Winter in Queenstown
June to August
Temperatures between -2°C and 8°C
Nestled alongside the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic, snowcapped mountains, Queenstown is the perfect winter holiday destination.
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, get away from the everyday and escape to Queenstown.
The cosmopolitan town has a welcoming, vibrant energy that resonates across the resort to make Queenstown a unique holiday destination—and at no time is this more obvious than in winter, when skiers and boarders, or those just curious about snow, gather here to lap up the fun.
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.
Every 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, easy access to some of New Zealand's finest ski and snowboard terrain and a vibrant après ski scene.
The region’s four ski areas, all within a handy 20 to 90-minute drive of Queenstown, open from early June and offer 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.
