Winter in Queenstown is something else — snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, roaring fireplaces, and heart-racing adventures. Whether you’re here for skiing, soaking in views, or soaking in hot pools, this southern gem has it all. And thanks to an impressive variety of local businesses, your experience can be as laid-back or as action-packed as you like.
Here’s your ultimate winter blog guide, featuring handpicked accommodations, experiences, tours, and transport options from the best Queenstown listings on NZ Online.
Top Places to Stay in Winter
- The Canyons Lodge, Arthurs Point – A stunning alpine retreat with mountain views and cozy winter vibes, ideal after a day on the slopes.
- Hidden Lodge Queenstown – Boutique luxury with lake and Remarkables views, just minutes from town.
- Hello Queenstown Holiday Accommodation – Perfect for families and longer stays, with homes and studios across town.
- Earnslaw Lodge Motel – Affordable lakeside motel with spacious rooms and stunning lake views.
- Cranbury Court Apartments – Self-contained units ideal for skiers with room to spread out.
- Abba Court Motel & Apartments – Central, family-friendly option with parking and playground.
- Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel – Sophisticated, centrally located boutique hotel with complimentary pre-dinner drinks.
- Sanctuary Holiday Rental – Private hilltop retreat perfect for couples or solo travellers.
- Stay of Queenstown Luxury Accommodation – Contemporary 5-star luxury apartments for high-end travellers.
- Four Seasons Motel – Centrally located and great for ski trips or short stays.
- Queenstown Motel Apartments – Comfortable, clean motel apartments close to town.
- Villa Del Lago – Absolute lakefront with fireplaces and dramatic views.
- The Glebe Luxury Apartments – Spacious apartments and penthouses just 2 minute’s walk from central Queenstown.
- Arrowfield Apartments, Arrowtown – Peaceful alpine-style units near the historic gold-mining village, just 20 minutes from the bustle or Queenstown.
Epic Winter Activities & Adventures
- Million Dollar Cruise – An affordable, heated boat cruise with panoramic alpine views.
- Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining – Cruise across Lake Wakatipu and feast on local meats and produce in a grand country estate setting, followed by a traditional NZ farm show.
- Luxe Tours – Premium guided day trips for small groups to Milford Sound from Queenstown.
- Lord of the Rings Tours – Visit epic filming sites from Middle-earth, all snow-dusted in winter for added magic.
- Serious Fun Riverboarding – From September to May embark on a high-adrenaline riverboarding adventure.
- Packrafting Adventure Tour – Paddle tranquil alpine rivers in inflatable rafts surrounded by mountains.
- Queenstown Fishing Charter – Try your luck catching trout or salmon in the icy depths.
- Pure Milford Sound Cruise – Several package tours to Milford Sound to see waterfalls cascading over snow-clad cliffs.
- Wanahaka Wine Tours & Māori Culture – Cultural immersion meets vineyard tastings, even in winter.
- Backcountry Saddle Expeditions – Explore the Central Otago hills on horseback, with snowy trails and epic views.
Transport & Rentals
- Central Otago Motorcycle Hire & Tours – Rent a cruiser or join a guided winter ride through dramatic landscapes.
- Whizzy E-Bike Hire & Shuttle – E-bikes delivered to your door, ideal for lakefront cruising or winery stops.
- Kia Ora Campers – Rent a cosy campervan for flexible winter road trips.
- Southern Campers – Camper rentals close to Queenstown with Southland access.
- Brightlane Tours & Transfers – Private luxury transfers with optional tours—great for snowfield access.
- Super Shuttle NZ – Budget-friendly airport shuttle service available in Queenstown.
- Bularangi Motorcycles NZ-Wide – Harley-Davidson rentals for epic snow-capped riding routes.
- Wana Taxi – Travel around the Queenstown region in comfort with experienced local drivers.
Free Things to Do
- Stroll along Lake Wakatipu and watch the snow fall on The Remarkables
- Hike Queenstown Hill Track for panoramic snowy views
- Visit the Queenstown Gardens (beautiful even in winter)
- Explore Glenorchy Road lookout spots
- Walk around historic Arrowtown (just 20 mins away)
Best Time to Visit
- June to August for skiing, snowboarding, and alpine scenery
- Late July tends to have the most consistent snow
- September still has snow but with fewer crowds and slightly warmer days
Good Places to Eat
- Fergburger – Iconic burgers (expect a queue!)
- Botswana Butchery – Cosy fine dining with fireplaces
- Flame Bar & Grill – Known for ribs and hearty mains
- Yonder – Great brunch and coffee
- Public Kitchen & Bar – Lakeside, seasonal sharing plates
- Walter Peak BBQ – Savour a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu, then indulge in a delicious feast featuring local meats and fresh produce at a grand country estate — topped off with a traditional New Zealand farm show.
Winter Climate in Queenstown
- Daytime temps: 5°C to 8°C
- Night temps: Often below 0°C
- Frosty mornings, dry cold, and occasional snowfall in town
- Most reliable snow is at higher altitudes (ski fields)
Where Can You See Snow
- The Remarkables Ski Area (about 45 minutes’ drive)
- Coronet Peak (closer – 20 minutes)
- Top of Queenstown Hill Track after snow
- Occasionally in town, especially early morning
- Arrowtown, Glenorchy, and Cardrona also often have visible snow in winter
Stargazing in Queenstown
Queenstown is a stargazer’s paradise in winter, offering crisp, clear skies, long nights, and minimal light pollution. The cold, dry air makes stars sparkle brighter, perfect for spotting the Milky Way, Southern Cross, and even the Aurora Australis on lucky nights.
Top experiences include the Skyline Stargazing Tour with guided telescope viewings atop Bob’s Peak, or intimate astrophotography adventures at Moke Lake and Gibbston Valley. For a more relaxing option, enjoy the stars from a private cedar tub at Onsen Hot Pools, or try night skiing at Coronet Peak under the stars.
Don’t forget: dress warm, plan around the new moon, and head away from town lights for the best views!
