Things To Do in Winter in Queenstown

Set in the heart of the Southern Alps, Queenstown sends skiers and snowboarders wild. With endless things to do off the mountain, too, New Zealand's adventure capital does winter well.

Are you planning a trip? Prepare to be spoilt for choice. The area's four ski mountains (Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone) are all easy to reach from Queenstown. With access like that, you can be on the slopes in the morning and sightseeing (or après-skiing) in the afternoon.

Each ski field is unique. You'll just have to try them all to find a favourite. The closest ski area is Coronet Peak, just 20 minutes from the town centre, it's well run and lots of fun. Queenstown is blessed with a long season. Skiers and snowboarders can take on the slopes from June to October.

With stunning alpine vistas, addictive runs and plenty of snow, Queenstown will make your winter fantasies come true. Here's what to do in winter in Queenstown.

Image: Destination Queenstown

Snowboarding and Skiing

  • Choose from four ski areas close to Queenstown: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone. Each of Queenstown's fields is suitable for beginners to experts.
  • The closest is Coronet Peak, just 20 minutes away from downtown Queenstown, with open pistes and nicely groomed trails.
  • For an epic adventure, add heli skiing or cat skiing to your itinerary. Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience surrounded by pristine mountains.

Image: Destination Queenstown

Après Ski and Dining

  • Relive the day's adventures with a cocktail by the roaring fireplace. The best après-ski bars in town serve mulled wine, hot buttered rum and local Central Otago Pinot Noir.
  • Queenstown's cosmopolitan and vibrant town centre features more than 150 bars, cafes and restaurants to choose between.
  • Here you'll find everything from dive bars to classy cocktail joints. Some of the best après-ski spots are Rhino's Ski Shack, Harry's Pool Bar, Cowboy and Little Blackwood.

Image: Destination Queenstown

Other Winter Activities

  • Snowboarding and skiing aren't the only games in town. What about snowmobiling, snowshoeing and snow tubing? Yes, they're all here.
  • Once you get off the mountain, you'll find that most of Queenstown's top attractions, from the mild to the wild, still operate through the winter.
  • For winter sightseeing, take a hybrid lift to the top of Cardrona Alpine Resort to admire the mountains. Winter 2019 will bring a similar lift to Coronet Peak for your viewing pleasure. Just don't forget your camera!

Created in partnership with Destination Queenstown