Queenstown winter guide: ski areas & alpine adventures

Queenstown is New Zealand's premier winter base: four ski fields within an hour's drive, steaming hot pools to soak in after a day on the snow, and a buzzing alpine town when the lifts stop turning. Park the campervan, ski by day and soak by night – this is a Southern Alps winter done properly.

Set deep in the Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown pairs world-class skiing with off-mountain adventure, lakeside dining and quiet, snow-dusted campgrounds. The 2026 ski season opened on 13 June, so the slopes are already running for every ability level.

Here is how to make the most of a Queenstown winter this year.

1. Visit four world-class ski areas

How lucky is New Zealand to have premium skiing right on their doorstep and four incredible mountains within an hour's drive?

Queenstown is home to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski resorts. Hop over the hill to Wanaka, and you will find Cardrona and Treble Cone. All four mountains offer excellent terrain, with skiers leaning toward the steep slopes of Treble Cone and Coronet Peak, while those who love to lap the park head to The Remarkables and Cardrona to catch some air.

Are you looking for long runs and off-piste? Head to Cardrona and check out the brand new Soho-Basin with unbeatable views back into Queenstown.

2. Enjoy off the mountain adventures

We encourage all visitors in winter to explore the slopes, but if that isn't your jam and you are keen to explore Queenstown on two feet, we have some pretty excellent suggestions.

Jump on board the iconic 'Lady of the Lake' with Real NZ. The TSS Earnslaw is an old steamship that cruises Lake Wakatipu daily. Dine a delicious BBQ lunch before heading back into town just in time to join the après fun.

Queenstown is home to a vibrant restaurant scene, and there is mulled wine aplenty; we promise you that. Dine at the likes of Eichardt's Blue Kanu or Botswana Butchery for delectable eats, or slide into The World Bar or yonder for something low-key, yet tasty.

3. Soak up a little luxury at Onsen Hot Pools

No winter retreat is complete without a hot tub, and Queenstown is home to some of the most picturesque tubs in the land.

The iconic and globally recognised Onsen Hot Pools is a must-do. Slip into the warm waters overlooking the Shotover River and towering mountain surrounding.

If you are reading this, we think you should book your spot now, as it's a sell-out location in winter.

Onsen fully booked? Check out Nugget Point Spa or Kamana Lakehouse for your tub fix. For steamy soaks further afield, see our guide to the 10 best hot pools for a New Zealand winter.

4. Take part in the winter festivities

Queenstown comes alive in winter, with events running from the first snow through spring. Here is what is on this winter.

Ski season – open now, from 13 June 2026

All four fields are turning. Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone opened on 13 June 2026, with Coronet Peak scheduled to run until early October and The Remarkables and Cardrona going on until mid-October. The 2026 winter started warm and slow, so check each field's snow report before you head up the hill.

Snow Machine – 8 to 13 September 2026

Six days of music, snow and après take over Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Queenstown's Main Arena. The 2026 line-up includes Chet Faker, Hilltop Hoods, Ninajirachi and Illy, with on-snow sets by day and main-arena shows by night. Tickets and the full programme are on the Snow Machine website.

Night Ski at Coronet Peak – Night Ski Party 29 July 2026

Night skiing is unique to Coronet Peak and runs on select evenings through the season – lap the floodlit slopes with a mulled wine while outdoor fire pits keep you warm. The headline Night Ski Party featuring Hot Dub Time Machine lands on 29 July 2026. Check the season's night-ski dates on the Coronet Peak website.

Ayrburn Winter Wonderland – 26 June to 26 July 2026

For a family night off the mountain, the Ayrburn precinct turns on a winter wonderland from 26 June to 26 July 2026. Matariki also falls mid-winter this year, with sunrise viewing at Coronet Peak around 10 July and celebrations across town over the long weekend.

Where to stay

Driftaway Queenstown

New Zealand's newest holiday park has just opened in Queenstown. Set on the shores of Lake Whakatipu, Driftaway is your home away from home this winter season.

Book a terraced powered site for extraordinary views down the Frankton Arm, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.

You will have access to an entire amenities block, kitchen, BBQs, and balcony boasting those magic views.

Book early; this brand new campground is hot off the press and already selling out.

• Powered and unpowered sites are available

• Incredible views and central location to the CBD, ski fields, shopping area, and more

• Brand new facility hub available to all who stay

For more places to park up near the slopes, browse our roundup of the top holiday parks and campgrounds near Queenstown.

Ready to get started?

Your holiday of a lifetime awaits, and winter in Queenstown is truly magic. Are you ready to pack up your skis and hit the road? Before you go, brush up on our winter campervan tips to keep the van cosy on frosty alpine nights. Then hire a van and explore Queenstown this winter. Check out vans in Queenstown here.

There you have it, winter in Queenstown in a nutshell. Now, all to do is find a home on wheels in your local area and hit the road.

Explore motorhomes, campervans, and caravans for hire in New Zealand and get planning for your next road trip.