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Winter in Queenstown

Our Queenstown winter is heralded by the arrival of snow on our towering peaks, a tangible buzz in the town centre and a packed events calendar. We love to celebrate winter!

It's time to hit the mountains and enjoy the variety of snowboarding and skiing terrain, not to mention fun in the tubing park, snowshoeing, snow mobiling and heli-ski options. Even if snow sports are not your passion, there's an abundance of options for off-piste fun, and the majority of  activities operate all year round.

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Visit Queenstown in winter

  • Dates of winter: 1 June to 31 August (the ski season runs from around June 9th into early October)
  • Average winter temperatures: Between 0°C (or colder) and 8°C
  • Winter weather: Frosty mornings, clear blue skies, snowfall and cold temperatures

Winter activities

Many people visit Queenstown in winter to ski or snowboard, and lots also make the trip to enjoy a fantastic winter holiday in our alpine paradise. You can enjoy a range of activities - many available all year round - and the lively après-ski culture that Queenstown's famous for.

  • With five international standard ski areas open from June to early October you can enjoy fun days on the slopes and also spend some time exploring the region. 
  • If you're not into skiing, why not try another winter sport? Snow-shoeing, tubing, ice-climbing, ise skating or a ride on a snow-mobile are all great alternatives.
  • Keep your feet moving with a walking tour of art and craft galleries. See jewellery makers at work, take an artist-hosted studio tour or browse local sculptures and paintings at a local galleries in Queenstown or Arrowtown.
  • See the stunning winter scenery with a day trip outside of Queenstown. Explore the National Parks of Mount Aspiring or Fiordland, enjoy the tranquillity of Glenorchy or an excursion to historic Arrowtown. Update your winter wardrobe or outdoor equipment with a day shopping. Queenstown’s compact shopping area offers stylish high street clothes, one-off  designer pieces and the latest ski and outdoor equipment.

Winter events

Our winter event calendar is bursting with festivals, sporting events and family activities! The world famous Queenstown Winter Festival is our annual highlight, attracting thousands of visitors to the ten day extravaganza. International skiers and snowboarders also flock to Queenstown for the abundance of ski races, multi-sport events and the New Zealand Winter Games. Check out the Queenstown events calendar to find out more. 

View all upcoming events in Queenstown >>

Snow & weather forecast

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