Queenstown

Queenstown known in Māori as Tāhuna, is home to many adrenaline-inducing activities. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this alpine town has very distinct seasons, and most adrenaline-filled activities can be accessed year-round. Queenstown is home to jet boating, bungy jumping, rafting, skydiving, paragliding, and even indoor thrills. If you want that rush - head out on the Shotover Jet, dive off the Nevis Bungy, freefall on the Canyon Swing, or Zip line the Gondola. While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand’s crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. If you’re looking for a slightly slower pace, there are plenty of recreational activities, including hiking and biking trails to explore, guided tours, boat cruises, scenic flights, or spa and wellness options to help you get away. Head to the lakefront, eat at one of the al fresco eateries, and soak up the local vibes; catch a ride on the iconic 100-year-old steamship the TSS Earnslaw; or take the Skyline Gondola and enjoy bird's-eye views of the Remarkables mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu. Pack a picnic and go for a hike, only 20 minutes from Central Queenstown, Coronet Peak opens for summer sightseeing. You can ride the Peak Gondola to the top for panoramic views and hike the trails, or go for a bike ride on many excellent biking trails. In winter, Queenstown becomes a world-class winter resort, with four ski areas and a range of activities, bars, restaurants, and ways to relax and unwind. 

Arrive in Queenstown and collect your NZSki MyPass

Queenstown is the perfect destination for your winter ski or snowboarding holiday. Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, exhilarating adventures, and endless off-slope activities. We recommend you collect your NZSki MyPass Card prior to arriving on the mountain to avoid the morning queues, leaving you more time to ski and ride. You can collect your MyPass Card at the Queenstown Snow Centre located at 25 Shotover St. All of your lift passes, rental equipment, lessons and shuttle transfers will be loaded onto your card. If you are unable to visit Guest Services and collect your MyPass in advance, please scan the barcode in your Order Confirmation at the Self-Service Kiosks located in the base buildings at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt or in the Queenstown Snow Centre. The kiosk will print MyPass cards for your entire group, allowing you to head straight to the lifts!

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Enjoy the ambiance of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, or New Zealand cheeses. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.

The Remarkables Ski Field

The Remarkables offers a laid-back atmosphere which is fantastic for families and those new to skiing or snowboarding. Located just 45 minutes from Queenstown, the Remarkables features a fantastic network of trails with wide, gentle slopes for beginners of all ages and big mountain runs for the experts in the family. With 30% beginner slopes, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced, the Remarkables offers challenges for all levels. For those wanting to progress quickly, the friendly team of instructors can be with you every step of the way. While you're up there don't forget to check out the purpose-built snow tubing lanes before you round off with a steaming hot chocolate or drink at Remarkables cafe. With regular shuttles from Queenstown, lessons for 4yrs+ and complete gear hire on the mountain, this is a fun and easy day out for visitors to the South Island.

Shuttle to the Remarkables with Info & Snow

You will be picked up from central Queenstown in the morning and taken up to the Remarkables ski field. Your seat will be reserved for you so you don't need to worry, just enjoy the ride and beautiful views.

5 Day Lift Superpass with NZ Ski

The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt along with Snowplanet, Turoa, Whakapapa, Porters, Roundhill, Mt Dobson, and Ohau ski areas. Get more choice, more fun, and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass, and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
With 5 days of New Zealand Superpasses, you've got lift access to New Zealand's premier ski areas plus the fun and excitement of a range of off-mountain attractions around New Zealand. You can mix it up a little and ski a day at the different alpine resorts or maybe you've got your eye on a run that you want to conquer over 5 days. Want to ski a little longer, don't own your own gear or snow clothing, or not sure if your skills are up to scratch? No worries, chat to us about adding additional days, rentals, or lessons.

Coronet Peak Ski Field

Want to challenge yourself on exciting terrain in some of the best conditions in the Southern Hemisphere?  Then Coronet Peak should be top of your list. This theme park created by mother nature offers gripping trails and extensive snowmaking facilities, making for complete snow coverage on multiple trails. Coronet is also home to night skiing for a different take on these roller coaster trails try it under lights. For those just getting to know the snow the dedicated learner and novice areas make finding your snow feet easy and all gear can be hired on the mountain. With 25% beginner slopes, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced, Coronet Peak has the trail for you.  For a break from the snow, enjoy live music at the base building, or wet your whistle with a hot chocolate or cold beverage at Heidi's Hut. The pizza and pasta meals are great for warming you up and giving you an energy boost for the afternoon. 

Shuttle to Coronet Peak with Info & Snow

You will be picked up from central Queenstown in the morning and taken up to the Coronet Peak ski field. Your seat will be reserved for you so you don't need to worry, just enjoy the ride and beautiful views.

Explore Queenstown

Well-known as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world's first and most famous bungy jumps to jet boat thrills, white-water rafting, and skydiving. However, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by many historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks and gardens, browse through market stalls on weekends, dine in wonderful al-fresco restaurants, or ride on the 100-year-old historic Steamship - TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. Take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob's Peak and soak up the panoramic views of the magnificent lake and mountain ranges. And after all of that, if you do want the adrenaline rush, Queenstown is known for taking your pick from the Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, or Heli-hike.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. It's a thrilling ride! Skim past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world-famous Shotover Jet full 360-degree spins!

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Paradise Zipline Tour

The Paradise Ziplines experience is an 8-line zipline wilderness adventure, which takes you on a very diverse journey by wire and walking track through the pristine native forest of the Oxburn stream valley. The lines vary; from up high with stunning views out to Mt Aspiring National Park and Paradise, through the beautiful native forest canopy, to just metres above an alpine stream. All different lengths with a total of 1km over the 8 lines. During the whole experience you are surrounded by beautiful native beech forest.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. Please see here.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump with AJ Hackett

Queenstown is where bungy jumping was pioneered by AJ Hackett and the first commercial jump started in 1988 at the Kawarau Bridge (on the main road into Queenstown from the east). If a bungy jump is on your 'to do' list them Queenstown is the place and the Kawarau Bridge  is a 43 metre jump from an historic bridge with an optional 'dip' in the Kawarau River.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Alpine Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters

On this scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown, enjoy spectacular alpine scenery including Skippers Canyon and the Queenstown basin as well as the chance to land in the snow on one of the regions stunning peaks. Flight route dependent on snow conditions.
Duration: 35 minutes

Another Day at The Remarkables Ski Field

Time to really find out why this ski field is called The Remarkables, explore all the trails and see if you can find the Stash House.

Shuttle to the Remarkables with Info & Snow

You will be picked up from central Queenstown in the morning and taken up to the Remarkables ski field. Your seat will be reserved for you so you don't need to worry, just enjoy the ride and beautiful views.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - The Original Onsen Evening Session

Enjoy the most memorable experience in Queenstown and surround yourself with a sky of stars and 14 Japanese lanterns as you soak up the warm waters of the Onsen Hot Pools. Nestled high into a cliff-side overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon, the experience is all about unwinding and soaking-up Queenstown's spectacular scenery, enjoying the pure waters and the fresh mountain air as your mind and body surrenders to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of the private pools. Water temperature is set according to the day - generally between 37.8C on a hot day, to 39.8C during a snow-storm and in the summer one of the pools is kept cold for those who relish the thought of a cold plunge!

Another Day at Coronet Peak Ski Field

You have already had a taster of what Coronet has to offer now is time to get out and start exploring. Head over to Greengates Express to find a big nature playground full of features. 

Shuttle to Coronet Peak with Info & Snow

You will be picked up from central Queenstown in the morning and taken up to the Coronet Peak ski field. Your seat will be reserved for you so you don't need to worry, just enjoy the ride and beautiful views.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride

Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and the magnificent Lake Wakatipu.

Shuttle to the Remarkables with Info & Snow

You will be picked up from central Queenstown in the morning and taken up to the Remarkables ski field. Your seat will be reserved for you so you don't need to worry, just enjoy the ride and beautiful views.

Last Day.... Coronet or Remarks, you choose?

Maximize your day on the mountain!  Conquer all the runs and hikes on your list.  Consider a trek to the Remarkables summit from the Shadow Basin chair for panoramic views of Queenstown before an epic descent.  Alternatively, explore the challenging terrain accessed by Coronet Peak's Rocky Gully T-Bar and refuel at Heidi's Hut.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Shuttle to Coronet Peak with Info & Snow

You will be picked up from central Queenstown in the morning and taken up to the Coronet Peak ski field. Your seat will be reserved for you so you don't need to worry, just enjoy the ride and beautiful views.

Transport Options

Like some help to organise your transport to or from the airport and your accommodation? No worries! Chat to us to find out about the options best suited to you.