Winter In New Zealand: Skiing In Queenstown

Explore The Town

Queenstown itself is an attraction with cute shops, delicious restaurants and gorgeous views all around. Stroll the city center or by the lake as a perfect way to get a feel for the town.

Skiing (Even At Night!)

You don't only have one option for a ski area: you have four! Less than two hours away are The Remarkables, Treble Cone and Cardrona. Coronet Peak is the closest, and it's the only place in New Zealand where you can ski at night. Everyone from experienced skiiers to first-timers have an option.

Apres Ski

Let's be real: some of us enjoy apres-ski more than the skiing itself. Enjoy a night on the town at bars like Bardeaux or Atlas Beer Cafe. If you're not fancying a drink or two, go get any knots or sore spots from all the exercise massaged out at a spa like the award-winning The Spa At Millbrook.

Hiking & Biking

The snow's heavy on the mountains, but not so much everywhere else! Hikes like Queenstown Hill, Bob's Cove, Queenstown Garden Trail and Ben Lomond are perfect options. For a little more speed, head out on a bike on Arrow River Bridge Trail, Jack's Point Trail or Tucker Beach trail among others.

Soak & "Ahh..."

Visiting Onsen is a must during your trip! Imagine having a cedar hot tub all to yourself with the breathtaking Queenstown landscape and the sky all around you. They have multiple packages to suit your needs, like a lantern-lit session at nighttime, retractable roofs and options for up to four people. It's sure to be one of the most relaxing and magical parts of your visit!

Stargazing

New Zealand is, hands down, one of the best places on Earth to see endless stars in the night sky. Go on a stargazing tour to see the Milky Way in all its glory, or a simpler option? Take your car, some blankets, stop at a perfect stop and look up.

See Queenstown From Above

Even if you're not skiing or snowboarding, you have to get some elevation. Take the Skyline Queenstown Gondola up for the most iconic views you can get over the scenery. From there, you can go on a hike, eat at Stratosfare or take a luge all the way down. Luge? Think a combo of a go-kart and a tobaggan, perfect for the entire family. Like rollercoasters, you're going to want to go on a second time. And a third. Who's judging?

Truly Unforgettable Experiences

You know what they say, save the best for last! Queenstown is a draw for travelers of all kinds, including upscale clients that want the best and the most extraordinary. Take a scenic helicopter flight, go on a food and wine tour, take skiing to a whole new level with heli-skiing or tie your adventure up with a big bow by visiting Minaret Station. This exclusive retreat is accessible only by helicopter, and when you arrive, you're whisked away to your luxurious private chalet with its own outdoor hot tub. There's no roughing it, even in the mountains! Have the most incredible experience going on guided excursions during the day and returning to sleep at one of the most amazing places in New Zealand.

Day Trips:

Feel free to spend the day in Christchurch and or make a day trip to Milford Sound before departing New Zealand.

Stratosfare: Delicious buffet high above Queenstown.

Margo's Queenstown: Affordable Mexican food.

Tanoshi Teppan & Sake: Japanese tapas cuisine and, of course, sake.

The Grill By Eichardt's: Brunch and dinner inside Eichardt's Private Hotel.

Botswana Butchery: Famous steakhouse also found in Auckland and multiple Australian cities.

The Cow: Pizza, pasta and one of the oldest restaurants in Queenstown.

No.5 Church Lane: Simple breakfasts like waffles and egg benedict plus small meals, charcuterie and drinks.

Farelli's Tattoria: Italian cuisine by Lake Wakatipu.

Madam Woo: Drinks and Malayian-inspired dishes.