Two Towns, Four Mountains. Your Ultimate 7-Day Ski Itinerary in Wānaka and Queenstown.

From wide groomers and terrain parks to legendary freeride zones and heli-skiing adventures, this is where variety meets thrill. Whether you're chasing powder days, après vibes, or big alpine views, this 7-day itinerary blends the best of both worlds—seamlessly.

Day 1: Get your ski legs at Cardrona

Only 35km from Wānaka, Cardrona Alpine Resort is ideal for a cruisy warm-up day. Get your ski legs ready for five days of fun on the slopes. A shuttle leaves from Wānaka’s lakefront car park at 7:50AM and returns from Cardrona at 4:30PM. Bring snow-chains if you plan to drive up to the slopes. You can also drive to the base carpark and take the free shuttle up.

Go as hard or as cruisy as you want

Cardrona has gentle, sweeping groomed slopes with panoramic views of the Southern Alps, as well as shorter, steeper runs. This 2025 ski season, Cardrona are opening up 150 hectares of new groomed runs and off-piste areas for skiing and boarding in Soho Basin. This new terrain is for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders.

Cardrona’s gondola style chair lift is a breeze to navigate, and there are easy surface lifts, as well as a new chairlift for faster access to all the new terrain. The resort is adding a noodle bar to their great lineup of on-mountain bars, restaurants, and pizzerias. And you can book ski lessons if you need a refresher before you tackle five days on the slopes.

Cardrona is also home to a huge freestyle area, four terrain parks with varying levels of difficulty, including the only Superpipe and World Cup slopestyle course in Australasia. The resort hosts the Freestyle Nationals and the Freestyle Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup, and you may see a few pros training for these exciting events.

Après at Cardrona Hotel

Après at Cardrona Hotel for a classic New Zealand alpine experience. One of the oldest pubs in New Zealand, the hotel was built in 1883 during the Central Otago gold rush. It has been a popular stop for thirsty travellers between Queenstown and Wānaka ever since.

The homely, warm welcome at the Cardrona is ideal for après ski. Settle in by the roaring wood fire or grab a table outside in the beer garden on a bluebird ski day. The bar menu is full of hearty grub for mountain appetites, from all-day fries, burgers and pizzas to a restaurant menu from 6:00pm, with local lamb, venison, and seasonal veggies.

Day 2: Take to Treble Cone for a big mountain experience

Now you’ve warmed up on Cardrona’s friendly slopes, step your ski game up a notch with the expert terrain, steep chutes, and backcountry access at Treble Cone.

30km from Wānaka along the road past Glendhu Bay, Treble Cone doesn’t run a shuttle bus from Wānaka, but you can park in the base carpark and take a free shuttle up. Check their website for times. Bring chains if you’re driving up the unsealed mountain road. 

Tackle some of New Zealand’s best freeride terrain

Enjoy stunning views of the Southern Alps and Wānaka while exploring four basins and 550 hectares of patrolled, protected ski area. Treble Cone is a game of two halves. Home Basin and Saddle Basin have 22 groomed trails. Home Basin has the beginners area and some of New Zealand’ longest runs, including a 4km behemoth. The Saddle Basin is for intermediate to advanced skiers, and you can hike up to access the summit slopes.

The Matukituki and Motatapu Basins are home to Treble Cone’s legendary off-piste terrain with epic powder faces and drops. Motatapu Basin dishes up some of NZ’s toughest patrolled terrain—open faces, tight chutes, and big rewards for confident skiers.

Explore the Wānaka taprooms for dinner with a side of local brews

Wānaka Brew Bar has 16 beers and ciders on tap. They pour Wānaka Beerworks brews as well as tasty drops from the other local breweries. The sunny space with lake views serves Sal’s New York style pizza, big, crispy bases with moreish sauce made to a family recipe.

b.social taproom & eatery brew refreshing, sessionable ales, and serve classic pub grub like burgers and steaks along with tasty treats like kimchi fries and poutine. If you tag them on social from the peaks, they’ll even give you some free fries with your beers.

The Ground Up Brewing crew pour 22 local beers. Experimental, small-batch brewers, there’s always something interesting on tap. Order pizzas, burgers, and plates of jalapeno poppers or loaded fries. The deck has outdoor heating, so you’ll be snug even on a cold day. 

The Rhyme x Reason tasting room has a cosy wooden interior and an outdoor beer garden for those sunny après moments. Food trucks park up outside, and the friendly crew are delighted if you bring your own food. Try a tasting paddle and soak up the vibes.

Day 3: Book a heli-ski day for the ultimate powder experience

Crank the adventure dial with a heli-ski day you’ll be talking about for years. Wānaka is the gateway to the largest heli-ski terrain in New Zealand. Explore the spectacular ranges of the Southern Alps from the sky, then land in the wild backcountry to ski or snowboard untracked terrain.

Experience remote, untouched powder with expert guides

Ride untouched powder and experience the thrill of remote skiing with Wānaka’s expert helicopter pilots and heli-ski guides.

• Wānaka Mountain Guides offer heli-ski and split-board touring adventures for all abilities throughout the Southern Alps. They can even take you on an overnight adventure.
• Harris Mountains Heli-Ski have been guiding backcountry skiers for 40 years, making them one of New Zealand's most experienced heli-ski and heli-board company.
• Southern Lakes Heliski have been around since 1985. They fly to sixteen mountain ranges and their experienced guides can introduce you to pristine snow on 700+ pristine runs.
• Alpine Helicopters work with Southern Lakes Heliski to take you to untracked powder across seventeen ranges, for the ultimate in remote alpine skiing.

Recover from your backcountry thrills with a spa and fine Wānaka dining

Back in Wānaka, give your legs some love. Book a massage, soak in a hot tub, or treat yourself to a post-powder facial.

• Sanctuary Day Spa is great for a relaxing massage or a body exfoliate and wrap.
• Soak Day Spa do massages, facial treatments, and LED light therapy.
• Ilu Hub specialise in natural, organic treatments and sustainable skincare.
• Massage in Wānaka use organic products and warm massage oils to ease muscles.
• Silver Sixpence offers body scrubs, wraps, facials, massages, and an infrared sauna.

Once you’ve got your glow on, head out for an evening of fine dining. Wānaka has a community of committed chefs, artisan food producers, winemakers, and brewers. Tuck into one of these local gems for a true taste of Central Otago.

• Bistro Gentil serves modern French classics using seasonal produce from the region. They’re also home to the tasting room for local boutique wine producer, Maude.
• Kika’s Italian tapas showcase local flavours along with gatherings from their kitchen garden. Think exciting seasonal flavours with thoughtful wine matches.
• Arc is a lovely spot for drinks or dinner. Order their set menu for a delicious take on local favours, or snack from the luxurious bar menu with a cocktail in hand.
• Muttonbird serves catches from local hunters and fisherman with their fresh interpretation of contemporary New Zealand cuisine.

Day 4: Drive to Queenstown for night skiing at Coronet Peak 

Travel to Queenstown in the morning, stopping often to admire the scenery. The road over the Crown Range between the two towns is the highest main road in New Zealand, with wrap-around views of the surrounding mountains. As you crest the hill into the Queenstown valley stop to enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Whakatipu and Lake Hayes below you.

Explore the centre of Queenstown

Arrive in town and go straight for brunch. You’re spoilt for great Queenstown brunch spots. Local favourites include The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro in a historic building on the shores of the lake near Frankton Marina. Odd saint with its sunny courtyard overlooking a picturesque church has an international-inspired menu full of good things. Bespoke Kitchen near the gondola has a delicious, healthy menu, and a tempting lineup of baked treats.

After lunch, hit up the Skyline Gondola for unbeatable views and the fun of the luge. Take a short cruise out on the lake to see the town from a new angle. Or simply spend the afternoon exploring the shops and art galleries of the vibrant town centre, before strolling along the lakeshore and into the Queenstown Gardens for glorious vistas around every turn.

Ski under the stars at Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is Queenstown’s nearest ski resort. It’s only a 20-minute drive from town on a sealed alpine road, and you can book a Ski Bus from the centre of town if you’d like to enjoy some après beers on the slopes. Night Ski at Coronet Peak is a must do. Make sure you’re up before sunset to catch golden hour and the alpenglow on the slopes, then ski the floodlit runs as night falls, the stars come out, and the DJs play.

Day 5: Ski the Remarkables for freestyle and off-piste

Hit The Remarkables, known for its breathtaking views, steep chutes, off-piste options, and freestyle terrain parks. There is something for everyone, with sunny, open, easy runs, black diamond chutes, and backcountry terrain. The resort is 24km from central Queenstown. Drive the scenic road yourself (bring chains) or catch a ride on the ski bus.

One of the highlights of the Remarkables is three freestyle parks for all different abilities, including the only Burton Stash concept park in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Remarkables is also Queenstown’s big freeride mountain with ungroomed, off-piste terrain and epic vertical drops into sun-soaked bowls and renowned chutes. The Remarkables hosts one of the qualifying heats for the Freeride World Tour and recently introduced the Freeride World Tour Academy for skiers and boarders starting their off-piste journey. So, the resort offers an epic range of freeride progression for skiers and boarders.

Take in Queenstown’s vibrant après ski scene

Choose from cosy wine bars, friendly pubs, and buzzing nightclubs with Queenstown's lively après-ski offering. Queenstown has a craft brewing scene as exciting and distinctive as Wānaka’s. If cocktails are more your speed, explore the handiwork of skilled local mixologists. Or check out this guide to bars with open fires, mulled wine, and hearty menus.

After your aperitif, make for a lakeside restaurant. From fine dining and boutique eateries to family-friendly restaurants and iconic burger joints, Queenstown caters for every appetite. Here are some of the best places to dine with a view. Or try a memorable, immersive food experience from degustation menus to the best of local farm-to-table eating. If you’re looking for something more casual here are some fun, cheap eats, and you can eat your way around the world in Queenstown, with 25 cuisines from across the globe.

Day 6: Back to Wānaka for some off-mountain adventure

Return to Wānaka for some more mid-winter adventures. You may be in one of the Southern Hemisphere’s finest ski destinations, but there’s plenty to do beyond the slopes.

Mid-winter adventures beyond the ski resorts

Snow Farm is a cross-country ski-field 44-minutes from Wānaka. Explore 55km of cross-country trails through the Pisa Ranges, with trails for all levels and cross-country ski lessons. Not just for cross-country pros—Snow Farm’s snowshoe trails and Snow Fun Zone are a blast for families or rest-day adventurers.

If skydiving is on your bucket list, there are few more spectacular places to take the leap than Wānaka, and midwinter with the snow on the Southern Alps has to be one of the most beautiful times to fly. Freefall from up to 15,000ft with Skydive Wānaka, see the beautiful lakes of the region spread out below you and the ranges as far north as Aoraki Mount Cook.

New Zealand's highest tandem paragliding takes off from Treble Cone. Walk or run off the mountain and you're airborne. Cruise peacefully with your certified pilot along valley walls and past waterfalls. Choose from a calm, contemplative descent or the thrill of wingovers and spirals before landing gently down in the valley.

Enjoy your last evening overlooking the lake

Soak up your last evening with alpine views, hot tub relaxation, and a side of stargazing. 

• The Sauna Wānaka offers a guided sauna experience with breathwork and meditation.
• Tranquil, lakefront treasure the Secret Sauna has a glorious view down Lake Hawea.
• LandEscape Wānaka by Lake Hawea has wood-fired hot tubs for a sunset soak.

After immersing yourself in nature, enjoy your last evening overlooking the lake in this alpine paradise. Edgewater Resort offers mulled wine, craft beers, and tasty tapas around a log fire. If The Chef’s Table is on while you’re in town, don’t miss this pop-up winter dining experience at Rippon Hall for convivial tables, a roaring fire, and stunning lake views.

Day 7: Relax before you leave

Enjoy a lakefront Wānaka breakfast before heading home.

• Federal Diner is a friendly, local favourite. Think fresh scones and tasty diner fare using organic, free-range ingredients. Stock up for your travels in Fedeli next door.
• Big Fig serves delicious food inspired by the founders’ Lebanese heritage. They’re also single-use cup-free and offer a discount if you bring your own takeaway containers.
• Relishes is a relaxed sunny space by the lake using Central Otago ingredients. They smoke their own salmon, and brew locally roasted organic fair-trade coffee.

If you’d like to take treats home for friends and family (or yourself) check out Wānaka’s independent boutiques. From homewares to New Zealand fashion, a much-loved independent book store, or some tasty local goodies, there’s no shortage of temptations. Then grab a strong brew in your reusable coffee cup from one of Wānaka’s SUCfree cafés, and hit the road, stoked and already dreaming of your next ski run.  

Plan your Wānaka winter adventure

Winter in Wānaka is truly breathtaking. This guide to Wānaka winter activities has plenty more ideas to help you plan your stay.