Springtime in Queenstown (September to November) hits the sweet spot with longer days and warmer temperatures. This makes it the perfect time to ski, explore and unwind. From legendary local dining to mountain hikes forging personal connections with nature, this region knows how to mix laid-back luxury with big-sky beauty.
Boasting one of the longest ski seasons in the Southern Hemisphere, spring in Queenstown is a wonderful time to make the most of the snow and sunshine. One of the town’s most enviable assets is its proximity to four world-class ski resorts. Each offers its own unique flavour of alpine adventure – and all are within 20 to 90 minutes’ drive.
Of course, Queenstown isn’t just about skiing – especially in spring. There is a range of world-class experiences, both on and off the mountain. While the mornings are perfect for carving up the slopes under clear blue skies, the afternoons open up a world of adventure beyond the chairlifts. Furthermore, you can swap your skis for a bike or hiking boots and set off along Queenstown’s extensive network of off-road trails. These wind through alpine forests, past glittering lakes and along dramatic ridgelines.
When it comes to food and drink, Queenstown punches well above its weight – with everything from tempting bakehouses to award-winning fine dining and buzzing bars. Eat and sip your way around the region or simply find a scenic spot. Then settle in with a coffee or glass of pinot and soak up the serenity.
On the slopes
Just 20 minutes from town, Coronet Peak is the closest ski area. Whether you’re an early bird or night owl, Coronet Peak caters to every type of snow lover. Enjoy one of the best places to catch a sunrise and freshly groomed runs with First Tracks, available every morning until mid-September from 8:00 AM until 9:00 AM. In addition, don’t miss the thrill of night skiing on select evenings, complete with DJs, outdoor fires, and pizza under the stars.
A 45-minute drive takes you to The Remarkables. The ski area offers terrains to suit all – from off-piste black runs and daring chutes to wide-open learner slopes and everything in between.
Cardrona Alpine Resort has become New Zealand’s largest ski area with the opening of Soho Basin, adding 150 hectares of new terrain. A brand-new six-seater chairlift provides access to this expansive area. It offers intermediate to advanced skiers and riders playful and progressive terrain. Nine on-hill restaurants, bars and cafés give expansive views over the valley and mountain tops and you can enjoy a matcha, coffee fix or mulled wine.
Treble Cone in Wānaka offers a real New Zealand snow experience. With uncrowded slopes, legendary off-piste terrain and epic views, this expansive mountain has the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes.
Walk, cycle, sip & relax
Lake Hayes is a tranquil loop walk located 20 minutes from downtown Queenstown that offers picturesque views. Moke Lake Loop Track is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Queenstown, a popular short, undulating walk and cycle track known for its beautiful mirror-like reflections. It has become a spot for stargazers and photographers to witness the southern skies by nightscape. The Gibbston River Wine Trail runs along Kawarau Gorge past the many cellar doors of the Valley in the Vines. One of the nicest ways to sample the local pinot noirs and aromatic whites is to hire a bike and cycle the easy, scenic trail. Bike tour operators can collect you along the trail if your legs run out of steam.
Queenstown Trail’s 150km network of trails in the Whakatipu basin includes the 17km Wharehuanui Trail. This provides a scenic and safe cycle route from Arrowtown to Arthurs Point Trail. The new Shotover Gorge trail encompasses the historic Hugo Tunnel and new Kimi-ākau Bridge as it travels from Arthurs Point to Tuckers Beach.
Located above the Shotover River, near Coronet Peak, enjoy the tranquility of your own cedar-enclosed spa at Onsen Hot Pools or choose a face and body treatment.
World-class eateries
To maintain your energy levels, there are plenty of terrific places to keep you well fed and watered. Enjoy mouth-watering bakeries to exquisite fine dining. Dating from 1865, Gantley’s Tavern is Queenstown’s oldest hospitality business. It is a great place to visit for après-ski or to sit in front of the fire with a mulled drink.
The Boat Shed Bakery offers a premium ‘grab-and-go’ experience featuring artisanal baked goods, high-quality barista coffee and Lewis Road Creamery Ice Cream.
Swiftsure is one of the latest additions to Arrowtown. Overlooking Buckingham Green, Swiftsure offers indoor-outdoor dining year round, with seasonal dishes and wines from Waiheke to Bannockburn. SODA is a chic, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offering a vibrant atmosphere and stunning views. Moreover, the menu features wood-fired dishes.
Perky’s Floating Bar gives you uninterrupted panoramic views of Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. Cosy up with a blanket and a glass of mulled wine on the boat’s heated outdoor deck.
Stay Awhile & Explore Further
Whether you’re coming for the powder, the panorama, or the perfectly relaxed pace, Queenstown in spring is where mountain dreams come to life. If possible, settle in and treat yourself to an extended stay that includes spa days, wine-tasting, and scenic road trips.
Glenorchy, a spectacular 45-minute drive from Queenstown, offers horseriding, jet boating and hiking trails into Mount Aspiring National Park. Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway is an easy boardwalk loop with mirrored reflections of mountains – ideal for birdwatching and photography. Framed by ancient beech forests and dramatic mountain peaks, Glenorchy’s landscape is nothing short of breathtaking.
Wānaka – not to be missed
Or head over the Crown Range to Wānaka. Here you will find a laid-back town offering a picture-perfect blend of mountains, lakes, and wide-open skies. Walking or cycling along the shoreline gives you uninterrupted views across the water to rugged ranges and remote valleys. Check out the vibrant arts scene, amazing restaurants, trails and cycling routes. At Secret Sauna, 15 minutes’ drive from Wānaka township, enjoy a woodfired sauna and refreshing lake plunge in pristine waters.
For great food and drink – Sofi, Kika and Cardrona Distillery are must-visits. Sofi has a Moroccan and Greek-inspired menu with seating on the waterfront. Kika is an award-winning fine dining restaurant, offering modern sharing options. Cardrona Distillery is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary single malt whisky, vodka, gin and liqueurs.
You can also explore Mou Waho Island on Lake Wānaka. Just 40 minutes from Wānaka, it can be accessed easily by water taxi or a local guided cruise. This allows you to explore native bush, birdlife, and a hidden lake which sits at the top of the island.
With unbeatable access to four ski resorts, a buzzing après scene, and a never-ending menu of outdoor activities, Queenstown is a destination you’ll want to return to year after year. So pack your gear, grab your sunnies, and embrace the sweet spot of the ski season.
To learn more, visit queenstownNZ.co.nz
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