Staying Safe in Queenstown

Staying safe in the outdoors

Queenstown’s tracks range from easy lakeside walks to remote and exposed alpine routes. A walk beginning close to town can still become demanding. For example, the Ben Lomond summit route is a full-day alpine hike, and snow, ice and rapidly changing weather are possible.

Before setting out:

• check the latest track conditions, alerts and weather forecast
• choose a trip suited to your experience and fitness
• take warm and waterproof clothing, food and water
• tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
• be prepared to turn back if the conditions change.

For remote trips,  carry a personal locator beacon and do not rely solely on mobile phone coverage.

Use Plan My Walk to find track information, alerts, forecasts and trip-planning guidance.

You can also check DOC track alerts or seek advice from the Queenstown isite Visitor Centre and DOC’s Queenstown Visitor Centre.

Skiing and adventure activities

Queenstown offers a wide range of skiing and adventure activities. Choose an established operator, follow all safety briefings and let your guide know about any medical conditions or concerns that could affect your activity. Registered adventure activity operators must undergo an independent safety audit and can be checked on the WorkSafe public register.

When skiing or snowboarding, follow the Snow Responsibility Code as well as signs, closures and instructions from ski area staff. Travel beyond managed ski areas requires additional avalanche knowledge, equipment and experience. Check the current New Zealand Avalanche Advisory before entering backcountry terrain.

Staying safe around water

Staying safe around water

Conditions on Lake Whakatipu and the region’s rivers can change quickly with the weather. It’s a legal requirement to wear a properly fitted lifejacket when boating, kayaking or paddleboarding. Parents and caregivers should supervise children closely. Always follow local signs and instructions.

Lake Whakatipu, Lake Wānaka and other lakes in the region are alpine lakes and can remain very cold year-round, even on warm days. Cold water can quickly affect breathing and swimming ability, so enter the water with care. River mouths can also be particularly hazardous, including where the Dart River enters Lake Whakatipu near Glenorchy, and should be avoided.

If you are unsure about the conditions or your ability, stay out of the water. Read the New Zealand Water Safety Code and visit the QLDC Harbourmaster page for local boating information.

Fire safety

Dry vegetation, high temperatures and strong winds can increase the risk of wildfire. The high-fire-risk Queenstown Red Zone includes Ben Lomond and land above central Queenstown. Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill have total fire bans, and tracks or reserves may occasionally close during extreme conditions.

Do not light fires or undertake activities that could create sparks in restricted areas. Check the current reserve status on the QLDC wildfire page and national fire restrictions at Check It’s Alright. If you see smoke or fire, move to a safe location and call 111.

Staying safe on the roads

Drive on the left-hand side of the road and allow more time than the distance might suggest. Roads around Queenstown can be narrow, steep and winding, particularly the Crown Range, ski area access roads and routes into more remote parts of the region.

In winter, carry snow chains that fit your vehicle and know how to use them. Fit chains whenever signs, road crews or authorities instruct you to do so. Motorists can be fined $750 if they fail to fit chains when instructed. Four-wheel drive does not remove the risk posed by snow and ice.

Before travelling, check:

• QLDC winter road reports
• NZTA highway conditions
• MetService Queenstown weather.

Visitors driving to Piopiotahi Milford Sound should also check the latest State Highway 94 Milford Road information.

Earthquakes and tsunami safety

During an earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold. If you are indoors, remain inside until the shaking stops. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, trees and power lines before dropping, covering and holding.

Queenstown is inland, but many visitors travel to coastal parts of Fiordland and the West Coast. In a coastal tsunami zone, if an earthquake is long - lasting more than a minute - or strong enough to make standing difficult, move to high ground or as far inland as possible as soon as the shaking stops: Long or Strong, Get Gone.

Piopiotahi Milford Sound also has a rare local tsunami risk from large landslides entering the fiord. If you feel a long or strong earthquake, see a large landslide enter the water or notice unusual water movement, move away from the shoreline and waterways, seek higher ground and follow instructions from local staff.

Read the national guidance for earthquakes and tsunami, or learn more about emergency planning for Piopiotahi Milford Sound.

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