10 Ways to Unwind After a Day on the Slopes in Queenstown

Visit a Local Spa

Few feelings compare to soaking cold, tired muscles in hot water at a local spa after a day up the hill. Let your worries melt away while you look out over the stunning views from a hot tub, or reflect on your favourite ski runs while you indulge in a therapeutic massage and facial.

Check out some of Queenstown’s day spas and hot pools.

Join a Local Wine and Beer Tour

Skiing long runs for hours on end can build up quite an appetite but never fear, good food and local brews are always close by in Queenstown. Foodies will be pleased to know that evening food and wine tours in Gibbston are available, so they don't have to choose between skiing and sampling the best of Queenstown's food and wine.

Gibbston is famous for their award-winning Pinot Noir wine and a visit to the region isn't complete without sampling at least one glass of pinot by the fire.

If you want an immersive way to experience some of the best food and wine Queenstown has to offer, why not try Alpine Wine Tour's Progressive Dinner Tour. Your entrée is served at one location and your main in the next, before finishing in town with dessert and a nightcap.

Altitude Tours also offer a twilight wine & craft beer tour to experience the best breweries and wineries in the region.

A couple tasting wine with a cosy fire in the background

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(1) Gibbston Valley Wine Tastings, (2) Canyon Brewing

Evening Gondola and Luge

Head up Bob’s Peak on the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable car ride, check out the panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and The Remarkables and try luging as the sun sets. Skyline Queenstown is open late on Friday nights!

A fun activity for the whole family, ignite your competitive side with some speedy turns down the hill, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Warm up afterwards with a buffet dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant, you'll be able to choose from locally sourced wild meats to seasonal vegetarian dishes and a delectable dessert bar full of goodies.

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Aerial shot of Queenstown on a winters evening with town street lights glowing and snow capped mountains in the background

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(1) Skyline Queenstown Night Luge, (2) View over Queenstown at Night

Indoor Thrills

If you’ve been outside in crisp winter conditions all day, sometimes indoor thrills are just what the doctor ordered. Why not try indoor go karting or get into some lazer tag at Game Over Queenstown? They’re open until 7pm which gives you plenty of time for fun after leaving the mountain.

Afterwards, get your bounce on at Site Trampoline open until 8:30pm every night.

If you’re in downtown Queenstown head along to Thrillzone Queenstown and check out their 12D Motion Theatre or 360-degree Drift Karting, or see how long you last at Queenstown's haunted Fear Factory. Queenstown's Ice Arena is also open late, so head over to the Queenstown Gardens and hire some skates, try their new ice bumper cars or catch an ice hockey game.

Ice Hockey Match at Queenstown Ice Arena

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(1) Queenstown Ice Arena Ice Hockey, (2) Game Over Go Karting

Local Restaurant Scene

Feeling the need to satisfy the taste buds after a big day on the ski field? Queenstown's hospitality scene has you sorted with everything from pub grub to 7-course degustations.

Queenstown has over 100 local eateries dotted around the region all the way from Gibbston to the 'top of the lake’ in Glenorchy. Whatever you are craving, local establishments are ready and waiting to serve you something delectable.

Two people dining out front of The Grille by Eichardt's Restaurant

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Two people dining outdoors at Botswana Butchery

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Group of friends walking into a restaurant called The Cow

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(1) The Grille by Eichardt's, (2) Botswana Butchery, (3) The Cow

Games Night

Keep the adrenaline pumping with an exciting games night at a local bar. Gantley’s Tavern is located at the base of Coronet Peak and Frankton Arm Tavern is located in Frankton, both convenient spots for après-ski. Sit by the open fireplace, sip on a local brew and put your knowledge to the test at their weekly quiz nights.

If you prefer to take your après-ski to Queenstown's downtown, try the quiz at Pig & Whistle, Beech Tree or Morrison's Irish Pub.

Catch Some Live Music

Queenstown has a thriving music scene with an array of talented local musicians. Local bars and restaurants such as Little Blackwood, Yonder Queenstown, Sherwood, and Pub on Wharf often host local musicians, or head to Arrowtown's Fork and Tap or Blue Door. Sit back, relax and be entertained.

Gantley's Pub at night with snow covered mountains in the background

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Musician playing guitar to people at Pog Mahones Irish Pub

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(1) Gantley's Pub, (2) Pog Mahones Irish Pub Live Music

Feed Hungry Bellies

Keep it simple, order some takeaways and chill in your accommodation. Queenstown has a huge range of takeaway options including big burgers, incredible Indian cuisine, and tasty Japanese, or head to a local speciality food store, grab some fresh produce and cook up a storm.

People eating Erik's Fish & Chips with lake and mountains in the background — Erik's Fish and Chips

Explore The Local Retail Scene

Queenstown’s compact town centre is ideal for exploring in the evening with a range of local retail stores, locally made arts and crafts, and galleries to browse.

The pedestrianised streets make it easy to explore local stores at a relaxed pace, and the cool evenings are perfect for wrapping up and exploring with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand.

Queenstown Mall in Winter with snow dusted mountains in the background

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(1) Queenstown Mall, (2) Angel Divine

Go To The Movies

Chill after a day up the hill at one of Queenstown's local cinemas. Silky Otter is based in Remarkables Park in Frankton and will bring your back to your childhood, with the nostalgic smell of popcorn wafting through the air.

For a different experience, head to Dorothy Brown’s cinema in Arrowtown where you'll find quirky arthouse and alternative films alongside blockbuster hits. Dorothy Browns also have an on-license which means a enjoying a cheese platter and glass of local wine or beer with your film is a must. Be sure to book ahead for popular films and on weekends.