Local Escapes

LUMA Southern Light Project Is Coming Back To Queenstown This King’s Birthday

By Armelle Frimpong

Forget what you know about the Southern Lights. Aurora Australis? Please. Kicking off on Kings' birthday weekend, Queenstown’s waterfront is set to transform once more into LUMA—a magical forest wonderland lit up with interactive light sculptures, live music, sonic landscapes, illuminated art installations and local eats. As if we needed another reason to visit stunning QT, right?

For the first time ever, LUMA Southern Light Project will take place across five days and after last year's cancellation this year's set is set to be bigger and better than ever before. From Thursday 1 to Monday 5 June 2023, Queenstown’s LUMA 23 will enchant its guests with interactive, thought-provoking light displays, music and entertainment. 

Expect to see dazzling works from the likes of Angus Muir from Angus Muir Design who was a crowd favourite at Splore Festival this year, together with well-established creative partners including Mike Hodgson from Kiwi electronic duo Pitch Black, aerialist Emma Vickers of Fantail Creative, Creature Post and SILO; alongside other local artists who'll be unleashing their creativity, producing stunning geometric works against the iconic backdrop of the Queenstown lakefront.

You’ll have five days to witness the glory of this ticketed event, connecting with strangers on a moody winter night through a shared appreciation of art and music. And, with plenty of food vendors partaking in the event, you can be sure your taste buds will be just as delighted as your mind. 

If you're wondering how you'll get to the event, buses will be running return trips from Queenstown Central (in Frankton) to LUMA. Heard enough? Grab your tickets here.

The Details

What: LUMA Southern Light Project
Where: Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown
When: Thursday, 1 – Monday 5 June 2023.

Book your spot at one of the best hotels or Airbnbs in Queenstown. 

Image credit: Kiara Collab, Arrested Light Photography, Escape Quest QT, Aiste Vasileviciute, Aiste Photography.

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