Prime time in Queenstown, is also the coldest time to visit New Zealand. It’s a haven for skiers and snowboarders, but we know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Sure, we’ve been to Queenstown to go skiing. But, let’s face it, the older we get, the less our legs can take day after day on the slopes. Or, maybe skiing or snowboarding just isn’t your thing. That doesn’t mean there isn’t anything for you to do in Queenstown. Quite the opposite in fact.
With temperatures hovering around the 0°C-5°C mark, there probably are a few things you aren’t keen to do during the winter months, but we’ve got quite the list of activities that don’t require just sitting inside all day. After all, you’re in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand — you may as well make the most of it!
Take a hike
We promise you’ll only be cold for the first few minutes. In fact, we actually managed to work up a pretty good sweat during our walks in the area! During the winter months, it may be best to do walks at a lower elevation as they’re less likely to be icy or covered in snow.
A few lakefront walks we recommend include Bob’s Cove Track (11.1km), Franklin Arm Walkway (6.9km, although we didn’t walk the whole thing) and Twin Rivers Trail (18.5km, although we didn’t walk the whole thing). We also drove to Bannockburn (just under an hour from Queenstown) and did the circuit around Bannockburn Sluicings ().
If you’re looking for something short and sweet, check out the Oxenbridge Tunnel Track (1.4km). While there is no actual tunnel to walk through, it’s got lovely views of the Shotover River. (Aim to do this on a day without any wind. It doesn’t get much sun during the winter months due to its location between two mountains so can be a bit chilly.)
✅ We’ve done heaps of hikes in the Queenstown area, including plenty that are winter-friendly.
Ride a gondola
Ride to the top of Queenstown via Gondola for incredible views of town and the surrounding mountains. In the middle of winter you’ll have the chance to play in the snow up here too, if you’d like. (It tends not to stick around for long in town).
Even if you’re not keen to ski, you may want to head over to Coronet Peak, too. The Coronet Express at the ski area is a “chondola”, a combination of a chairlift and sightseeing gondola that serves both skiers and sightseers. It takes you to a higher elevation than the gondola in town, with a much higher chance of snow play.
✅ We’ve been to the top of the Coronet Express.
Book a gondola ride near Queenstown
Taste the local pinots
Central Otago is the perfect environment for grape growing, especially pinot noir. The variance of temperatures from day to night, abundant sunshine and glacial soil make for some incredibly delicious drops. The area’s home to dozens of wineries serving up the variety as well as others grown in the region.
We’ve been to a few wineries between Queenstown and Arrowtown, but there are also plenty more in the Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn areas that we’d love to check out on our next visit.
✅ We’ve been to a few local wineries including Mora and Nockie’s Palatte.
Book a wine experience near Queenstown
Soar over the Southern Alps
From the comfort of an airplane seat, see the stunning Southern Alps from high above them rather than trekking through them. Stay dry and warm while taking in the unbelievable views of Milford Sound, The Remarkables and glaciers.
While we haven’t booked a sightseeing flight specifically, we do always make sure to book a window seat when flying in or out of Queenstown. The views upon take-off and landing here are nothing short of spectacular; scenic flights capitalise on that. Some even include landings on glaciers so you can step out onto the tips of the mountains.
Book a scenic flight from Queenstown
Relax in a hot pool or sauna
New Zealand really knows how to heat things up. Sitting within the Ring of Fire, New Zealand has plenty of geothermal activity which has helped make hot pools a popular way to relax across the country. Not all of them are natural, but all of them are soothing.
The Queenstown area has a few of them, including the Onsen Hot Pools which overlook the Shotover River and surrounding mountains. Without even having to leave where you’re staying, the Driftaway, which offers both campsites and self-contained accommodation, has hot tubs you can book even if you’re not a guest. (But if you are, you’ll get a discount!)
If saunas are more your thing, give the floating sauna on Lake Wakatipu a try. It’s got views of Queenstown and the surrounding lake and mountains.
