Best Things to Do in Queenstown in Winter

Winter is the most magnificent season of the year in Queenstown. The snow-topped peaks of the surrounding ranges soar into the crisp midwinter air. By day the skies are often bright and blue, and by night the Milky Way dances overhead.

The four ski fields on our doorstep bring the world to Queenstown. And with over 120kms of groomed ski runs and vast off-piste terrain, there’s more enough space for all snow lovers. The buzz is heightened with a thriving calendar of winter events on and off piste.

Skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning. This is a winter destination that has it all, with adventure, relaxation, food, culture, and community. Stay at least a week to make the most of the ski fields, explore surrounding areas like Arrowtown, Glenorchy, and Wānaka, experience the Queenstown food and wine scene, and kick back in the spas and hot pools.

Snowy Slopes & Other Winter Adventures

In mid-May a sense of anticipation starts building in Queenstown. The first frosts are the locals’ sign to renew our ski pass and start dreaming about the feel of fresh snow under our boots. People pull their skis and snowboards out of storage and the ski stores see a run on wax. We step out of our doors at dawn to scan the slopes for a fresh dump of snow.

Skiing & Snowboarding

If you’re here for powder days on the mountain, Queenstown has four spectacular ski areas with terrain for all levels within a 20-90-minute drive. Book your ski pass, and a ski lesson or two to help you level up or to get you back into skiing after a break from the slopes.

Near town, Coronet Peak is the locals’ mountain, welcoming slopes with rollercoaster terrain, plenty of vertical, and unforgettable night ski vibes – ski under the stars then share a cold beer while listening to DJs around a glowing fire. Also nearby, the panoramic vistas over the Whakatipu Basin from the sunny runs of the Remarkables are worth the visit alone. A great learners’ area, adventurous chutes, and back-country terrain make this ski field a solid option.

Treble Cone has magnificent views out over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps with fun runs, halfpipes, and off-piste gnarly enough to challenge even the most expert skiers and boarders. Cardrona is New Zealand’s largest ski-area with 615 hectares of skiable terrain. The new Soho Basin combines sunny bowls and groomed runs with off-piste adventure.

Heliskiing  & Scenic Snow Landings

There’s a good reason Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere’s most renowned alpine hot spot. There’s more to snow adventures here than our four world class ski resorts.

Heliskiing is the ultimate winter adventure. The Southern Alps offer everything from gentle powder bowls to steep, glaciated chutes. Queenstown heliski companies will fly you over the jagged ranges, then land you in remote backcountry so you can ski or snowboard in untracked terrain. There’s nothing to beat the sense of deep serenity as you step out onto pristine powder, knowing you’re the only humans for many miles.

You don’t have to be a skier to appreciate the vast snowclad scenes of the wintery Southern Alps. Scenic flights will take you out over the ranges to admire the turquoise alpine lakes and dramatic rock formations. Some flights will land you on a snowy mountain peak, others on a glacier. Wrap up warm and experience the silence when the pilot turns off the engine and all you can hear is the wind over the snow and the crunch of your feet.

Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing

While we love the thrill of the slopes, we also crave slower-paced winter experiences. Snow Farm is a cross-country ski-field 44-minutes from Wānaka with an alpine wilderness of cross-country and snowshoeing trails.

Hire cross-country skis and head out into the Pisa Ranges. Or strap on snowshoes and follow the trails to the Meadows Hut for an escape from the usual ski slopes. Imagine what it must have been like for the Norwegian gold miners who introduced snowshoes to the region in the 1860s, using them to access their snowed-in diggings.

Guided Winter Hikes & Climbs

Winter is no reason to leave your hiking boots at home. You can explore the mountains safely even in snowy conditions, so long as you go with expert guides.

Queenstown Mountain Guides are an IFMGA qualified climbing and ski mountaineering guiding company. They’re experts in backcountry snowshoeing and alpine hiking, and operate guided winter mountaineering, and climbing trips in The Remarkables.

Basecamp Adventures specialise in alpine trekking and offer guided winter hikes with experienced guides, as well as snowshoeing adventures in the Remarkables. You can also do a Winter Mountaineering course to hone your alpine hiking skills, or to experience snow, ice and rock scrambling for the first time.

Experience the Majesty of the Southern Alps in Winter

You don’t have to be a snow lover to enjoy immersing yourself in the Queenstown winter landscape. There are plenty of scenic experiences beyond the ski slopes, and winter is the best time to have the trails around Queenstown all to yourself.

Winter Walks around Queenstown & Arrowtown

Head down to the Queenstown lakefront at sunrise or sunset for a peaceful stroll in the low winter light with the possibility of a sky full of fiery hues. We love a brisk walk out around the Queenstown Gardens leaning into the wind at the point to feel alive. Follow your exhilarating lakeside winter walk with a mulled wine by the fire at a cosy bar.

The Kelvin Heights Peninsula Trail is a local favourite for vistas across to Walter Peak and towards Queenstown, and its sculptures by New Zealand artists. The gentle trail dips in and out of woodland, for an invigorating one-hour stroll that over delivers on views.

A little further afield, Lake Hayes is a magnificent winter walk, especially on a calm day, when the lake reflects the surrounding snowclad peaks like a mirror. Walk the whole loop for a two-hour wander with ever-changing mountain views. Or carry on to Arrowtown and scale Tobin’s Track. This steep trail is perfect to get your blood pumping on a cold winter day and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views out over Arrowtown and the Whakatipu Basin.

Scenic Queenstown Winter Cruises

There are plenty of options to get out on the lake and enjoy the winter magic of the Southern Alps from the water. While the iconic TSS Earnslaw, our 110-year-old steamship, takes a break in early winter for some R&R, fitting for a grand old lady, you can still sail to Walter Peak for a high-country farm experience, and a cracking high tea with scones and cake.

We love a cruise with a piping hot chocolate or a mug of mulled wine. Board luxury superyacht, the Pacific Jemm for a Mulled Wine Cruise. Enjoy wine and nibbles as you cruise beneath dramatic peaks, before visiting the serene surroundings of Bob's Cove.

The Million Dollar Cruise departs at 4:00pm for a Winter Twilight Cruise from July to September. Snuggle up in blankets and watch the sun set over the peaks from the deck, as you take in Willow Island, the lakeside golf course, and the historic Kawarau Falls Dam.

Panoramic Views from the Skyline Gondola 

Head up the Skyline Gondola around 4:00pm to catch the golden hour, watch the sunset, see twilight fall and the twinkling lights of Queenstown spring into life. Book a table at Stratosphere and stay on to dine high above the town.

Winter Day Trips to the Surrounding Regions

Queenstown is your perfect basecamp for exploring the gems of surrounding Central Otago. Stay longer and explore further with these winter adventures in Queenstown.

Historic Winter Charm in Arrowtown

Arrowtown’s historic streets take on another level of charm and intimacy when the days draw in. After a brisk walk along the Arrow River, retire to one of the cosy pubs to sample local brews and a slow-cooked braise with hearty winter vegetables. The Fork and Tap is in a 150-year-old historic building. Bendix Stables is a gastropub built in 1873 with an inviting fire. The Blue Door is a tiny cellar speakeasy with whisky, a glowing fire, and live music.

Experience Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland from June-July. This dining precinct on a historic farm near Arrowtown goes all out in ski season, with light displays, music, an open-air ice rink, roaring firepits, and delicious seasonal treats. Try a whisky flight, warm your hands on a mulled wine by the braziers, or book a table to eat surrounded by twinkling lights.

Relax in Alpine Landscape in Wānaka

A night in Wānaka is a great option if you’re keen to explore all Cardrona has to offer – the vast ski terrain is only 35km from town and shuttles run from the centre of town. You’re also close to Snow Farm, ideal for cross-country ski fans planning a full day on the trails.

For us, Wānaka is all about basking in the beauty of the alpine landscape. After a wander along the lake shore, book a sauna in nature or a hot tub under the stars. The Sauna Wānaka offers a guided sauna experience with breathwork and meditation, while LandEscape Wānaka by Lake Hawea has wood-fired hot tubs for a sunset soak. After you’ve restored your nervous system to a state of serenity, take your tastebuds on an adventure, exploring Wānaka’s cluster of talented chefs, winemakers, and brewers.

Glenorchy for Winter Wilderness

Glenorchy is the gateway to Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains, wild glacial rivers, and ancient beech forests. Its wild beauty is the backdrop for many films, including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Take a stroll along the lake shore to see the historic red shed, an old goods store shed from the days when supplies were shipped up the lake, before heading around the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway overlooking Mt Earnslaw and the Humboldt Mountain Range.

Glenorchy is also the gateway to Paradise. This exquisite valley 20km from Glenorchy lives up to its name. Visit film locations, ride Paradise Ziplines, or explore the walks into alpine meadows around the historic Paradise Trust.

Queenstown Winter Events & Festivals

Winter is a cultural highlight in Queenstown with a line-up of festivals, events, and other happenings. Pack party clothes as well as winter woollies because there will be time for fun.

Winter Festival Fun

Snow Machine combines skiing at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables with an epic music line-up in Queenstown. Winter Pride is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest pride festival. The festival features on-mountain events, wine tours, comedy shows, workshops, dining, and community events. It's taking a break for 2026, but will be back bigger than ever in 2027. Mardi Gras over Matariki is New Zealand's best midwinter dress up dance party with big name DJs and music acts from New Zealand and further afield.

If you love outdoor adventure, the NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival is a must-do for stirring tales celebrating adventure, exploration, mountain culture and the natural world.

Art Markets & Art Experiences

On a Saturday morning, follow the sounds of live music down to the lakefront to explore local arts and artisan crafts at Queenstown Market, where talented local makers sell their wares. Meet local painters, potters, jewellers, knitters, carvers, apothecaries, print makers, and photographers. There’s a fascinating story behind every stall.

Local arts space, Te Atamira, runs regular classes, workshops, and artist talks where you can meet local artists and artisans and learn from them first hand. If you’re in town with kids over the July school holidays, Te Atamira offer a full arts programme for kids.

The Wonders of the Winter Night Sky

At the Skyline Stargazing experience, you’ll be guided to a viewing platform high above the Gondola, away from light pollution, where you’ll have a clear view of the night sky. There you’ll be able to use powerful telescopes as your guide points out the Southern Cross, the Milky Way, nebula, planets, and other galaxies.

If you crave something wilder, head to New Zealand’s newest dark sky reserve in Glenorchy for a dark sky experiences at the Headwaters Eco Lodge, where you can stay, dine, and stargaze for breathtaking views of the Milky Way surrounded by serene mountain peaks.

Balance Adventure with Relaxation

After a day on the slopes, relax immersed in the beauty of nature with a winter wellness experience in Queenstown that connects you with the land. Imagine steam rising from hot pools into the crisp alpine air, or the scent of mānuka oil suffusing a sauna, as the sun sets over Lake Whakatipu.

Queenstown Hot Pools & Saunas

The Onsen Hot Pools are cedar-lined hot pools with stunning views over the Shotover River. This is the quintessential Queenstown après ski experience so book in advance. Locals’ favourite time to visit these hot pools is after dark for a soak surrounded by stars.

In central Queenstown, choose from the Watershed Sauna, a floating Finnish sauna experience on Lake Whakatipu, for breathtaking alpine views followed by an invigorating mid-winter lake plunge. Or head to Bathe by Aluume for a soak in hot pools in a urban oasis surrounded by grasses and native trees. For a more secluded, but still central experience, book a private hot tub overlooking the lake at sunset, at Driftaway Holiday Park. Wellspace is conveniently located on the banks of the Kawarau River, not far from The Remarkables access road. Relax your muscles in the traditional wood-fired barrel sauna, plunge into the icy cold waters, then relax around the fire for some wholesome fireside conversations.

Massage & Yoga

Stretch out and relax while connecting with the Queenstown community at a yoga class or book a massage to soothe sore muscles after a big day on the slopes. Queenstown’s awe-inspiring scenery is the perfect setting to slow down, relax, and recharge.

Nadi Wellness has a studio is in the lovely setting of Te Atamira's art and cultural space. Here, they offer classes in breathwork, meditation, and several styles of yoga, as well as deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and facials at their new location in Glenda Drive.

The yoga studio at Sherwood is a serene sanctuary with cocooning cork walls and a wood floor. They offer daily yoga, meditation, and Pilates classes, and you can unwind afterwards in the sauna or book a massage treatment for a winter wellness boost.

Warm up with Winter Flavours

Queenstown’s celebrated chefs know how to serve up a delicious winter warmer, especially after a long day on the slopes. Enjoy hearty soups and stews, slow-cooked meats, indulgent comfort food, and warming flavours from around the world.

Central Otago winter produce includes slow-cooked Central Otago lamb and game. The sweetness of root vegetables come into their own, with kūmara, celeriac, and parsnips adding rich flavours to braises and stews. Look out for local summer bounty turned into piquant ferments and preserves. Winter is also the best time for oysters from nearby Bluff.

Cosy Queenstown Cafés

Hole up in one of Queenstown's snug cafes, surrounded by majestic landscapes, excellent food, and coffee. Yonder is a warm welcoming space with cosy nooks, a fire in winter, and a cabinet full of baked goods and pastries. Another local favourite is Bespoke Kitchen for views over town, a crackling open fire, and tasty healthy food.

For a hidden gem locals don’t want you to know about, check out Queenstown Cafe on Gorge Road (part of the Queenstown Signs shop). This cosy space has fun Kiwiana décor, secluded corners, comfy sofas, great coffee, hearty cheese scones and savoury pies.

For the best hot chocolate in Queenstown, Patagonia’s hot chocolate is pure decadent indulgence made from a family recipe from their founder’s childhood in Argentina. Pair with churros or a volcano pudding. Or head to Provisions of Arrowtown for hot chocolate served up in a snug historic miner’s cottage accompanied by one of their marvellously sticky buns.

Fireside Queenstown Dining

Botswana Butchery is a welcoming bistro in historic Archer’s Cottage by the lake. With an inviting ambiance, roaring log fires, and friendly staff, it’s a lovely spot to cosy up, enjoy hearty winter comfort food and fine wine from their extensive cellar.

Wakatipu Grill is located in Kawarau Village, at the Hilton. The vast windows overlook Lake Whakatipu and surrounding mountains, while two circular slate fireplaces warm the space. The outdoor fire pit is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of local Pinot Noir.

Local icon, the Cow has been serving up rustic vibes by a roaring fire since 1977, when their 70s take on a trattoria became an instant hit. In the 80s and 90s the Cow became the après ski party spot – there was even a Cow ski team. Today the Cow serves up Italian family favourites and a vintage pizza menu unchanged since they first opened their doors.

Winter Wine Experiences

Part of the world’s southern-most wine growing region, Gibbston is home to the region’s oldest vineyards, where the Central Otago pinot noir phenomenon began. A guided wine experience is the perfect winter activity. Discover local varietals and vintages and taste the difference our distinctive microclimates and soils make to our wines.

Head to Gibbston Valley winery cellar door for a tasting flight, then stay on for dinner at the Lodge Restaurant for intimate fireside dining overlooking the vines. Or pop in for an après ski glass of wine and a spot of stargazing around the outdoor fire pit.

Mount Rosa is set on the hill in Gibbston with stunning views. The Cellar Door has a roaring fire to keep you toasty while you enjoy a guided wine tasting of their single vineyard wines grown onsite and a platter of local cheeses and delicious dips.

Après Ski Highlights

Queenstown in winter is all about fireside après-ski havens and sundowners in vibrant rooftop bars. Find secluded cocktail bars down lanes, chic little gems of wine bars, craft beer breweries, and lively pubs.

Upstairs at the Bunker has crackling log fires, sophisticated vibes, and carefully crafted cocktails. If you can’t bear for your evening there to end, carry on with dinner downstairs, where firelight and leather sofas make for an intimate dining experience. Bardeaux is another mellow spot for a relaxing wine by the huge open fire after a day on the slopes. Pull up chair and peruse the extensive range of local pinots.

If après ski to you means relaxing by the fire with a glass of wine and a cheeseboard, you’re among friends. Little Blackwood has a roaring fire, a heated outdoor deck, live music, cocktails, and moreish platters heaped with cheese and cured meats. Craft beer lovers head to Beech Tree for a big line-up of local brews on tap, a cosy fire, and the odd friendly hound.

The Sundeck is the spot for a mid-winter alfresco après ski drink at sunset. This rooftop bar has views of the lake, gas fires to keep you cosy, and a great selection of wine and cocktails.

Miss Lucy’s is another rooftop spot, with their s’mores hot chocolate, a balcony fire to keep you toasty, and a cosy library corner with couches and board games for relaxing inside.

Share your Queenstown winter wonders

Our Queenstown stories are packed with ideas to inspire you to experience Queenstown and the surrounding region like a local. As you explore Queenstown this winter, share your adventures with us on Instagram and #QueenstownLive.