There’s Never a Bad Time to Visit Queenstown, New Zealand

If you know anything about Queenstown, New Zealand, it’s likely one of two things. First, it’s an incredible destination for skiing and snowboarding. Second, it’s arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world (according to anyone who’s flown in over its snow-capped peaks or driven its winding roads). 

What you might not realize about Queenstown though, is just how much there is to do — whatever time of year you visit. Here are eight things that you can enjoy during summer and winter, and in the shoulder seasons. 

• Hiking trails
• Ski areas
• Adrenaline activities
• Helicopter rides
• World-class restaurants
• Family-friendly activities
• Wine regions
• Day trips

It wouldn’t be right to talk about a New Zealand destination without mentioning hiking (or “tramping”, as the locals call it). In Queenstown, you’re spoiled for choice with everything from lakeside walks to multi-day overland trails. 

Summer is, for the obvious lack of snow, the most reliable time for big hikes. But if you don’t want to choose between skiing and summer activities, late autumn or early spring will often allow you to do both! Strapped for time but want to do a quick tramp? Queenstown Hill is a short but spectacular trail.

Queenstown is home to two local ski hills: Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski area. Both are a short drive from town, offering runs that cater to all skill levels. If you’re keen to go a little further afield, the Cardone and Treble Cone ski areas are also great options.

Unfortunately, none of the resorts in Queenstown are ski-in ski-out — nor do they offer anything outside of downhill skiing and snowboarding. The steep slopes just aren’t ideal for cross-country trails. It’s hard to find better conditions though. The season usually starts at the beginning of June and, with good snow coverage, stretches to the start of October.

Queenstown is arguably the adventure capital of the world. It’s home to no less than three bungee jumps, multiple jet boat rides, canyon swings, ziplines and more. 

That said, there is one activity that tends to be more popular than the others. Mountain biking is to Queenstown’s summer what snow sports are to its winter. There are 30 kilometres of cycle trails, plus three lift-assisted mountain bike parks for those looking for altitude. In fact, if you visit in September, you can ski all morning and mountain bike all afternoon. 

What’s the ultimate splurge that’s worth every penny in Queenstown? Take a helicopter ride. There are multiple companies in Queenstown, like The Helicopter Line, that operate flights over Fiordland National Park. The fact that you could end up landing on a glacier, having a sip of champagne on a remote beach or spotting playful seals along the coastline before flying low through Milford Sound makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Helicopters are, of course, weather-dependent — but they do operate year-round. This is hands down the best way to see Milford Sound if you’re time poor but activity hungry.

Queenstown is as much a paradise for kids as it is for adults. Families looking for a taste of adventure without too much adrenaline should take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob’s Peak, home to panoramic views and, more importantly, the Queenstown luge course. This is where healthy family competition thrives. 

Looking for a dose of history? Go for a ride on Time Tripper — an immersive theatrical trip through history, from the age of the dinosaurs to today, that explains how Queenstown’s magical landscape and mighty Lake Wakatipu came to be.

Fancy a tipple? Central Otago is renowned for its wines — namely pinot noir. And some of the best vineyards are just a quick 15 minutes’ drive from Queenstown. You can do an organized tour with a company like Altitude Tours, or if you’re up for a dose of adventure with your wine tasting, you can opt to hire a bike and cycle between the wineries. It’s all about balance, right?

While you could spend a week in Queenstown and not leave the shores of Lake Wakatipu, there’s plenty more waiting to be explored in the surrounding valleys and mountains. 

A half-hour drive will land you in Arrowtown, a historic village oozing charm, quaint cafés and boutiques. Head in the other direction and you’ll hit Glenorchy, where the landscape played backdrop to scenes in The Lord of the Rings and Narnia films. No spiel about day trips would be complete without mentioning Wanaka and the famous Wanaka Tree, a favourite destination for photographers. 

Ready to experience all that Queenstown has to offer? Check out our New Zealand travel deals or chat with one of our consultants today.