43 Awesome Things to Do in Queenstown in Winter

Winter in Queenstown means crisp weather, snow on the mountains, and a buzzing energy sparked by days on the slopes and après ski activities.

I live in Queenstown and while I’m a summer girl at heart, even I love winter here. It’s a magical time of year in this town.

While Queenstown is synonymous with skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, there’s also plenty to do even if you don’t ski. 

In this guide, I’ll give you all sorts of ideas for the best things to do in Queenstown during winter. 

I’ve covered it all, including the top things to do in Queenstown, plus lots of hidden gems.

So without further ado, here’s your winter guide to Queenstown!

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support!

The best time to visit Queenstown in winter

Winter in New Zealand runs from June through August, but in Queenstown, it can often feel wintry well into October.

If you plan to ski, the best months for skiing in Queenstown are usually mid-July through August. Keep in mind that July school holidays can mean high prices and big crowds in town and on the slopes. 

You can often get good spring snow in Queenstown in September, too, but it just depends on the year. 

And if you want to visit Queenstown in winter on a budget, June is the best time to do that, although don’t count on skiing. 

Getting around Queenstown in winter

🚗 Car hire: I recommend using Discover Cars to easily compare prices and vehicle models from all of the top NZ car rental companies. Note: you don’t neeed a 4WD vehicle for just driving around town or main roads, but personally, I do like having a 4WD vehicle for getting up to the ski fields.

🚐 Campervan Hire: I use Motorhome Republic to compare prices on campervans in NZ. I also love JUCY vans. Note: if you plan to hire a campervan for your trip, check out my guide to campervanning in New Zealand in winter.

🚕 No car? No problem! You can easily use a combination of the public bus (Orbus), Uber, ski shuttles, walking and tour providers to explore Queenstown without a car.

Top things to do in Queenstown in Winter

1. Hit the slopes

This wouldn’t be a guide to winter in Queenstown without mentioning the top activity here: hitting the ski fields! (which you may call “ski resorts” depending on where you hail from).

Queenstown is lucky to have two ski fields within close reach, and another just over an hour away. 

Ski fields near Queenstown

• Coronet Peak: This is the closest ski field to Queenstown. It’s located just a 25 minute drive from town. Your Coronet Peak ski pass can also be used at the Remarkables.
  
  
• The Remarkables: The Remarkables Ski Field is a 40-minute drive from Queenstown. This is the largest ski field in Queenstown, and my personal favourite spot for skiing around Queenstown. Your Remarkables ski pass can also be used at Coronet Peak.
  
  
• Cardrona Ski Field: While it’s closer to Wanaka than Queenstown, Cardrona is another popular choice for skiing near Queenstown. Getting to Cardrona requires a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Queenstown over the Crown Range Road, the highest main road in New Zealand.

Now, with all of these options, you might be wondering where to head for skiing in Queenstown. 

I can only offer my own opinion, but I absolutely love skiing at the Remarkables—you’ll find me there nearly every weekend in winter!

That being said, some people prefer skiing at Cardrona. I think it’s best to base yourself in Wanaka if that’s where you’d like to ski, though, as it requires a longer drive from Queenstown vs. getting to Coronet Peak or the Remarkables.

As for Coronet Peak, I often find the conditions to be too icy (it’s not nicknamed “Concrete Peak” for nothing). That being said, I regularly head to Coronet Peak for night skiing—see #3 below for more details!

Tip: Don’t want to drive yourself to the ski fields? Not a problem. All 3 ski fields offer transport options from Queenstown. Do ensure to book ahead, though, as spots fill up fast.

2. Go see the snow

Even if you don’t ski, you can still enjoy some time in the snow around Queenstown! 

If you come from a warmer climate and don’t get to see snow very often (or ever), it’s often such a novelty to crunch your boots into some soft, powdery snow.

The best places to see snow in Queenstown are—not surprisingly—up at the ski fields! 

You can visit the ski fields even if you don’t ski, and the best part is that it’s totally free to visit if you drive yourself (or you can pay to take a ski shuttle, too).

It’s nice to go up the ski fields just to have a coffee and enjoy the epic views, and maybe soak up some winter sun, too. 

If you’re driving yourself, I recommend driving up to Coronet Peak—the road to Coronet is much more beginner-friendly than the steep Remarkables road. 

Another good location for snow-spotting is the Crown Range Road Summit (weather dependent).

3. Try night skiing

Coronet Peak offers night skiing sessions throughout winter, and it’s so much fun.

It’s amazing to watch an alpenglow sunset from Coronet Peak and then ski the night away as the sunlight fades.

DJs often play down at the bottom of the lifts, and there’s a busy, energetic vibe all around.  

There are select ski runs open for night skiing, and they’re illuminated with floodlights to help you see your way down (although I do recommend wearing low-light lenses on your ski goggles, as it will really help with visibility). 

Night skiing is available at Coronet Peak from 4-9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays from the end of June to the first week of September. During school holidays, there are some Saturday night ski dates added to the mix.

4. Indulge in some après ski

Whether or not you ski, there’s one winter activity that’s for everyone: après ski!

Après ski in Queenstown is all about relaxing after a day well-spent with some food and drinks in hand—maybe while cosying up around a fire or sitting under a heat lamp and a soft lap blanket. Many bars around town will have live music playing, too.

Here are some après ski spots in Queenstown that I love.

• World Bar: Teacup cocktails and smashburgers—and often, live music—make this one great spot for après ski in Queenstown.
  
  
• Little Blackwood: This waterfront cocktail bar serves up excellent drinks and locally-sourced cheese platters. Their espresso martini list is top notch.
  
  
• Yonder: Enjoy live music out on their patio while sipping a drink and nibbling some snacks.
  
  
• Ferg’s Bar: The cocktails here are fantastic, as is the food—they do small share plates that are really something special. This is such a hidden gem of a bar in Queenstown.
  
  
• Little Mez: Their spicy margaritas and chips with queso are the perfect winter belly-warmer.

5. Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw

Getting out on the water is a must in Queenstown—even in winter.

For an awesome experience on Lake Whakatipu, book a cruise with the TSS Earnslaw. This historic steamship cruises along the lake at a leisurely pace, and has plenty of cosy indoor seating. You can even purchase drinks on board if you want to really get into holiday mode.

The TSS Earnslaw sails over to Walter Peak High Country Farm, a beautiful merino sheep station across the lake from Queenstown. It takes about 45 minutes (one-way) to reach the Walter Peak High Country Farm, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak in all of the epic views.

I highly recommend booking a combo ticket for the cruise + Walter Peak gourmet BBQ lunch. 

The BBQ lunch is simply divine, featuring local meat and produce and so much amazing food—make sure you arrive hungry!

After lunch, you’ll get to wander the property, visit the cute farm animals, and enjoy a farm demonstration. The onsite gift shop is a great place to pick up a Queenstown souvenir. You’ll then cruise back to Queenstown, full and happy! 

🚢 Check prices & availability for the TSS Earnslaw cruise & BBQ lunch →

6. Head up to Deer Park Heights

Deer Park Heights has got a lot going for it, but it’s still relatively under-the-radar (though not for long, I’ll bet).

This is a scenic drive, animal encounter experience, and Lord of the Rings filming location all in one.

The views from Deer Park Heights are some of the best in Queenstown, and it’s an awesome attraction for kids and adults alike. 

And while the Queenstown town centre hardly sees any direct sunlight in the winter months, the Kelvin Peninsula (where Deer Park Heights is located) basks in the sun all year-round. So, if you want to catch some sunshine when you’re in Queenstown, this is the spot to be.

Pack a picnic if you can, and maybe a flask of tea or hot chocolate to stay warm in the crisp winter air. Bring $2 coins to purchase pellets to feed the farm animals.

To access Deer Park Heights, you’ll need to drive yourself and book ahead online. There are no tour operators allowed here. It costs $75 per vehicle for up to 8 passengers. 

I do recommend booking in advance because it often sells out, particularly during school holidays.

7. Drive to Glenorchy

The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is an absolute must-do on your visit to Queenstown. 

While the drive takes just 45 minutes from point to point, it’s so incredibly beautiful that I recommend spending at least a half day on this adventure.

Some highlights along the drive include Bob’s Cove and the historic red shed in Glenorchy. 

When you reach Glenorchy, make sure to visit Mrs Woolly’s General Store for a hot coffee and treat—their gift shop is lovely, too.

8. Visit Milford Sound

Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, which is saying a lot—and winter is a special time to visit. 

During winter in Milford Sound, you’ll encounter fewer crowds, lots of waterfalls, and snow-capped mountain peaks providing gorgeous scenery.

Milford Sound is located a 4 hour drive from Queenstown, and it’s too far to drive yourself as a day trip from Queenstown. 

In fact, I don’t typically recommend that you drive yourself to Milford Sound in winter, as the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound can get dicey, and there’s a risk of avalanches. 

Instead, leave the transport up to an experienced tour operator, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy Milford Sound stress-free!

You have many options for tour providers that’ll whisk you away from Queenstown to Milford Sound, but I’m a big fan of Pure Milford. Here’s what they offer:

• Coach – cruise – coach tour: this is the most affordable tour option from Queenstown to Milford Sound, but be prepared for a very long day on a coach! The views along the drive are stunning, though, and you’ll get to make stops at some lovely lookouts and short walks. 
  
  
• Fly – cruise – fly tour: If you’re pressed for time or just don’t want to sit on a coach for 8+ hours, this is the Milford Sound tour for you. This is the most expensive tour option, but it’s also the most efficient (and seeing Fiordland from the air is an incredible experience!).

9. Go up the Skyline Gondola

The Skyline Gondola is one of the most popular activities in Queenstown, no matter the time of year. 

In winter, though, the gondola is especially wonderful—you simply can’t beat the views from the top of Bob’s Peak in wintertime!  You’ll get amazing views over Queenstown and Lake Whakatipu, with snow-covered mountains providing the most epic backdrop for it all.

At the top of the gondola, you’ll find the luge, which is a huge hit with kids (although it’s fun for adults, too). Other nearby activities include ziplining tours and paragliding.

For a more relaxing activity, head to the Stratosfare Bar, where you can soak in the epic views with a drink in hand. I honestly can’t think of a bar with a better view!

10. Explore Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic gold-mining town in a gorgeous setting.

The drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown takes just 20 minutes and is easily one of my favourite day trips from Queenstown.

This is one of the most charming towns in the South Island, with heritage buildings, a beautiful river, and lots of good local places to eat and drink.

While autumn is the most popular time to visit Arrowtown (the autumn colours are incredible!), winter has its own charms. The leaves on the trees may be bare in winter, but up above town the mountains will be covered in snow—and a snow-surrounded Arrowtown is a magical sight to behold!

On a winter visit to Arrowtown, I recommend grabbing a drink and bite to eat and then taking a wander. Here’s how I like to spend a winter day in Arrowtown:

• Enjoy a burger and local Lake & Wood beer at Slow Cuts, or a drink and pizza at the cosy Fork and Tap Pub.
  
  
• After a drink and some food, wander along Buckingham Street with your camera in tow—you’ll want some photos of all the cute buildings!
  
  
• Stroll from Buckingham Street down to the Arrow River. Wander over to the historic Chinese settlement, and stop by the famous old police building for a photo-op.
  
  
• If you want a longer walk, follow the Arrow River Trail. Or if you’d prefer a relaxing activity, catch a movie at the boutique Dorothy Browns cinema.
  

Food & drinks in Queenstown in winter

11. Sleep in & enjoy brunch at a cafe

If you’re on a winter holiday in Queenstown, why not let yourself sleep in, then have a leisurely brunch at a Queenstown cafe? 

There are lots of delicious cafes in Queenstown, but my top picks are Bespoke Kitchen, Odd Saint, Vudu Cafe & Larder, & Boatshed Cafe (which is located in the Queenstown Marina, right on the lake).

12. Get coffee & pastries

Queenstown has quite a few standout bakeries and coffee spots, and a coffee & pastry from one of them is always a good idea (winter or not!).

In town, Fergbaker is a must-visit for a sweet treat or savoury pastry. They also make good coffees. Their strawberry lemon tarts are always my favourite.

A 10-minute drive from town, you’ll find the Queenstown Marina, home to the waterfront Boat Shed Bakery. Get a choux pastry and coffee (they use locally-roasted Wolf beans) and enjoy your treats with some seriously epic lake views.

Just down the road from the marina is European Bakery, which is a good place to pick up a bag of bagels to take with you, or a donut to enjoy (and grab a coffee from the coffee caravan, too).

In Frankton, there’s a lovely French bakery—Ma Boulangerie—that makes wonderful croissants. Their almond croissant is my go-to order (and I never leave without a baguette, either!).

And last but not least, Wolf Coffee Roasters in Arrowtown is a wonderful spot for decadent donuts and freshly-brewed, house-roasted coffee.

13. Have a burger on a boat

Grab a takeaway burger—from either Fergburger or Devilburger, you choose—and enjoy it at Perky’s Floating Bar.

Perky’s is a permanently-moored boat bar on Lake Whakatipu. They allow you to bring your own food onboard (with a drink purchase on the boat), and it’s such a fun spot for a casual meal and drink with some of the best lake views around!

14. Dig in to a delicious dinner in town

There are so many good places to eat in Queenstown, ranging from cheap eats to fine dining and everything in between.

Here are some of my favourite spots for a cosy winter dinner in Queenstown.

• The Cow: this rustic, dimly-lit restaurant is a Queenstown institution, serving up hearty pizza, pasta & garlic bread in a cosy atmosphere. I mentioned the garlic bread, right? Definitely order some to share with the table—it’s a highlight. I always get the spaghetti bolognese here.
  
  
• Tanoshi Cow Lane: The Japanese food here is just so good. They specialise in share plates and have a great beer and sake list. Kappa is another excellent spot for Japanese food.
  
  
• Margos: vibrant Mexican food & margaritas with options for most dietary requirements.
  
  
• Ramen Ramen by Tanoshi: warm up with a steaming bowl of ramen at this build-your-own ramen joint. The seating is extremely limited inside of their tiny shop, so bundle up in case you need to sit outside.
  
  
• Blue Kanu: This Pacifica-Asian fusion restaurant is such a fun spot for dinner and cocktails. I love doing their Trust the Wok menu, and also recommend their poke nachos.
  
  
• Sherwood: Go here for a special meal made with locally-sourced produce, much of which is grown in their own gardens. 
  
  
• Sundays: Located in the lovely Country Lane Retail Village, this is an excellent spot for woodfired pizzas and salads.

15. Embrace the cold in an ice bar

If you really want to embrace the whole winter wonderland theme, why not visit an ice bar on your Queenstown trip?

At a Queenstown ice bar, you’ll get entry into a bar that’s literally made out of sculpted ice. 

If you’re worried about the cold—because, well, it’ll be icy in there—rest assured that you’ll be kitted out in some complimentary gear (gloves, puffy jackets, etc.) to wear during your visit.

Queenstown is actually home to 3 different ice bars (which does seem like a lot, to be honest, given the size of this town..but I digress).

Tip: Have a look at Book Me before you head out to one of Queenstown’s ice bars. You can often find awesome deals on there, and then just go to whichever bar has the best deal going!

16. Sip on a mulled wine

Mulled wine—an après ski specialty—can be found at almost every bar and pub around Queenstown in winter. 

This warming drink of spiced red wine tastes delightful on a cold winter’s day.

I always love the mulled wine at Perky’s Floating Bar, but honestly, you can find it pretty much anywhere around town!

17. Warm up with a hot chocolate

For a delicious winter warmer, head to Patagonia Chocolates for an indulgent mug of hot chocolate.

Patagonia Chocolates is located in a prime spot right by the Queenstown waterfront. They make delicious chocolates, coffees, and ice cream—and the best hot chocolate in town!

Sip on your hot chocolate upstairs while admiring the views over Queenstown Bay. It’s a great spot to people-watch and gaze at beautiful Lake Whakatipu.

18. Sample Queenstown’s craft beer scene

Queenstown may be small in size, but it’s home to a plethora of craft beer options, including some awesome local breweries.

After a day of hitting the slopes or exploring around Queenstown, nothing quite tastes as good as an icy cold craft beer.

For craft breweries around town, go to Altitude Brewing (I love this place), Searchlight or Canyon Brewing.

All of these spots have delicious food on offer, too. Tacos Jaguar at Searchlight Brewery makes my favourite Mexican food in Queenstown. And the Smoke and Pickle food truck—usually open on weekends at Altitude Brewery—makes the best burgers in town (yep, better than Fergburger if you ask me!).

And for craft beer bars, there are 3 right in town: Smiths, Beech Tree, & Atlas Beer Cafe.

19. Go wine tasting

The Gibbston and Bannockburn wine regions near Queenstown are well-known for their excellent white and red wines, with Pinot Noir being the local specialty.

And while the vines might be bare in winter, wine tasting is an excellent year-round activity in Queenstown—and in winter, you can sip on your wine while enjoying snow-capped mountain views.

If you plan to visit more than one vineyard, taking a wine tour is the easiest and safest way to indulge in some wine tastings around Queenstown. 

I love taking the hop-on, hop-off bus for a more DIY approach. It’s a relaxed and fun way to visit a couple of wineries.

There are also some excellent guided tours for you to choose from.

Mt Rosa & Kinross are my favourite cellar doors around Queenstown. Mora Wines is another great spot—and if you go here, make sure to book in for lunch at the restaurant, as the food is incredible.

🍷 Skip the hassle of sorting out a driver, and book the Wine Hopper bus for your wine tasting adventure!

Walks & hikes in Queenstown in winter 

While the mountains around Queenstown might be covered in snow in winter, the valley floor is typically snow-free (aside from the odd snow storm in town, which always feels quite exciting)!

This means that many low-level walking trails—and some slightly higher elevation day hike trails—are still mostly doable in winter, although it does depend on the conditions that season, and the weather on the particular day you plan to walk. 

Before heading out on Queenstown’s trails in winter, check with the DOC office for up-to-date trail conditions. And if you arrive at a trail and the conditions feel unsafe, be prepared to turn around.

I also recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots with good grip and plenty of warm layers.

20. Kelvin Heights Peninsula Track

🥾 Trail stats: 3.5km | 45 minutes to 1 hour | easy

The Kelvin Heights Peninsula Loop is my favourite year-round, easy walk in Queenstown. 

Stroll along Lake Whakatipu through pine forest, and admire the cool sculptures along the way. 

This trail doesn’t hold onto ice like others might, because the Kelvin Peninsula gets sun all year long.

If you’d like to extend your walk, you can link this with the Frankton Arm Walkway.

21. The Frankton Track

🥾 Trail stats: 7km from Queenstown Bay to Frankton Beach (one-way) | 1.5+ hours | easy

To access the Frankton Track, walk from Queenstown Bay along the Queenstown Gardens and Lake Whakatipu. The path eventually turns into the Frankton Track, and you can continue walking for as long or short as you’d like. 

A good turnaround spot is Frankton Beach, which is about a 1.5 hour walk from town. 

Before heading back to Queenstown, refuel with some food and drinks at the Queenstown Marina.

At the Marina, you could get lunch at Boatshed Cafe, coffee and a pastry at the Boatshed Bakery, or a beer and snacks at Altitude Brewing before heading back to Queenstown. 

You can also return to town on the bus or water taxi if you don’t want to walk back!

22. Bob’s Cove

🥾 Trail stats: 2km (or more if you want to walk beyond Bob’s Cove) | 40 minutes return | easy

Bob’s Cove is one of the best short walks in Queenstown.

A short walk through native beech forest leads to a picturesque beach cove with turquoise water. In winter, it’ll be way too cold for a swim, but it’s still a beautiful place regardless!

You can continue on up to Picnic Point for gorgeous views over Lake Whakatipu, and if you’d like to go even farther, you could walk all the way to the Twelve Mile Delta Campsite (which is home to a Lord of the Rings filming site).

This trail is usually doable in winter, but it can get icy sometimes (particularly if you go up to Picnic Point), so make sure you have shoes with good grip.

23. Mt Crichton Loop Track

🥾 Trail stats: 6.4km | 2.5 hours | moderate

The Mt Crichton Loop Track is a locals’ favourite day walk in Queenstown, offering beech forest, mountain views, a waterfall, and the historic Sam Summers Hut.

This is one of those tracks that’s often fine in winter, but it can occasionally be too icy, depending on the conditions. I’d check with DOC before you head out in winter.

At the time of writing this, there’s no longer a bridge at Māori Gully, so you’ll need to do a small creek crossing—definitely wear sturdy boots and warm socks! 

Most people seem to do this walk clockwise, but I like to go counter-clockwise (this gets most of the uphill portions out of the way at the beginning). Either way though, it’s a beautiful walk.

24. Queenstown Hill

🥾 Trail stats: 4.8km | 2-3 hours | moderate/hard

Queenstown Hill is the local lookout walk in Queenstown. The trail leads you up through a pine forest to the summit of Queenstown Hill, where you’ll get sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu, and the Remarkables Ranges.

This trail can often still be done in winter, but  it depends on the weather that day. 

If it’s been snowing a lot, or if it’s particularly icy out, you’ll want to skip this one, or wear microspikes with your boots. 

On a nice winter’s day, though—wow, snow-capped mountain views from the Queenstown Hill summit are absolutely spectacular!

25. Routeburn Track day hike to Routeburn Flats

🥾 Trail stats: 15 km | 4-5 hours return | moderate/hard

For an epic day hike near Queenstown, drive past Glenorchy to the Routeburn Shelter, the starting point for the Routeburn Track Great Walk.

While the full Routeburn Track should not be attempted in winter, there’s an awesome day hike along the route—the Routeburn Flats Walk—which is often suitable throughout much of the year, conditions depending.

The walk from the Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats follows the turquoise-blue Routeburn (river) through a lush, fern-filled beech forest, eventually emerging at an alpine meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s easily one of the best day hikes in the South Island.

In winter, I love bringing along my backpacking stove to make a hot cup of tea and a warm meal for lunch before heading back to my car via the same track.

In winter, you shouldn’t continue on past Routeburn Flats, as from there on there’s a risk of avalanches. 

The trail to Routeburn Flats is usually doable during a mild winter; however, if it’s been a particularly snowy winter, I don’t recommend that you hike this trail unless you have alpine hiking experience. 

Before you head out here in winter, check in with DOC to get the current trail status.

26. Moke Lake (4WD only)

🥾 Trail stats: 6km | 2-3 hours | moderate

Peaceful Moke Lake is located a short detour off the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy.

This lovely lake is ringed in mountains, with the wonderful Moke Lake Loop Track that circles the lake.

In winter, the snowy mountains around Moke Lake make for a truly spectacular walk, especially on a calm day when the lake’s waters reflect the snow-capped peaks.

Do take care along the trail in winter, though, as it can get a bit icy along parts of the trail that don’t see direct sun.

One more word of caution: in winter, the road to Moke Lake can be snowy and icy. A 4WD vehicle is typically recommended. Check with DOC before heading out here in winter.

27. Sunshine Bay

🥾 Trail stats: 7km | 2 hours return | mostly easy with some rocky/muddy/steep sections

For a lovely walk right from town, head out on the trail to Sunshine Bay.

Sunshine Bay is a beautiful beach on Lake Whakatipu, and while winter will be too cold for swimming, the views along this walk make it worth doing.

From Queenstown Bay, follow the sidewalk to St Omer Park, then continue walking until you reach the end of the sidewalk. The sidewalk turns to a dirt path alongside the road, which you’ll walk along for a bit before reaching the trailhead.

The trail skirts along the lake on an undulating path. You’ll get some great lake views along the way. 

Pack a picnic or flask of tea to enjoy at Sunshine Bay beach before retracing your steps on the return walk.

28. Lake Hayes Walkway

🥾 Trail stats: 8km | 2-3 hours | easy

Between Queenstown and Arrowtown, you’ll find peaceful Lake Hayes, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains during the winter months.

An undulating loop trail circles the lake, and makes for a wonderful winter walk near Queenstown, although do take care because there’s a chance of ice on frosty days.

After your walk, why not treat yourself to a wine tasting and/or lunch nearby at the fantastic Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen?

29. Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway

🥾 Trail stats: 3.2 km | 1-2 hours | easy

The Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway is a peaceful, easy walk in Glenorchy, featuring boardwalks, bird-watching opportunities, and mountain views.

On a calm winter’s day, the lagoon waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains and it looks so picturesque here.

I recommend bringing a flask of tea or hot chocolate to enjoy at one of the scenic benches along this walk. Or pick up a coffee nearby Akin to take with you (pack your keep cup!).

Free & cheap things to do in Queenstown in winter

Note: all of the walks & hikes mentioned in the section above are also free, as are many of the suggested day trips—including Glenorchy & Arrowtown (if you have a car, and not including petrol, of course).

Tip: For discounts on Queenstown activities, check the website Bookme! They often have killer deals on all sorts of activities around town.

30. Enjoy a winter wander around the Queenstown gardens

The Queenstown Gardens is one of my favourite peaceful spots around Queenstown. In winter, there isn’t a lot in bloom in the gardens, but it’s still a beautiful place for a stroll.

For an easy walk, wander over to the gardens along the waterfront path heading out of town. 

You’ll walk past Queenstown Bay Beach and the bathhouse playground and then take the path up to the gardens. I recommend strolling along the path through the gardens, then looping back to town along the waterfront trail, where you’ll get some awesome views across Lake Wakatipu.

31. Play disc golf

Disc golf is an excellent free activity in Queenstown. It’s so much fun, even if you aren’t particularly good at it (I for one am completely uncoordinated, but still always have a good time).

We have 3 disc golf courses in Queenstown—one in the Queenstown Gardens, one in Jardine Park in Kelvin Heights, and one at Tucker Beach along the Shotover River. 

If you have your own discs, pack them with you for your Queenstown trip; otherwise, you can hire them for a small fee from Small Planet Sports in town, or at the Queenstown Ice Arena.

32. Look for the Southern Lights

If you’re lucky enough to be in Queenstown during a show of the Southern Lights—Aurora Australis—you’ve got to bundle up and get outside to see this phenomenon!

While you’re never guaranteed to see the Southern Lights in Queenstown, your best chance is from autumn through winter. There’s an app called AuroraReach that will give you alerts on when the next one is expected, and there’s also a local Facebook group for Aurora fans in Queenstown.

It can be a bit tricky to spot the Southern Lights with your bare eyes, but a camera will do the trick. Get out your camera or phone to snap some photos and you might just be amazed at the pinks and greens that light up the sky in your images.

33. Take the water taxi

If you’d like to get out on Lake Whakatipu but don’t want to shell out for a cruise, consider taking the water taxi!

The water taxi goes from Queenstown Bay over to the Kelvin Peninsula, and while it’s a fairly quick ride, it’s beautiful on a calm day.

I recommend taking the water taxi to the Hilton jetty; from there, you can go for a walk along the Frankton arm and either walk, bus, or water taxi back to town. 

Fares are $14 one-way per person or $10 per person if you have a Bee card (the local bus card).

Indoor things to do in Queenstown in winter

34. Watch a movie at a cinema

Sometimes a movie is in order after indulging in Queenstown’s more exhilarating activities. 

Silky Otter is the only cinema in Queenstown—and it’s a goodie. Located in Frankton, this modern cinema has luxurious recliner chairs and will deliver food and drinks right to your seats.

Dorothy Browns in Arrowtown is another great spot to watch a movie. They play blockbuster movies but also often feature indie films. It’s a delightful little cinema with a lovely vibe. They’ve got a fireplace, onsite bar, and bookstore, so you can easily spend a wintery afternoon there!

35. Get some new gear

If you get to Queenstown and realise you didn’t pack warm-enough clothes, don’t worry: there are lots of great places to go shopping for clothes in town.

Here are some shops I recommend for stocking up on warm, cosy clothes for all of your Queenstown adventures.

• Patagonia: Queenstown is home to the only Patagonia clothing store in New Zealand, and it’s a beautiful shop at that. They sell snow clothes, jackets, and all sorts of high-quality clothing, as you’d expect from Patagonia. 

• Icebreaker Merino: I’m a huge fan of icebreaker merino clothes. It’s expensive stuff, but it’s high-quality and seriously keeps you so warm. Their base layers are awesome for wearing under snow gear, jeans, or hiking pants, and their gloves and beanies are just the best. Honestly, I live in icebreaker stuff in the winter. If you want to invest in some merino clothing, treat yourself to some icebreaker! 

• Mid-range gear: Check Torpedo 7, Macpac, and Kathmandu for mid-range-priced clothes and gear. I usually wait until they have sales on, to be honest (which they often do).

• Op shops: down along Gorge Road, you’ll find 3 op shops all near each other—a Hospice Shop, Salvation Army Shop, & SPCA op shop.  If you’re looking for warm clothes on a budget (or if you just like op shopping like I do), try your luck at these spots.

36. Shop local at Frank’s Corner

Frank’s Corner is a delightful artisan gift shop with a lovely assortment of locally-made goods. 

This is a much better place to pick up a souvenir than one of those generic souvenir shops in town, believe me! 

Their cosy, NZ-made merino wool socks are a great purchase and will keep your toes nice and warm during your winter trip to Queenstown.

37. Soak in a hot pool 

On a cold winter’s day in Queenstown, nothing beats a relaxing soak in some soothing hot water. 

For the most popular hot pool option in Queenstown, you’ll want to head to the Onsen Hot Pools in Arthur’s Point, which is under a 10-minute drive from the Queenstown town center.

You’ve probably seen photos of the Onsen Hot Pools on instagram, but if not, do a quick search: they’re seriously photogenic (think private cedar-lined tubs with views of the Shotover River Canyon).

To get to the Onsen Hot Pools, you can either drive yourself (they have plenty of parking), or request a complimentary shuttle ride when you book your hot pool.

For another great hot pool option (that’s a bit more affordable than the Onsen Hot Pools), go to the hot tubs at Driftaway, a luxe lakeside holiday park on the Frankton Arm. Their private hot tubs have lovely lake and mountain views.

38. Source some local food 

If you like sourcing (and cooking) local food like I do, then I have two spots to tell you about: McKibbon’s of Royalburn in Queenstown, and the Royalburn Farm Shop in Arrowtown.

These gourmet food shops are a locavore’s dream, housing heaps of fresh, local produce and lots of NZ-made goodies like artisan cheeses, olive oils, and spice blends. You’ll also find incredible lamb from Royalburn Station, along with top-notch meat and seafood from other NZ producers.

Head to one of these shops to pick up supplies for a gourmet picnic or cheese board; or, if you’re staying in accommodation with a kitchen, you could make a killer meal with items sourced from these spots.

More things to do in Queenstown in winter

39. Cycle scenic bike trails

The Queenstown area is laced with an impressive selection of scenic bike trails, and many of the low-elevation trails can still be done in winter if the conditions are mild.

I recommend hiring a e-bike from either Around the Basin or Better by Bike, depending on which trail you’d like to ride. Around the Basin has convenient shuttle options to transport you to/from Queenstown. 

My top 3 favourite winter bike rides are as follows:

• Arrowtown to Queenstown (shuttle to Arrowtown, then bike your way back to Queenstown)
• Arrowtown to Gibbston (for wine tasting!)
• The Frankton Arm 

Make sure you bundle up warm and pack water and snacks to keep you fueled!

🚲 I love this self-guided bike hire option from Around the Basin, which includes a shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown (and then you bike back to Queenstown on your own). Definitely upgrade to the e-bikes for the best experience!

40. Drive the Crown Range Road to Cardrona

The Crown Range Road is the highest main road in New Zealand, and it’s the quickest way to drive to Cardrona (and Wanaka) from Queenstown.

This road is an experience in and of itself. Along this steep and winding drive, you’ll get stunning views over Queenstown, Arrowtown, and the Remarkables Ranges—although it’s best to use the dedicated pullouts to enjoy the views so you can keep your eyes on the road while you drive!

After ascending and then descending the Crown Range Road, you’ll soon reach Cardrona, a cute settlement with one of New Zealand’s most-photographed buildings: the historic Cardrona Hotel. The pub at the hotel is well worth a visit for lunch or even just a coffee.

Around Cardrona, you’ll also find the Cardrona Ski Field, as well as Snow Farm, where you can go cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and tubing. 

Before driving the Crown Range Road, make sure to check on the road conditions, as it sometimes closes during winter if the road isn’t safe to drive. You’ll also need to ensure you carry chains in your vehicle (and know how to use them), just in case.

41. Day trip to Wanaka

Wanaka is an incredible winter destination in its own right, and it’s well worth spending a couple of nights (or more) in Wanaka. It also makes for a wonderful road trip from Queenstown, even if you only have a day.

You can drive from Queenstown to Wanaka via two ways: the Crown Range Road and Cardrona (detailed above) OR State Highway 6 via the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell. 

Once you arrive in Wanaka, you’ll find plenty to do. 

Walk along the lakefront path to see the famous Wanaka tree (which will be bare of its leaves in winter), wander through town and pop into cafes and cute shops, visit Puzzling World, and maybe see a movie at the iconic Cinema Paradiso. 

You could make a really nice full-day outing by driving from Queenstown to Wanaka via the Crown Range Road, stopping at the Cardrona Hotel, continuing on to Wanaka, then looping back to Queenstown via Cromwell and Highway 6.

42. Go jet boating

Jet boating is an iconic Queenstown adventure activity, and I have to admit: it’s super fun.

There are several jet boat providers around Queenstown, but I can highly recommend the Shotover Jet. 

On the Shotover Jet, you’ll get to zip along the icy-blue Shotover River in a deep gorge, and the whole experience is really quite thrilling. The jet boat drivers are super skilled and they get you up close to the gorge walls at such a high speed.

Now, I do need to warn you that the jet boat ride will be cold. They have heated handrails to help with this, but you should wear warm layers, gloves, a beanie, and a waterproof jacket (if you have a ski jacket with you, that’d be the perfect outer layer to wear).

After your jet boat ride, warm up with a drink and food at the lovely Canyon Brewery, which is located just above the Shotover Jet.

🚤 Check prices and availability for the Shotover Jet →

43. Watch (or do) a bungy jump

Queenstown is home to the first commercial bungy jumping operation in the world, and it’s stood the test of time as one of Queenstown’s most popular adrenaline-rushing activities.

Now, I don’t think you could even pay me to do a bungy jump, but I still love visiting the AJ Hackett Bungy site to watch others take the plunge!

Whether or not you do a bungy jump yourself, you’ve got to go see the action take place at the AJ Hackett Bungy at Kawarau Bridge. There’s a viewing platform and onsite cafe, and the Kawarau River itself is just a stunning sight on its own. Go check it out—I think you’ll be glad you did.

Where to stay in Queenstown

Mid-range Motel

The Alexis Motel & Apartments

This well-run motel is located a 10-minute walk from the town centre, offers free parking, and has great lake views from the property.

Check Prices & Availability

Boutique Stay

Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

This luxurious hotel is just steps away from town, with contemporary rooms and friendly staff onsite to help you make the most of your trip. I think you’ll love it here.

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Thanks for reading!

I truly hope this has helped you plan your winter visit to Queenstown.

As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback about this guide—I always love hearing from you!

Some Queenstown itineraries

Planning a larger New Zealand itinerary? Check out my itineraries that include Queenstown!

• Queenstown winter itinerary (5 days)
  
  
• Christchurch to Queenstown road trip
  
  
• 7 day South Island itinerary
  
  
• Picton to Queenstown road trip (via the West Coast)
  
  
• Auckland to Queenstown road trip (14 days)
  
  
• Auckland to Christchurch road trip (21 days)
  
  
• Queenstown to Franz Josef road trip