Events

Thu, 29 December 2011 - Sat, 31 March 2012The Sociable Club - What's On For Summer!!!

As a member of The Sociable Club you are welcome to join us throughout the year at all our regular events and activities like Dinner Club, Walking and Tramping Trips, Cycling Activities, Drinks Evenings, Quiz Nights, Wine Tastings and Fitness classes.

In addition to our regular events, our program of extraordinary events changes with the seasons and always includes seasonal variations.

For Spring we enjoyed a new Spring Ball in Arrowtown for the over 30's, our annual visit to the Larnach Castle Masked Ball, the theme this year was 'Black Out' paying homage to the All Blacks and the RWC 2011!! and the various local and regional annual cultural events surrounding our wonderful culture here in the Lakes District area.

For summer we had an exciting helicopter flight to The Ledge on Cecil Peak with QT Heli-Tours, we met for drinks and dinners, caught the latest blockbusters at the cinema and generally enjoyed the warmer weather.  We're looking forward to concerts, sporting events and days at the Races throughout the rest of the summer as well as our normal drinks, dinners and regular events.

Members will see subtle changes to our regular events which will change as the weather warms up and we look forward to enjoying everything Summer 2011/12 has to offer. 

So WHAT are you waiting for - JOIN NOW - come along and get connected with Queenstown's most Sociable Club!!!

Sat, 7 January 2012 - Tue, 28 February 2012Cinema Paradiso Drive In & Outdoor Movies, Wanaka Showgrounds

Wanaka’s legendary movie theatre moves outdoors presenting free outdoor and drive-in
movies for the whole family to enjoy.

Bring a blanket, bean bag or couch and enjoy an evening under the stars or tune into
your car radio and enjoy the ol’ favourites.

Choose to sit outside on a bean bag or enjoy the comfort of the car.

Where: Wanaka Showgrounds, access from McDougall Street
When: on dark 9.30pm (ish) 7, 14, 27 and 28 January
Cost: Gold Coin Donation.
Drinks & snacks available to purchase.

Contact: events@summerdaze.co.nz or 03 443 2700
Screenings are weather permitting.

PROGRAMME: Friday 7th: tbc Saturday 14th: tbc Friday 27th: tbc Saturday 28th: tbc

This event is being promoted for our members' information and will not be hosted.

Wed, 11 January 2012 - Wed, 29 February 2012Sociable Golf Afternoons - Twilight Golf at Kelvin Heights

Each Wednesday during Daylight Savings, Kelvin Heights will be running a Twilight Golf Competition called 'Lasseters Super 8 Twilight'. The competition is an 8 hole Stableford format with 2 flags on each green. One easypin placement and one difficult pin placement. Throughout the 8 holes you must nominate 3 holes where you elect to go for the dangerous pin. If you score a nett par or better you will double your stableford points.

This is a fun event, which will be followed with a prize giving and a BBQ at the clubhouse.

Cost to enter Super 8 Twilight is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Cost includes BBQ meal afterwards.

Tee times are open from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

Go along and enjoy a fun evening at Kelvin Heights Golf Club.

Not a member of the club yet? Contact us to find out more about becoming a member of the most exciting social club for the over 25's in Queenstown!!

Fri, 27 January 2012 - Sun, 29 January 2012Greed, Glamour and Grudges

Greed, Glamour & Grudges will be performed in QT Gardens, between 27th and 29th January

Remarkable Theatre's presents a rollicking ride through our local 'gold' history and a glimpse at the sorts of music and entertainment that our early settlers may have enjoyed in their leisure time.

Bring a picnic and a sense of fun!

Where: Queenstown Gardens (Park Street Entrance)

When: Various performances between 27th and 29th January

Cost: Gold Coin Donation.

No booking required

Contact: Jane Robertson janer@qldc.govt.nz or call 0274 363 884

www.remarkabletheatre.org.nz

Specially compiled to mark the district's 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold.

This event is being promoted for our members' information and will not be hosted.

Mon, 30 January 2012 - Mon, 26 March 2012Sociable Touch Rugby - Join The Steamers

Want to join a team sport in QT?  Need a team to join?  Love touch rugby?

Then join The Steamers.....they're looking for players, guys and girls, to make up their team for the league in Queenstown which starts on Monday 30th January and runs for two months.

They play every Monday at 6pm at the Event Centre, Frankton.

Contact Grant Coburn on 0274343968 to join or for more information.

Wed, 1 February 2012 - Wed, 28 March 2012Sociable Art Course - Oil/Acrylics for Adults - Eight Week Course

Learn to paint with oils or acrylics in this 8 week course.

Wednesday 10.00am - 12.00pm
Wednesday 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Thursday 10.00am - 12.00pm

The Art School Courses will equip you with skills of observational based painting to give you a good grounding in your painting technique, and from there take you to greatness in your art.

In these courses you will learn:
- observation - how to really see
- drawing skills
- colour mixing using comparative observation
- use of tone and structural division of objects
- paint applications using a variety of tools
- softening and blending using a variety of tools
- shining and dulling techniques
- textural techniques
- using light and shadow to make your paintings pop!
- 3D effects

Money Back Guarantee!!!!  Now, where else do you get a money back guarantee on a painting course? Well, at The Art School we are so confident in the skills we teach, that if you do not improve your art skills then we give you your money back. (Conditions apply)

Cost: Members $275 *Non Members $295

RSVP immediately to secure your place.

Contact angie@thesociableclub.co.nz to book

*Includes booking fee or alternatively ask about club membership and save $$$$'s and enjoy great events year round!!

Thu, 2 February 2012A Sociable Visit to the Circus - Zirka Circus

Zirka Circus is proud to begin its 2nd tour of New Zealand and it's coming to Queenstown!

Their show is all new, and bigger and better than ever before.

Yes, they have the world's largest ever motorbike Globe of Death!

Yes, they have more amazing acrobatics including a number of acts never before performed in NZ!

Yes, their silly clowns are back!

And yes, you are sure to love this show more than the last one!

Contact angie@thsociableclub.co.nz for more info - members and non-members are welcome to join in

This is a TSC hosted event

Sat, 4 February 2012Rippon Festival 2012

Rippon open air festival is run by a non-profit group by the name of Lake Wanaka SouNZ Inc., with the SouNZ part reflecting the pride in the quality of Kiwi musicians and their music. Lake Wanaka SouNZ Incorporated was set up in 1997; Rippon 2012 will be the ninth festival they have run.

Featuring Kora, The Datsuns, Trinity Roots, Katchafire, Street Chant, Orchestra of Spheres, The Yoots, AHoriBuzz, Lord Echo, Sunshine Sound System and Disasteradio.

Ticketek pre sales: Thursday 29th September 2011
General public: Monday 3rd October 2011

Lovers of music, people, life, nature, magic and mayhem - start planning your summer journey because you're the ones they want to see at Rippon Vineyard next Waitangi Weekend.

This event is being promoted for our members information and will not be hosted.

Sun, 5 February 2012Creedence Clearwater Revisited Summer Tour 2012

Proud Mary, Suzie Q, Down On The Corner, Fortunate Son, Who'll Stop The Rain. Six outdoor concerts from some of the greatest musicians who ever lived!

Tickets on sale Wednesday, November 2.

Their hits are touchstones of a generation. They’ve sold millions of albums worldwide and their music continues to be among the most played on radio stations across the globe.

That phenomenon was Creedence Clearwater Revival and now Creedence Clearwater Revisited -- formed by the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rhythm section so the supergroup’s songs could continue to be played live to legions of fans – and they’re coming to New Zealand.

Premium Entertainment proudly announces that Creedence Clearwater Revisited will perform in six very special summer concerts in January and February. Tickets to this tour will go on sale on Wednesday, November 2.
From the co-promoter who bought us The Hollies summer tour in 2011, Creedence Clearwater Revisited promises to have fans of good music revisiting their own nirvana!

Featuring a playlist that includes hits such as Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Green River, Travelin’ Band, Lookin’ Out My Back Door, Suzie Q, Down on the Corner, Fortunate Son, Who’ll Stop the Rain, fans are urged not to delay buying their tickets to shows in Tauranga, Auckland, New Plymouth, Wellington, Queenstown.

Concert promoter Craig Wilson of Premium Entertainment says “it’s an honour to have secured such legendary musicians for the summer tour”.

“Creedence Clearwater Revisited have a pedigree most groups can only dream of. These musicians shaped music as it is today. What a thrill it is to be hosting them.”

“Every song brought back memories from the '70s. The sound was sensational and original. The group still has it.”

This event is being promoted for our members information and will not be hosted.

Wed, 8 February 2012Dinner Club - February - A Sociable Evening with Giovanni & Alessandro at the Wakatipu Grill

Hilton Queenstown’s signature restaurant Wakatipu Grill is proud to welcome
Sydney based celebrity chefs Giovanni Pilu of Pilu at Freshwater and Alessandro
Pavoni of Ormeggio at the Spit and Spiedo as they work alongside Wakatipu
Grill’s own Peter Thornley to create an exquisite menu for one very special
evening. The trio of world-renowned chefs will lead their respective teams in
creating a truly memorable culinary experience for Queenstown diners.

Guests will enjoy five exceptional courses, plus pre-dinner canapés and Mt.
Difficulty wines. The menu will draw together the very best seasonally available
ingredients, and will also feature premium New Zealand king salmon from Regal
Salmon.

Hilton Queenstown General Manager Marlene Poynder says: “We are thrilled to
welcome some of Australia’s leading chefs into the kitchen of the Wakatipu
Grill. It is a wonderful opportunity for local food lovers to enjoy a culinary
experience of an outstanding international calibre.”

Giovanni and Alessandro’s trip across the Tasman came from their desire to
see for themselves the source of the ingredients that they use in their Sydney
restaurants, particularly the popular Regal king salmon. Before descending into
Queenstown the chefs will visit the Marlborough region where they will learn
about Regal Salmon’s world-class farming practices at its sea farms in the
stunning Marlborough Sounds as well as the company’s hatchery in Golden Bay and
processing facilities in Nelson.

Cost: Members $135 (includes wine)

To book contact angie@thesociableclub.co.nz - places are limited so please RSVP asap

This is a TSC hosted event - members & *non-members are welcome

*Non-members will pay a booking fee

Thu, 9 February 2012MoreFM Summer Vineyard Tour 2012

For five years, More FM has brought the best in local music to some of the country’s finest locations.

Two International Artists to Headline The All New More FM Summer Vineyard Tour 2012

Hitting the road in February 2012 with a fresh look and name, the More FM Summer Vineyard Tour will travel to the beautiful surrounds of New Zealand vineyards with the addition of hot international acts headlining the tour’s stellar line-up.

This year’s tour will see legendary Australian roots act and NZ favourites John Butler Trio co-headline the show alongside so-hot-right-now funky American soul singer Aloe Blacc & The Grand Scheme, following Aloe’s sell-out NZ shows earlier this year and NZ top 40 chart success. Kiwi pop-sweetheart Annabel Fay also joins the line-up off the back of a stint in the US. They will play venues over eight February dates in the Hawkes Bay, New Plymouth, Martinborough, Hamilton, Nelson, Queenstown, Christchurch and Auckland.

Aussie greats John Butler Trio return to Kiwi shores off the back of releasing a limited edition box set album ‘Live At Red Rocks’. With the release of their 5th studio album and a whirlwind 12 month tour last year, John Butler Trio have garnered incredible respect and rave reviews from fans and media around the world, making them absolutely one of Australia’s biggest music exports and a big hit with New Zealand audiences.

Aloe Blacc’s 2010 worldwide hits, ‘I Need A Dollar’ (commissioned as the theme tune for HBO series How To Make It In America) and ‘Loving You Is Killing Me‘ are merely the tip of a very large iceberg, with Aloe fast becoming the spearhead of modern, 21st century soul. The smooth soul singer has taken over the charts both here and overseas, with television appearances on big shows such as The Graham Norton Show and Later With Jools Holland. His recent sell-out New Zealand shows also received rave reviews: "Blacc oozes charisma and has a remarkable stage presence" (stuff.co.nz) and “Aloe hit notes like the godson of soul” (Groove Guide). Aloe with his band The Grand Scheme is a guaranteed crowd pleaser on the More FM Summer Vineyard Tour for 2012.

Bringing a local flavour to the show, local songstress Annabel Fay rounds off the line-up with her catchy pop tracks and soul infused style. Performing hits off her latest album, such as top 20 airplay tracks ‘Show Me The Right Way’, ‘River’ and new single ‘Already Home’, Annabel is all set to wow the crowds at this renowned event.

Without a doubt the shows will deliver an event to remember, bringing together exciting entertainment, fine wine and food with good company, for an amazing afternoon-turn-evening out. Grab your family and friends because the More FM Summer Vineyard Tour is reinvigorated, refreshed and better than ever before.

This event is being promoted for our members' benefit and will not be hosted.

Fri, 10 February 2012 - Fri, 23 March 2012Sociable After Work Drinks - alternate Fridays throughout Summer

Due to popular demand we will be continuing our weekly slide into the weekend with After Work Drinks - it's our members' most popular fortnightly event!!  We'll be taking advantage of a special offer for Sociable Club members - extended Happy Hour prices on presentation of your Sociable Club membership card on a Friday from 5pm.

See your club newsletter for dates and details!!

Alternate Fridays throughout the Summer you can find all your friends after work from 5.30pm to 6.30pm winding down and sliding into the weekend - what could be better?

Come and enjoy a relaxing drink with lovely friends after a hard week's work!

We might even head on for more drinks or dinner somewhere....come along and get connected!!

Not a member yet?  Contact us to find out more about The Sociable Club in Queenstown and Dunedin!!

Sat, 11 February 2012Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert 2012

The Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert 2012 is featuring legendary international rock bands the Doobie Brothers and Little River Band and will be held at Gibbston Valley Station, set alongside Gibbston Valley Winery.

With performances spanning the seventies and eighties until today, the Doobie Brothers have enjoyed broad appeal, with hits such as ‘Listen to the Music’, ‘Long Train Runnin’’, and ‘What a Fool Believes’. Little River Band has also had chart success through the last three decades – with classics including ‘Cool Change’, ‘The Other Guy’, and ‘Take it Easy On Me’ – and is often considered to be one of Australia’s most significant bands.

The pre release to the people of the Queenstown Lakes District will be available from Wednesday 7 September at the I-Site in Queenstown and Wanaka, as well as Gibbston Valley Winery. Ticket pricing is $89 per person.

The general ticket sale will be available through Ticketek from Monday, 12 September. Children under 11 years of age are admitted free-of-charge when accompanied by a ticket-holder.

Gates open at 12noon, and the concert commences at 1pm. A wide range of food, beer and Gibbston Valley Wine will be on sale at the event. Special concert hampers can be pre-ordered from Gibbston Valley Winery before the show or online at: www.gibbstonvalleynz.com or through Ticketek. Concert-goers are also able to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Click here for more information.

Click here to buy tickets.

This event is being promoted for our members' information and will not be hosted.

Wed, 15 February 2012 - Wed, 4 April 2012A Sociable Writing Course - 8 Week Memoir Workshops

Have you ever thought about being a writer?  Do you have an amazing life story you'd like to share with the world and have published?  Then this is the course for you to get you started on that dream.....

Adventures in Writing based in Queenstown are hosting an 8 Week Memoirs Workshop covering 'Writing about Life'

Have you always wanted to tell your story but don’t know where to start?
Join International Ghostwriter, Sue Dunn, on these highly acclaimed courses, and learn how to bring
your own unique story from your memory archives to the written page.

Memoirs are your life’s story treasures told as only you can. Let The Writer empower you to create a work you will be proud to hand on to future generations. Engage with your past, empower your present and let your voice be heard into the future.

Course participants are thrilled when thy find memories flooding back, as Sue assists them to capture their stories with poignant writing that even surprises them. Don’t let the moment pass. There has never been a better time than now.

Their courses are carefully structured to be ongoing, so they are there to support you throughout your writing adventure.

Contact angie@thesociableclub.co.nz about joining a Memoirs Course. You are in for a wonderful and
surprising journey.

Writing Courses will equip you with skills and insight for writing your life stories, whether it be past, present, or even travel adventures.
- Memory Mapping
- Story discovery techniques.
- Silencing the critics
- Finding your voice.
- Claiming your truth.
- Setting a stage
- Emotion and voices
- Story writing skills
- Completing a slice of life

Cost: Members $345 *Non-Members $365

*Booking fee applies or become a member of The Sociable Club and save $$$$'s on your social life!!

Fri, 17 February 2012 - Sun, 19 February 2012Showbiz Queenstown present 'The Sound Of Music' 2012

Auditions    
Friday      17 February      7pm – 9pm Adult leads and ensemble 

Saturday 18 February      10am – 1pm Children (to be grouped in ages)
                                          2pm – 5pm Adult leads and ensemble

Sunday 19 February          11.00am Children recalls
                                            1.00pm Adult recalls

Auditions are by appointment – please contact me for an audition time..

There will be an information evening prior to auditions – we’ll send an email when the details are confirmed.

Kind regards

Hilary.

Hilary Finnie
Showbiz Queenstown

P 64 3 442 0441 M 021 407 703  E hilary.finnie@@xtra.co.nz
W www.showbizqt.co.nz  F  facebook.com/showbizqt
Showbiz Queenstown, PO Box 496, Queenstown

Showbiz Queenstown are delighted to announce that their 2012 production will be The Sound of Music, and equally delighted to welcome Bryan Aitken back to Queenstown as director.

Showbiz Queenstown (as Queenstown Musical Society) produced The Sound of Music in 1982: 30 years later the Memorial Hall will once again come alive to the Sound of Music.

While final dates haven’t yet been confirmed with Bryan and the rights holders,... we envisage opening to be Thursday May 17th.

Bryan said in an email:

"The Sound of Music has eternal appeal. It is a story of lost love, new love, belief in self and the magic of children in your life. Set against the German/Austrian anschluss, it creates an edge for the adults to work with, contrasting with the children's innocence. The nun's chorus work is amongst the best you will find in musical theatre. Because people know the story so well it’s imperative to direct it with freshness and joy."

And just in case you’re not familiar with it:

Synopsis
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. The motion picture version remains the most popular movie musical of all time.

It is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. Many songs from the musical have become standards including the title song "The Sound of Music", "Edelweiss", "My Favourite Things", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" and "Do-Re-Mi".

Cast Requirements
PRINCIPALS: 3 Women, 5 Girls (ages 5, 7, 9, 13 & 16), 2 Men, 2 Boys (ages 11 & 14)
FEATURED: 4 Women, 2 Men
ENSEMBLE: Neighbours of Captain von Trapp, nuns, novices, postulants, and contestants at the Festival Concert

Please contact Hilary Finnie if you would like to audition for a part (details below).

We’ll update about auditions when the dates are confirmed and we receive the information.

Hilary Finnie
Secretary
Showbiz Queenstown

P 6434420441
M 6421407703
E hilary.finnie@@xtra.co.nz
W www..showbizqt.co.nz
Showbiz Queenstown, PO Box 496, Queenstown

Sun, 4 March 2012A Sociable Day at the Cromwell Races

Join us for a special Race Day at the Cromwell Races to help them celebrate their 150th anniversary!!

It's a chance to dress up, have a drink and a flutter on the horses.

There'll be plenty of entertainment in the spirit of their 150th anniversary.

Included in the cost of your ticket will be return transport from Queenstown, entry to the races with our own marquee located on the finishing line and a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival.

Cost: Members $65 Non-Members $85 

A cash bar will be provided.

Contact angie@thesociableclub.co.nz for more info and bookings! 

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO DON'T DELAY - BOOK TODAY!!

Thu, 8 March 2012Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra - I Love You Tour

Wildly popular music-comedy sensation The Wellington International Ukulele
Orchestra are back on the road with their newest record, “I Love You…”, another
serving of infectious, ukulele-infused hit songs.

This tour sees the orchestra play new towns never before explored by the
band, who look forward to bringing their charming swagger to new corners of New
Zealand. Heavenly harmonies and stunning solos are juxtaposed against
hilariously budget special effects, madcap antics and questionable banter,
delighting crowds of all ages.

Lead by Age Pryor (Fly My Pretties, Woolshed Sessions), the band formed six
years ago at a tiny café in Wellington and have since become a cult favourite,
causing a mad scramble for tickets wherever they go.

“Resistance is futile” – Sunday Star-Times
“Heading towards national
treasure status” – TVNZ
“Entertainment of the highest order” – TV3
“An
unmissable funfest” – Rip It Up magazine
“Everyone’s favourite ukulele
orchestra (well, everyone who matters)” – Ukulelehunt.com

This event is being promoted for our members information and will not be hosted.

Find out more.... 

Sat, 7 April 2012 - Sat, 7 April 2012Remarkables Market, Every Saturday morning from 8am to 1pm

Remarkables Market offers local and regional delights and goodies for the home for everyone - seasonal food, artisans, collectables, performers and more.

Shop and relax while listening to music in this unique mountain setting.

Sat, 26 May 2012A Sociable Trip to the Bluff Oyster Festival

We'll be heading to the iconic Bluff Oyster Festival again this year!!

Grab your hat,scarf and a winter coat for an event
filled day of live music, Oyster Sack Creativity awards
and Oyster competitions. Join friendly locals and
... visitors for a taste of Bluff.

We may car pool to Invercargill, stay overnight there and get transport to/from Invercargill to the Bluff Oyster Festival!  Or we'll hire transport to take us there for a day trip....it'll depend on the numbers!!

Leave QT at 8am on Saturday, taking the transport to the festival, staying at the Monarch Motel, Invers, check out 11am on Sunday - grab some breakfast and head back to QT for lunch!!

OR

Leave QT at 8am on Saturday and return at 8pm the same night.

Last year's festival was SOOOO much fun so sign up today and we can get organised!!!  We even met John Key!!

RSVP to angie@thesociableclub.co.nz

*Non-members are welcome to this event.

*Non-members will pay the non-discounted ticket price.

Sat, 1 September 2012A Sociable Weekend to Doubtful Sound

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise.

Your excursion begins with a short cruise across island-studded Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass. You will then descend to Doubtful Sound to meet the crew of the Fiordl...and Navigator awaiting you in Deep Cove.

The Fiordland Navigator is designed along the lines of a traditional sailing vessel, combining the charm of a bygone era with all modern comforts including spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon/fully licensed bar and an observation lounge.

During the afternoon, you will cruise the full length of the fiord, weaving through hidden coves and waterways. Bottlenose dolphins are often encountered, fur seals bask on the rocks and, at times, rare penguins can be seen.

As evening draws near, the crew will drop anchor in a sheltered cove, allowing you to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender craft (small boat) with a nature guide. For the more adventurous, there’s even a chance to go swimming.  In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our onboard chef and relax in the saloon before retiring to your cosy bed.

Activities (kayaking & tendercraft/small boat), meals & accommodation included.  Three-course buffet dinner & cooked breakfast.

18 private cabins with ensuite bathrooms and 8 quad share bunk - style compartments (vessel layout)

RSVP to angie@thesociableclub.co.nz

Members and *Non-members are welcome to attend this event.

Real Journeys have offered Sociable Club members an extraordinary rate for this cruise - it's not to be missed whether you've done Doubtful Sound already or not!!

Sun, 14 October 2012 - Thu, 18 October 2012TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Centenary Celebrations

Join the week-long party in Queenstown to celebrate the centenary of the
iconic TSS Earnslaw. There’s a first sailing re-enactment cruise with period
costumes, woolshed party at Mt Nicholas Station, lots of entertainment for the
family and a variety of special cruises to various points around Lake
Wakatipu.

The "Lady of the Lake" is the largest and grandest steamship ever built in
New Zealand and now one of the world's last surviving coal-fired passenger
steamships in operation

Originally built to service the remote farming communities around Lake
Wakatipu, the TSS Earnslaw plied the lake transporting up to 1500 sheep, 200
bales of wool or 70 cattle on her decks.

As road access around the lake improved in the 1960s, the TSS Earnslaw
started running at a loss. There was even talk of sinking her. Fiordland Travel,
now Real Journeys, bought the steamship from New Zealand Railways in 1969 and
eventually turned her into the tourism icon that she is today, closing in the
upper deck to create the Promenade cafe and exposing the engine room for viewing
from above.

Down in the engine room everything remains as it was in 1912. Two triple
expansion steam engines maintain her cruising speed and stokers still shovel
coal into the boilers. The historical significance of this grand old steamship
is recognised by a rare Heritage Protection Order.

So come join the festivities at the TSS Earnslaw Centenary Celebrations and
be part of a once in a lifetime experience!

Sun, 30 December 2012Sociable Art Classes

ArtBay Gallery have offered to provide a Sociable Art Class for us.

An art teacher who works with ArtBay Gallery would be delighted to tutor a group of us and they will tailor the art session to our groups' requirements. 

Everything would be included in the cost of the session;paints, canvas board, and tutition. The gallery also has easels we could borrow for class use.

Details of times and dates will be confirmed very soon.

Sun, 30 December 2012Some for the Boys/Girls/Couples and Singles - Events and Weekends

Here at The Sociable Club we cater for all members' needs and throughout the Spring/Summer we'll be organising events for the groups within the club - that means girls' events as well as boys' events on top of the all the fun we have together.

Look out for Girlie Weekends, Boys Golf Clinics, Touch Rugby, Cooking Demos, Art Classes, Dinner Clubs, Local Cruises, Cinema Nights and just a lot of generally having loads of fun!!

Better still get in touch and let us know what your passion is and we'll organise a group of you to indulge in it!!!

Sun, 30 December 2012Sociable Pottery Session

Feeling arty? Want to get creative?

Join us at Wakatipu Potters Group to learn how to craft pottery.

This is a TSC Hosted event.  

Sun, 30 December 2012Sociable Movie Night

Join us for our monthly movie night - usually a Tuesday night to catch the latest blockbuster - there's usually something for everyone throughout the year!!

See your club newsletter for details of this month's movie night!!

Need someone to catch a movie with - join The Sociable Club now and never go to the cinema alone again!!

Sun, 30 December 2012Sociable Dinner Club

Join us to sample the best restaurants in the surrounding area at our monthly Sociable Dinner Club.  The Sociable Club organises a month dinner at a different restaurant in Queenstown and the surrounding area for our members to try.

See your monthly members newsletter for details of this month's Dinner Club!!

If you'd like to sample the best cuisine the town has to offer with like minded people - find out more about joining the most sociable club in town!!

Sun, 30 December 2012Sociable Quiz Team

Help the Sociable Club Quiz Team to victory by joining us at one of the many pub quizzes around town.

We regularly attend a local bar quiz either in the evening or on a Sunday afternoon for some fun and a challenge.

See your club members newsletter for details of this month's Sociable Quiz....

Contact us now if you'd like to find out more about joining The Sociable Club.

Mon, 31 December 2012Queenstown Pedallers - Saturday and Sunday Rides - All Year

All Sociable Club members are invited to join the hugely popular Queenstown Pedallers for their rides which are organised for every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.

The rides cater for all experience levels and are extremely well organised and run.

The best way to join the Queenstown Pedallers is by contacting Peter Atkinson on peter@heritagegold.co.nz and requesting you are added to their e-newsletter mailing list.

Anyone who is interested in cycling will benefit from joining this cycling group.

Please remember to mention you found out about the Queenstown Pedallers through your membership with The Sociable Club.

Mon, 31 December 2012Wakatipu Walkers and The Sociable Club - All Year

Do you want to walk in the Queenstown area? 

Wakatipu Walkers are an informal walking group who walk/hike in the Queenstown Lakes area every Thursday year round from January to December whatever the weather. 

They welcome members of The Sociable Club to walk with them. 

Their walks are described on their website at http://www.wakatipuwalkers.blogspot.com/

So whether you walk, hike or trek, you will find a walk to suit your level of fitness.   

Details of the Thursday walks are listed at http://www.wakatipuwalkers.blogspot.com/

There is a choice of two walks, but only Walk 1 has a leader. There is no Leader (NL) for Walk 2 but a member of the group will know the walk. Walk 2 is generally easier that Walk 1.

..  For more information about Walk 1, please contact the leader.

.. Please arrive 15 minutes early as they start promptly.

.. At the meeting place they car-pool and then drive to the start of the walk.

.. If it is a long drive, the walk leader will ask you to contribute to the petrol costs of the car pool driver.

.. Bring lunch and plenty of water.

.. The weather changes very quickly - be prepared!

.. If the weather is bad, the leader may change the walk, but they rarely cancel.

.. No dogs