Winter Wonderland in Queenstown
In the heart of the Southern Alps, with unrivalled alpine scenery, snow-capped mountains and fresh mountain air, Queenstown is New Zealand’s home of winter. Whether you have an appetite for adventure, mountains and fresh air or are keen to enjoy a delicious meal and fine wine beside roaring fire, you will be well catered for. Get away from the everyday and escape to Queenstown.
Each year from early June onwards, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting snow sports enthusiasts from around the world with its incredible lake and alpine scenery, crisp blue-sky days and easy access to some of New Zealand’s finest ski and snowboard terrain accompanied by a vibrant après ski scene. Queenstown is big enough to offer a wide range of accommodation, activities, four ski areas, events, eateries, and bars—yet small enough to make you feel like you belong.
The region’s four ski areas, all within a handy 20 to 90 minute drive of Queenstown, open from mid June. These ski fields boast a range of terrain for all levels whether you’re keen to conquer the basics, enjoy groomed runs, tackle off-piste, throw down some freestyle tricks or experience the thrill of night skiing. With the first snowfalls, you can feel the buzz in town as skiers and snowboarders gear up for a season
of fun.
Temperatures during winter in Queenstown usually range from 5-8°C in the day time. The nights are often cold and frosty with the temperature dropping to -2°C on cold nights. The days are short and crisp but provide incredible blue skies and fresh crisp mornings. Snowfall is sporadic throughout the season and each mountain will receive a different amount of snowfall due to the direction they face. If you are planning a Queenstown ski trip, you will want to keep an eye on the weather and snowfall.
Queenstown’s cosmopolitan town centre has a welcoming, vibrant energy that resonates across the resort to make for a unique holiday destination. Skiers and boarders, or those just curious about snow, gather here to lap up the fun. Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading ski destination, offering a choice of four worldclass ski resorts within a short drive of the bustling town. Extensive skiable terrain ensures there’s something suitable for all abilities and styles. The range of iconic off-mountain activities and a vibrant après ski scene will make your winter escape truly unforgettable.
Snowsports are firm favourites for many visitors to the town but not all fun is restricted to the mountains. With an abundance of activities and events peppered throughout the winter months, you will be never far away from something epic in the home of adventure.
For those who are not into skiing here are our two picks this winter to keep your fluids up! Taste Central Otago’s finest vintages or enjoy a Queenstown winery lunch. The best wineries near Queenstown offer wine tasting, delicious dining, and the chance to meet the winemaker with winery tours and events. With 75 wineries only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, and over a hundred more within 40 minutes, you’re in the heart of the world’s southernmost wine region.
Taste some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir, before enjoying a winery lunch created by our talented local chefs. Whether your style is fine dining in award-winning winery restaurants, woodfired pizza, or a picnic of local cheese and wine amidst the vines, Queenstown vineyards are a food and wine lover’s delight. Head to Gibbston, the ‘Valley of Vines’, to explore Central Otago wine cellars, architecturally designed wineries, historic pubs, craft breweries, and the home of bungy on the way.
With many beautiful wineries and cellar doors nearby, you’re never more than a few minutes away from a taste of the local terroir and a plate of sensational food. Explore Queenstown’s vibrant local brew scene. In 2013 Queenstown local, Eliott Menzies started Altitude Brewing. His vision was to create beer that expressed the essence of the region, the purity of their alpine water, and the richness of southern malts.
Today, the craft beer scene in Queenstown is a flourishing community, home to six craft breweries and three craft beer bars, all creating their
own characterful brews. Queenstown craft beer is as much a unique expression of this place as their wine. Their brewers forage wild botanicals, grow their own hops, and source local ingredients to infuse their brews with the taste of the region.
Take a craft beer tour of Queenstown breweries to explore the musttaste ales for yourself, experience their unique alpine flavour profiles,
meet the brewers, learn about the brewing process and the history of their beers and breweries.
Queenstown winter events
Queenstown comes alive in winter and brings people together to celebrate the best of the snow season with festivals, live music, light shows, cultural events and sporting showcases. From major headliners to hidden happenings, there are events to suit everyone this winter season.
NZ Mountain Film & B ook Festival • 27-28 June
Winter Beer Festival • 6 July
Winter Pride 2024 • 2 2 August – 1 S eptember
