Queenstown is the quintessential winter destination. Snow-capped mountains…check! World-class ski resorts…check! Delicious bars and restaurants…check! It can be hard to narrow down the list of must-do’s in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital. Below, we’ve listed our Top 5 Things to do in Queenstown this Winter.
You’ve heard of Après-ski. We’ll show you Avant-ski. Before taking to the slopes, join us at first light and experience a sunrise flight over Mt. Aspiring.As Queenstown’s Original Sunrise Flight Company, we know just the right scenic route to take for the best sunrise views over Mt. Aspiring and the Southern Alps. Join us just before daybreak, departing Queenstown Airport and heading north, taking in the spectacular view of the Passchendaele Icefall, Bonar Glacier and the Olivine Ice Plateau. Our 1 hr 15 min scenic flight will take you back to places frozen in time, looking as they did over 15,000 years ago. Orbit above Tititea Mt. Aspiring as the sun baths the peak in that delicious golden light and experience the overwhelming sense of calm that comes with watching the start of a new day.
Our sunrise flights are only offered in winter, meaning every flight experiences the freshest snow-capped peaks. Our sunrise flights flights start back up next Thursday, 1 June 2023. To book your awe-inspiring sunrise flight, click here.
Sit back, relax and take in the frosty views of Queenstown aboard Southern Discoveries‘ spacious and modern catamaran, the Spirit of Queenstown. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu and go further than any other cruise, exploring secluded bays and stunning views towards Glenorchy, Mt. Earnslaw and the Southern Alps. Onboard you will find full-height windows and a warm and inviting interior. They have a seasonally-inspired set menu that features local New Zealand beef and lamb, salads and flavourful vegetables. They offer vegan and gluten free alternatives as well. The onboard bar features local wine, craft beers and artisan soft drinks to sip on.
The Spirit of Queenstown Lunch Cruises depart daily at 11.00am and 1.30pm from St. Omar Wharf in downtown Queenstown. Please allow 2 hours for this amazing lunch cruise. To learn more, click here.
A local favorite and a hidden gem, Snow Farm is nestled in the Pisa Range near to Wanaka, dedicated to cross-country skiing and more! Snow Farm offers a unique opportunity to rent snow shoes to walk the trails and explore the snow tracks and views. Great for all ages and you can even include your furry friends to join in on the fun – dog friendly!
You can book your rental gear online before you head up the hill or have their gear experts get you ready once there. To learn more, click here.
Head down to Queenstown’s only floating bar, Perky’s, for a Mt. Rosa Mulled Wine and the best views in town! Permanently moored in Queenstown Bay in the heart of town, Perky’s offers a great range of winter cocktails and the option to bring your own food, making it an ideal place to enjoy that Ferg Burger you know you need at the end of a long day on the slopes.
Everyone is welcome, children and dogs included. They are open from midday everyday with heated outdoor seating and front row seats to Queenstown’s epic mountain sunsets. To learn more, click here.
Soak in the views and relax after a long day on the mountain at the new hot tubs at Driftaway Queenstown. A beautiful new holiday park, they are located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the Frankton Arm. You can book their hot tubs even if you aren’t staying with them. Towels, drinking water and epic views are included with your 1 hour soak. To learn more, click here.
We could go on and on with activity recommendations for your winter Queenstown getaway. Booking a scenic flight with us is definitely #1 as it’s the most spectacular way to see the stunning snow-capped mountains from above. Our team is happy to share their top recommendations for best eats, adrenaline-packed adventures, and more!
