Coronet Peak’s Bringing Christmas Cheer to the Community

Nothing says Christmas like the distinctive smell of a real pine tree. And for the past eight years, the team at Coronet Peak has been delivering just that. When the ski season winds down, staff swap skis for shovels and saws, taking to the hills as part of their summer operations to help restore the mountain environment while supporting the local community. Their annual Christmas tree initiative turns the removal of invasive wilding pines into something special, helping regenerate the landscape, raising funds for local charity and bringing a dose of true Queenstown Christmas spirit.

From Pest to Purpose

Each summer, the Coronet Peak crew joins the wider local effort to tackle wilding pines, non-native conifer trees that threaten the native alpine vegetation. Ski Area Manager Nigel Kerr says the project is part of the mountain’s ongoing commitment to kaitiakitanga, guardianship of the land.

“Wilding pines are non-natives and pests on the land. As part of our Kaitiaki responsibility we have a revegetation program for their removal, and the planting of thousands of native alpine grasses,” explains Nigel.

But the team saw an opportunity to give these pines new purpose.

“The pines also happen to be great Christmas trees, so there was potential to do something more than just eradicate. But for us it's not about making a dime.”

Giving Back to the Community

Rather than simply clearing the trees, the team decided to sell them as Christmas trees, donating all proceeds to local charity Happiness House, which supports families in need across the Whakatipu Basin.

“We provide the community with social services to support healthy and empowered lives, from Christmas gifts and hampers to our Friday produce day that helps with the high cost of living,” says Léna Boss, Happiness House Manager.

Happiness House relies on backing from the local Queenstown community, businesses, and visitors passing through. “People are keen to support the initiative,” says Nigel. “It’s a simple way to do good for the land and for each other.”

In its first year, the idea quickly took off with 76 trees sold in the first 24 hours. Since then, it's become a much-loved local tradition on the calendar with over $30,000 raised to support local families through the festive season.

A Summer of Regeneration

While the mountain bike operations are in full swing, the mountain’s focus remains on restoring the land and replacing invasive species with native alpine grasses and shrubs that will leave a lasting impact. It's all part of Coronet Peak’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring the mountain and its landscape remains healthy and thriving for generations to come.

How You Can Get Involved

Mark Sommerville has been leading this passion project for the last 8 years, and will be leading the way again for 2025. You can take part in this initiative by purchasing a wilding pine Christmas tree or supporting Happiness House directly. Each tree sold helps fund vital community programmes and supports native regeneration in Queenstown.

If you're in Queenstown this festive season, you might just spot a tree twinkling in a home, a gentle reminder that even a pest can become something beautiful when community and care lead the way.

Discover more and get involved with Coronet Peak’s Wilding Pine Christmas Tree initiative for 2025 here.

Information accurate at time of publication (2025).