnival in the resort yesterday.
But a shock wave ran through the resort on Thursday when festival owner Destination Queenstown announced it would squeeze the festival into four days next year.
Festival director Lisa Buckingham said she did not view the decision as a sign the event was ailing.
"Any good event has to be assessed and reassessed every year, and we've taken the opportunity to look at what makes this festival sustainable going forward.''
Commercial partners could focus their resources into the shorter period and "do some great things'', Ms Buckingham said.
"I think all-round it's a really sensible option and not a sign of a failing festival, but a sign of being adaptable and making it a better festival for the next 42 years.
"I'm really excited and I think it's something I'd like to be a part of.''
Planning for next year would begin with a meeting of the festival's steering group this week, consultation with commercial partners and an online survey of the community that would go live on the festival's website today.
Decisions would have to be made about which events made the cut next year.
"While there might be some casualties, there might be additions as well.''
Reflecting on the past 10 days, Ms Buckingham said it was fortunate that four events planned for Coronet Peak ski area - which closed 12 days ago because of a lack of snow - were able to be moved to The Remarkables skifield at short notice.
"It was actually quite refreshing to have a new venue and somewhere a bit different for participants who keep coming back to those mountain events.''
The only cancellation was the opening of night skiing at Coronet Peak on Friday.
The biggest crowd-pullers had been the opening party and fireworks on June 24 and yesterday's Community Carnival, which drew an estimated 5000 people.
The carnival featured live music, street performers, FMX motocross displays, food stalls and a Charity Duck Race.
