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

Food, outdoor and cultural adventures — you name it, Queenstown's got it (all year long)!

A person standing at the peak of a hiking trail near Queenstown, New Zealand

3min read

Published 3 August 2023

Flight Centre Author

Head of Content and Social Media


Share


Food, outdoor and cultural adventures — you name it, Queenstown's got it (all year long)!


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. 



Queenstown, New Zealand has trails for novice and experienced hikers
Queenstown, New Zealand has trails for novice and experienced hikers
Queenstown, New Zealand has trails for novice and experienced hikers

Hiking trails

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.

Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski area are two of Queenstown's biggest attractions
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski area are two of Queenstown's biggest attractions
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski area are two of Queenstown's biggest attractions

Ski areas

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.

Adrenaline activities

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. 



No trip to Queenstown would be complete without a trip to Milford Sound
No trip to Queenstown would be complete without a trip to Milford Sound
No trip to Queenstown would be complete without a trip to Milford Sound

Helicopter rides

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.

World-class restaurants

You’d be mistaken for thinking Queenstown is all about the activities. Foodies will enjoy a trip here just as much as the adrenaline junkies, as the city is also known for its fine dining and great nightlife. In fact, Queenstown is home to some of New Zealand’s best restaurants, from the famous Ferburger to fancy establishments like Botswana Butchery and The Bunker. If you’re looking for something extra special, book in for a tasting at True South Dining Room at The Rees Hotel — you won’t regret it!

The Queenstown luge track is a great spot for families
The Queenstown luge track is a great spot for families
The Queenstown luge track is a great spot for families

Family-friendly activities

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.

Wine regions

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?

If you're staying in Queenstown, make sure to take a day trip to Arrowtown
If you're staying in Queenstown, make sure to take a day trip to Arrowtown
If you're staying in Queenstown, make sure to take a day trip to Arrowtown

Day trips

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.

...loading
Flight Centre

© Flight Centre Travel Group (Canada) Inc.

A Travel Expert Service Fee will be applied to bookings made in store, over the phone or via email, and is charged in addition to the advertised price. Click here for more information.

*Conditions apply. Prices are in CAD. All advertised prices include taxes & fees. Air travel in economy class unless otherwise stated. Package, cruise, tour, rail & hotel prices are per person, based on double occupancy for total length of stay unless otherwise stated. All-inclusive vacations include airfare on a per person basis. Prices are for select departure dates and are accurate and subject to availability at advertising deadline, errors and omissions excepted, and subject to change. Taxes & fees due in destination are additional and include, but not limited to, local car rental charges & taxes, one-way rental drop fees which are to be paid upon arrival, resort fees & charges, and airline baggage fees. Additional important conditions and supplier terms may apply. For full terms and conditions visit please speak with a Flight Centre Travel Consultant. CPBC#2790, TICO#4671384, OPC#702971.

Future Travel Credit Terms & Conditions | Green Policy | Anti-Spam Policy