Ultimate Guide to Winter in Queenstown: What to Do and Where to Stay

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a picturesque lakeside town at the foothills of the nearby mountain ranges.

With a bustling town centre, waterfront dining scene, fun nightlife, and outdoor activities to make the most of the scenic locale, Queenstown is an essential New Zealand destination year-round - but it’s especially magical during winter.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Queenstown in winter, including where to stay, what to pack, and what to do in this lakeside town.

While Queenstown is incredibly scenic at any time of year, it becomes a winter wonderland from June through August. This is when the mountains are blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque setting for winter sports and activities.

For the best time to visit Queenstown, by interest or by month, discover our Queenstown seasonal guide.

The temperature in Queenstown during winter is usually under 10°C during the day and at night it can drop down to around -2°C.

If your New Zealand travel is in the coming days or weeks, you can check what the weather will be like during your Queenstown holiday over on the MetService website.

Don’t forget, the weather can change quickly, and with outdoor weather-dependent activities like skiing and snowboarding, it’s important to always check the conditions so you know if the roads and mountains are open or closed.

If you’re planning a winter holiday in Queenstown you'll want to be prepared for cold temperatures and all of the adventure activities on your itinerary. That means plenty of warm clothes and sensible shoes.

Make sure you pack:

• Boots and socks
• Thermal base layers
• Warm jackets and jumpers
• Beanie, scarf, and gloves

If you’re planning on hitting the ski slopes, you’ll want to be prepared for the conditions up on the mountains, where it can be very cold and sometimes windy too.

The good news is that central Queenstown has plenty of outdoor adventure stores as well as fashion retailers, so you can pick up anything you might’ve forgotten to bring with you.

You’re spoiled for choice with accommodation in Queenstown.

Hotel St Moritz Queenstown – MGallery is a luxurious boutique hotel overlooking Lake Wakatipu and across to The Remarkables. You’ll be able to stay warm and cosy while enjoying a premium dining experience at the award-winning onsite bar and restaurant.

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is centrally-located on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and close by Queenstown Gardens. You’re close to all the action when you stay at Novotel Queenstown with all the best dining, retail, and nightlife just steps away.

Mercure Queenstown Resort offers a relaxed stay just a short drive from the town centre, with sweeping views across Lake Wakatipu. The hotel is well suited to winter travel, with comfortable rooms, onsite dining, and easy access to Queenstown’s ski fields. It’s a great option if you want a quieter base while staying close to the highlights of Queenstown.

Peppers Beacon Queenstown is ideal if you like the flexibility of apartment-style accommodation. Located near the waterfront and within walking distance of central Queenstown, Peppers Beacon offers studio rooms and self-contained apartments, some with lake views and fireplaces. It’s a practical choice for longer stays or trips with friends or family, especially when you want space to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa is a premium hotel offering French luxury and local cuisine as well as an onsite spa. Sofitel Queenstown is your go-to for a sophisticated stay with the iconic views of Queenstown you’re dreaming of.

If you’re looking for the best places to go skiing and snowboarding near Queenstown, you’ve got a number of options to choose from.

Coronet Peak is close to Queenstown and a local favourite since 1947. In addition to terrain for established skiers and snowboarders, if you’ve never been skiing before, Coronet Peak has facilities that cater for beginners too - so you can have fun in the snow even if it’s completely new to you.

There’s something for all skill levels at The Remarkables ski field. If you’re in Queenstown with your family, you can book a ski lesson for your kids or even have a go at tobogganing. If you’re not skiing, you can opt for a sightseeing pass which will allow you to take the chairlift up the mountain to experience epic views over Queenstown.

There’s so much to see and do on the mountain at Cardrona Alpine Resort. There are lessons available for kids and adults, and experienced skiers and snowboarders are well looked after here too. If you’re not skiing or snowboarding, you can book a pass to ride the gondola up the mountain to enjoy the view and visit Vista Bar.

A little further afield, Treble Cone is near Wanaka and home to the South Island’s largest ski area and longest vertical drop. Big adventures await you at Treble Cone. When you’re done on the slopes, hit Altitude Bar for the unreal views paired with a hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Elsewhere you can try your hand at cross-country skiing at Snow Farm, recognised as one of the best cross-country skiing fields in the Southern Hemisphere. Situated along the Cardrona Valley Road, it boasts more than 50km of groomed trails and caters to skiers of all ages and abilities.

There’s so much to do in Queenstown that even if you choose not to hit the slopes, you’ll still have plenty of fun activities to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or experience some of the adventure that Queenstown is famous for, we’ve got you sorted.

Even if you’re not skiing or snowboarding you can still get up close to all the action and experience the epic mountain views when you book sightseeing experiences at The Remarkables and Cardrona.  

A ride on the Gondola is your ticket to some of the very best views in Queenstown. Rising 480m above Lake Wakatipu, you’ll score views over town and across the lake to The Remarkables. When you reach the top of the Gondola ride, you can enjoy the views, have a drink at the bar or lunch at the restaurant, or if you’re after something a bit more adventurous, you can book a ride on the luge.  

Located in central Queenstown, the Queenstown Gardens are on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. There are walking paths throughout the gardens and plenty of benches to take a break and enjoy the waterfront view. There’s a playground too so the kids can enjoy a play in the pretty lakeside park.  

Get on the water with an exhilarating Queenstown jet boat ride. Take your pick from the various jet boat operators for an exciting ride around Lake Wakatipu and up the Shotover River – rug up, hold on tight, and enjoy the views! 

Sink into the warm waters of the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown. Let your worries fade away as you soak in the cedar-lined hot tub while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Queenstown landscape.  

See the incredible landscape of Queenstown from above with a ride in a helicopter. During winter, Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters offer a number of helicopter experiences including The Remarkables Sunset where you fly over Queenstown during golden hour, land on the mountain range, and enjoy a drink while taking in one of the best views you’ll ever see in your life. 

Take to the lake on the historic TSS Earnslaw. The century-old coal-fired ship operates cruises across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak. You might also like to add on experiences at Walter Peak where you can disembark to enjoy a gourmet barbeque long lunch at the lakeside restaurant or a book a guided tour of the Walter Peak High Country Farm.

If you’ve been taking part in any of Queenstown’s adventure activities, after all that fun and excitement you’ll be in serious need of some deep relaxation. Lucky for you, Queenstown has some of the best spas in the country. 

Unwind and indulge in some much-deserved pampering at Sofitel’s So Spa. Offering a unique haven where the mind, body and spirit unite, Sofitel’s So Spa include signature treatments like the Māori Greenstone Massage as well as massage and beauty treatments using French and New Zealand products for an unprecedented sensory and soothing experience. 

New Zealand’s South Island sure does make for a great winter holiday destination. There’s so much to see and do. When you base yourself in Queenstown, you’ve got plenty of day trip options.

Whether you’re driving yourself or booking a guided tour, these are some of the best day trips from Queenstown.

Fancy yourself a bit of a wine connoisseur, or simply keen to sample some of the region’s finest drops? Central Otago is renowned for its exceptional pinot tour. Experience it for yourself on a guided winery day tour out of Queenstown. 

There are a number of fantastic wine tour operators in the area, including New Zealand Wine Tours Queenstown who offer an array of small group and private tours, such as their Pinot Country Tour and the Winemakers Reserve Tour. 

Arrowtown is a charming historic village just 20 minutes out of Queenstown. With fantastic dining options, why not time your trip over lunch to enjoy some of the local and seasonal options on offer? 

Journey to Middle Earth on a Lord of the Rings day or half tour. Glenorchy is about 45 minutes out of central Queenstown and is home to some of the filming locations for films including Lord of the Rings. Another must-see destination in Glenorchy is the infamous and historic red shed, a picturesque spot on the water’s edge. 

Milford Sound is an unforgettable destination and an absolute must-do for all who visit New Zealand. Located about a four-hour drive out of Queenstown, you can get there on a guided coach trip, self-drive, or perhaps best of all, on a scenic flight.