Queenstown

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Queenstown


Against a backdrop of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is New Zealand’s most popular ski destination.
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Located in New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is one of the most stunning places in the World, where the mountains of the majestic Southern Alps descend into Lake Wakatipu. It’s a popular skiing and snowboarding destination with some of the country’s biggest resorts reachable within a short drive from town. Queenstown is also known as New Zealand’s Adventure capital, so down days can still be fun and exhilarating. Spend some time here and you will understand why a lot of Queenstown’s population came as travelers and never left.

Located in New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is one of the most stunning places in the World, where the mountains of the majestic Southern Alps descend into Lake Wakatipu. It’s a popular skiing and snowboarding destination with four of the country’s biggest resorts reachable within a short drive from town. Queenstown is also known as New Zealand’s Adventure capital, so down days can still be fun and exhilarating. Spend some time here and you will understand why a lot of Queenstown’s population came as travelers and never left.

Skiing in Queenstown

Queenstown is located on the South Island at a latitude of 45° South. During the Southern hemisphere Winter - June to October, the minimum temperature in town sits around -3°c and drops to -10°c in the mountain ranges. Thus Queenstown resorts are situated high up in the mountains. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the resorts have also invested in snow making machines to keep skiers sliding. New Zealand isn’t known for heavy amounts of snow, so you can expect more blue bird days and generally pleasant skiing weather unless you are in the middle of a storm. 

The ski season intersects with the New Zealand and Australian school holidays which is when the peak busy period is. If you can travel outside these times, accommodation and flights are generally cheaper.

Club Ski Fields

New Zealand has smaller ski fields known as clubbies - which are non-commercial areas run by a dedicated community of riders. You can become a member or pay for guest passes for the day. For those who haven’t been to one you will need to get up to speed on how to use a “nutcracker” on the tow ropes.

Treble Cone Ski Area

Elevation
2088m
Vertical Drop
700m
Longest Run
4300m
Difficulty
10%45%45%

The Remarkables Ski Area

Elevation
1943m
Vertical Drop
468m
Longest Run
1500m
Difficulty
30%40%30%

Coronet Peak

Elevation
1649m
Vertical Drop
462m
Longest Run
2400m
Difficulty
25%45%30%

Cardrona Alpine Resort

Elevation
1860m
Vertical Drop
600m
Longest Run
4000m
Difficulty
25%25%50%
Compare Queenstown ski resorts

Getting to and from the Ski Resorts

Coronet Peak
Car 25mins from Queesntown
Daily ski bus every 30 mins bus from Queenstown

Remarkables
Car 45 mins from Queesntown
Daily ski bus every 30 mins bus from Queenstown

Cardrona
Car 1 hour
Daily ski bus from Queenstown 2 hours
Daily ski bus from Wanaka 50 mins

Treble Cone
Car 1.5 hours from Queesntown
Daily ski bus from Queenstown and Wanaka ~2 hours

Where to Stay in Queenstown

In New Zealand there aren't many options for on resort accommodation. The only choice for ski in / ski out accomodation is in Cardrona and at some of the club fields which have lodges near the base. Travelers usually choose to stay at one of the towns.

Everything you need is in Queenstown. It’s central to the ski fields and has a wide range of accommodation from luxury to capsule hotels, great food, shopping and a happening apres scene. It gets quite busy in the town center during the season, but you can head to the outskirts for a more peaceful stay.
Wanaka which is a 40 min drive from Queenstown is a another option if you plan on skiing Cardrona and Treble Cone. There are Airbnbs, hotels and a growing restaurant scene.

View all hotels in Queenstown

Ski & Snowboard Shops in Queenstown

There are lots of outdoor and dedicated ski and snowboard shops in central Queenstown and Frankton where you can pick up new gear and rentals for your ski trip. The lineup is fresh and the shops here carry all the latest models from the big brands.  

View all ski & snowboard shops in Queenstown

What to Eat in Queenstown

From gourmet burger and pizza joints to fine dining restaurants, the food in Queenstown is top notch.  

Fergburger
The original gourmet burger joint has been feeding skiers & boarders even before there was such a genre. Place stays open till real late for those giving the first chair a skip.
Fergbaker
Gourmet bakery serving pies and sausage rolls with OG flavors using only the best local produce. Takeaway and standing room only.
Pedro’s House of Lamb
New Zealand lamb is famous the world over and Pedro’s specializes in roasted lamb shoulders. Get some from the take-away or make a meal of it at the lakeside Mediterranean restaurant
Ramen Ramen
This small laneway restaurant serves authentic bowls of ramen just like those you have had on your Japow tours.
Perky’s Floating Bar
Hop aboard NZs only floating bar. Perky’s is moored at Lake Wakatipu and offers craft beers and local wines. You can even bring your own takeaway food.
The Cow
Hidden restaurant with a medieval vibe serving great pizzas to pilgrims from around the world.
Stratosfare
At the top of the Skyline Gondola, enjoy the best views of Queenstown while you dine at Stratosfare. Fill up on the buffet featuring New Zealand produce.

Things to do in Queenstown

Queenstown is a year round travel destination with no shortage of activities and hike worthy sights.

 

Queenstown Skyline
One of the best places to take in the incredible Queenstown vistas is at the Skyline on top of Bob’s peak. You can take a gondola up and there are restaurants and a luge racing course.
Queenstown Wineries
New Zealand’s lighter wines are some of the best in the world. Visit and taste the wines direct from the cellar doors of local vineyards. Tours are also available so you don't need a designated driver.
Lord of the Rings tours
Let your imagination return to Middle Earth as you visit the the filming locations for the epic movie in Glenorchy.
Fishing tours
The lakes and rivers around Queenstown are good spots to fish for trout and salmon. You can book fly fishing experiences and chartered boat tours.
Adventure Sports
NZ’s adventure capital certainly delivers with a range of action packed activities including skydiving, jet-boating, bungy jumping and zip lining.

ski resorts

Cardrona Alpine Resort

ski shops

food & drinks

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