Wondering what to do after an action-packed day on the ski fields? Fear not, Queenstown is the premier Southern Hemisphere ski-resort town for a reason. Actually, there are more than 100 reasons – with that many licensed bars and restaurants in just one square kilometre. But it’s not all cocktails at sunset and dancing till dawn (unless you want it to be) … the options are endless.
Embrace après
No ski town is a ski town without some serious après-ski action, and Queenstown has it in spades. From house-made gin cocktails with a lake view to champagne from a sky-high lookout across the mountain silhouettes. Whether it’s Kiwi craft beer, Otago wine, mixologists’ libations or mulled wine by an outdoor fire, you will find something here with your name on it and an Instagram backdrop created by Mother Nature. For craft beers try Smiths Craft Beer House or Atlas Beer Cafe. If cocktails are your thing, visit Jervois Steakhouse or Bardeaux for a classic, or try something new at Nest Kitchen + Bar which boasts an extensive selection of New Zealand boutique gins.
Après on Steamer WharfFuel up
Queenstown may be famous for Ferg’s celebrity burgers, Patagonia’s decadent desserts, and back-lane pizza bars like The Cow, but the cobbled laneways of this dining destination have enough gourmet fare to keep even the most discerning foodie happy. Expect South Pacific fusion at Blue Kanu, organic local produce, Kiwi venison, house-made dumplings and Trust the Chef menus that blow away even the most experienced foodies. Or if you can't choose, join a progressive dinner tour which takes you to some of the top eateries around the district.
Fergburger. Credit @lizzysburgeradventures
Evening thrills
Stretch your mind with some after-dark mystery in the town’s escape room, can you escape in time? Or give yourself goosebumps at Fear Factory, New Zealand's scariest haunted house.
For something less frightful, head to Kingpin, next door to indoor skydiving venue iFly. From indoor bowling and karaoke, to an entire floor of arcade games, Kingpin has something to offer everyone. Or head up the road to the Skyline gondola and experience Skyline Queenstown's night luge experience, meaning you can continue your gravity-fuelled riding long into the evening around an illuminated track.
Skyline Night Luge Ski under lights
If a full day at one of Queenstown’s four ski resorts isn’t enough for you, then make your way to Coronet Peak on a Wednesday or Friday night, and keep skiing under lights. Ski into the Ice Bar for après beers or dine out on the deck at the base lodge.
Night Skiing up Coronet Peak
Make your moves
Don those dancing shoes and boot-scoot, hip hop, dad dance or mosh to live music and international DJs. The best descend on Queenstown for a winter season of killer tunes and late nights. Catch the DJs spinning decks at Barmuda, Attiqa or Upstairs at The Bunker. If live music is what you’re after, check out Yonder, the Ballarat Trading Company or Little Blackwood.
Après at Barmuda Relax and unwind
Sooth those muscles after a day on the slopes with a hot pool or spa. Whether you’re after a romantic tub for two, a relaxing evening with friends, or somewhere for the family to splash about, Queenstown has plenty to offer for all water lovers.
Fun for the whole family, Alpine Aqualand boasts a heated 25m lap pool, a leisure pool and lazy river, and hot pools. If you’re after something a little more intimate, Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa offers both indoor and outdoor private hot pools so you can unwind and take in our clear night skies. Millbrook Resort and The Spa at Nugget Point also offer excellent hot pool facilities for public hire.
Onsen Hot Pools by night