Welcome to Winter

Q the celebrations because Queenstown is officially Welcoming in Winter this coming weekend, the season we are known best for nailing down to a T. With a plethora of activities sure to tickle everyone’s fancy, get out and explore how this bustling little town can pack a huge punch.

Friday night is starting out with a band & a bang, if you find yourself going for an evening stroll take yourselves down to the waterfront wharf area. In our Earnslaw Park you can enjoy some of Aotearoa’s finest home-grown musical performances. If you’re anything like us, you’ve been singing along to Mitch James on the radio this summer, so why not sing along to him live. With these performances being free you can save your pennies and spend them on a mulled wine in Perky’s Floating bar and listen from afar. We recommend wrapping up warm and securing yourself the coveted bean bags on the bow of the boat. In no time, you’ll have the best seats in the house to enjoy the incredible firework display over lake Whakatipu. Make sure to nab these seats before 7pm when the show kicks off!

We know you. You’re bold. You’re brave. How about putting that bravery to the test? Take the plunge and become a Whakatipu Legend by kicking off your day with an ice-y cold swim. There’s nothing quite like submerging yourself in sub zero water to make you feel alive! (Don’t worry, we’re kidding about sub-zero, more like 10 degrees.) Now you deserve a real treat for your determination, the wharf will be packed with treats and markets. Find yourself the hot chocolate dealer and spike it with Baileys to warm you up from the inside out.

Now, before the sun sets, venture up to Coronet Peak to enjoy gliding down the glistening slopes as the sky becomes a painting with ever deepening shades of peach and lavender. Embrace the dusk and enjoy the snow in this unique and beautiful way at our Coronet Peak’s Night Ski. There’s nothing quite like watching day turn to night on top of the highest peaks. Once joined by the stars, it’s time to reach the base where the party will be kicking off with more live music and dance till you can’t no-more!

To top it all off, climb to the top of Queenstown on one of our town’s must-do activities: the Skyline Gondola. Once there, enjoy an all you can eat feast whilst overlooking the town and reminiscing on what a magical weekend you’ve enjoyed in our Winter Wonderland.