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 feel 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.

SKI AREAS

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 of Queenstown. Beginners can enjoy the friendly atmosphere and lessons to quickly conquer the mountain. Advanced skiers and snowboarders can explore the most challenging pistes and off-piste runs or venture into the backcountry. You can even try night skiing at Coronet Peak.

SKI TO NEW HEIGHTS

Experienced skiers are well catered for in Queenstown, with ample opportunity to take your skiing to the next level. Queenstown’s four ski areas each have a range of double-black runs and off-piste terrain just waiting to be explored. Or, for the ultimate powder experience, spend the day exploring the backcountry with a local guide or through 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.

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, the Queenstown region 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.

ME TIME

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. Or wrap up warmly and explore the region’s spectacular scenery by foot or by bike on one of its many trails. Scenic walks from downtown Queenstown range from a leisurely stroll around the beautiful lakeside gardens to hiking up Queenstown Hill for magnificent 360-degree vistas.

THE YOON

A new craze is hitting Queenstown’s slopes, and it’s a vibe for those who don’t know how to ski or snowboard or simply want to try something a bit different. Yoonering involves a short, single ski attached to a low seat with a gripping handle, and while it has been around for over a century, the fun is fresh as ever. After a bit of practice on the nursery slopes, you can get good enough to outpace a skier on the serious runs. Yooners can be hired from both Coronet Peak or The Remarkables.

WINTER ADVENTURES

A winter in Queenstown will awaken your senses and inspire you to go further than you have gone before. Take an early morning hot air balloon flight above white-capped mountain peaks, paraglide from a ski field covered in fresh snow, or take a leap and skydive over the Southern Alps. You can also horse ride through fresh snow, 4WD adventure into an abandoned mining village, or e-bike through the Valley of Vines in Gibbston. The options are endless.

Whether you’re into adventure, mountains and adrenalin, or fine wine and indulgence, get away from the everyday and escape to Queenstown this winter; check out queenstownNZ.nz

Queenstown's winter wonderland