QUINTESSENTIAL QUEENSTOWN
Nestled alongside the pristine waters of Lake Whakatipu and surrounded by majestic, snow-capped peaks sits Queenstown, the home of winter adventure. It is the perfect escape, whether you have an appetite for adventure, mountains, and fresh air or are more at home enjoying a delicious meal and fine wine next to a roaring fire. Every year from early June, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting snow sports enthusiasts with its incredible lake and alpine scenery, crisp blue-sky days, vibrant après ski scene, and easy access to some of the finest ski and snowboard terrain in New Zealand.
CHOOSE FROM FOUR DIFFERENT SKI FIELDS
Queenstown is the perfect winter base to hit the slopes of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Treble Cone, each located within a 20-90 minute drive from Queenstown. The four ski fields feature a variety of terrain and cater for different levels of experience, from beginner to expert. Try night skiing at Coronet Peak, check out the new Sugar Bowl lift at The Remarkables, ski the newly opened Willows Basin at Cardrona, or head to Treble Cone, the largest ski area in the South Island.
TAKE YOUR SKIING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Experienced skiers are well catered for in Queenstown, with ample opportunity to take your skiing to the next level. Queenstown’s four ski fields each have a range of double-black runs and off-piste terrain just waiting to be explored. Or for the ultimate powderhound experience, spend the day exploring the backcountry with a local guide or one of Queenstown’s heliskiing operations. The helicopter ride up to the Southern Alps is spectacular, and provides access to pristine, untouched snow just waiting for you to make fresh tracks on.
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME WINTER EXPERIENCES
Queenstown is the place to tick off those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and there’s no time more scenic than winter to try them. Take an early morning hot air balloon flight above white-capped mountain peaks, paraglide from a ski field covered in fresh snow, or helicopter to a glacier. Or take a leap and skydive over the Southern Alps, horse ride through fresh snow, bungy jump into an ice-cold river, or 4WD adventure into an abandoned mining village. The options are endless.
BRING THE WHOLE WHĀNAU FOR FAMILY FUN
Queenstown is an exciting and fun-filled family holiday destination with lots of things to do with kids, especially in winter. If your family is new to snow sports, don’t be afraid to start them young! There are many options for gear hire, lift passes and lessons that cater for practically every age. Learner ski slopes are very gentle, and experienced instructors know just how to teach small kids. For off-mountain fun, try ice skating, carting, movie theatres, trampolining, VR gaming, laser tag, or even indoor skydiving.
BEYOND THE SKI FIELD
Queenstown is renowned for its high-octane thrills. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or want to push your limits, there are activities like jet boating, zip-lining, or quad biking – all guaranteed to get your blood pumping! For the ultimate in relaxation, especially after a day on the slopes, enjoy some ‘me time’ at one of Queenstown’s luxury day spas and yoga studios. A full range of treatments are on offer, and it’s the perfect way to revitalise the mind, body, and soul.
APRÈS SKI SCENE
Winter in Queenstown is just as much about après ski as it is about skiing and snowboarding, and the compact and vibrant town centre truly comes alive after dark. Stylish bars, sophisticated clubs, Kiwi pubs, and late-night hot spots make the après ski atmosphere second to none. Along with nearby Arrowtown, Queenstown is home to more than 150 bars and restaurants, offering an extensive range to tempt all taste buds, from fine dining to bustling eateries, family-friendly cafés, and boutique restaurants.