Ski Queenstown

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Queenstown NZ: the iconic Earnslaw
Queenstown NZ: the iconic Earnslaw
Queenstown New Zealand
Queenstown New Zealand
Queenstown ski resort, Coronet Peak
Queenstown ski resort, Coronet Peak
A Queenstown ski holiday offers so much more than just skiing
A Queenstown ski holiday offers so much more than just skiing
Queenstown is adventure activity central!
Queenstown is adventure activity central!
There are so many great Queenstown restaurants
There are so many great Queenstown restaurants
Queenstown sits alongside Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown sits alongside Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu Queenstown New Zealand
Lake Wakatipu Queenstown New Zealand
The Queenstown bar scene is impressive
The Queenstown bar scene is impressive
The lake and The Remarkables
The lake and The Remarkables
Queenstown New Zealand
Queenstown New Zealand
Bungy jumping is a quintessential Queenstown activity
Bungy jumping is a quintessential Queenstown activity
Queenstown is a beautiful place
Queenstown is a beautiful place
Fergburger is an iconic tourist activity
Fergburger is an iconic tourist activity
Views from the Mi-Pad Hotel rooftop terrace
Views from the Mi-Pad Hotel rooftop terrace
Queenstown winery tour
Queenstown winery tour
A pizza from The Cow in Queenstown is a must do
A pizza from The Cow in Queenstown is a must do
Queenstown NZ: adventure activity Mecca
Queenstown NZ: adventure activity Mecca
Queenstown sits alongside Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown sits alongside Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown nightlife is impressive
Queenstown nightlife is impressive

Ski Queenstown

Readers Ratings

Queenstown

Queenstown5/54
Queenstown5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    100%

Queenstown New Zealand

Queenstown NZ is party and adventure activity central, and as an added bonus, the Queenstown skiing and snowboarding is also great! There are a few Queenstown ski resorts as well as the option of heli skiing from Queenstown.

Queenstown is located within a spectacular lakeside and alpine setting. The views are second to none, and you will never tire of looking at The Remarkables soaring above Lake Wakatipu. Photography buffs will have a field-day in Queenstown! Whilst the vistas are serene, the culture of Queenstown New Zealand is anything but tranquil. Queenstown is abuzz with festivity, and the size of the town has exploded to rapidly accommodate the increasing population of tourists. Queenstown is an adventure activity mecca, and the hype associated with this can get a little crazy.

Pros and Cons of a Queenstown Ski Holiday

Pros
  • There is a choice of Queenstown ski resorts plus heli skiing opportunities.
  • Queenstown is easily accessible, with an international airport only 7km from the centre of town.
  • There is an abundance of Queenstown activities on offer.
  • There are lots of options for quality food and nightlife in Queenstown.
  • The area offers lots of eye candy.
Cons
  • Queenstown is very touristy so at times it feels all a bit contrived. When you see hundreds of Asian tourists lining up at Fergburger, and you need to book a restaurant 2 months in advance, you know things have gone a bit cray cray.
  • Tourist prices are alive and well. Expect to pay more for everything in Queenstown compared to many other parts of New Zealand.
  • There is lots of traffic congestion and the drive into town can be painful at times.
Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective
  • The snow volumes in Queenstown are generally lower than at ski fields further north, but the weather is more stable and the ski fields are less inclined to be closed (due to uncleared road, winds, no visibility or avalanche mitigation).
  • The Queenstown ski resorts are not the best in New Zealand for powder hounds, but if you’re a beginner or intermediate, you’ll enjoy the well developed amenities and ease of access to the ski fields via paved roads.

Queenstown Skiing

Queenstown ski resorts/areas include: And a little further afield but within reach for a day-trip: You can readily sample all of the Queenstown ski areas during your trip, but if you want to narrow down your options, check out our best Queenstown ski resorts awards.

Heli Skiing Queenstown

If you want the ultimate powder hound experience, there are a few Queenstown heli skiing operations. You can check out our reviews of Harris Mountains Heli Ski; Southern Lakes Heli Skiing; and Alpine Heliski. The helicopter ride up in the spectacular Southern Alps is amazing, and then you also get to ski or board down the virgin snow. Bliss! The helicopters can’t fly all days, so to work around the weather, give yourself a decent window of time to go heli skiing.

Travel to Queenstown NZ

Queenstown is located in the Otago region in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. Getting to Queenstown is relatively easy as it has its own international airport, and direct trans-Tasman flights to Queenstown are readily available.

It’s possible to travel around and get to the Queenstown ski fields using shuttle buses (these can be full) or private transfers, whilst many prefer to hire a car to provide more flexibility. See our Queenstown travel page for more information.

Queenstown Accommodation

Queenstown accommodation options are prolific and range from 5-star resort hotels to a variety of Queenstown backpackers. Queenstown also has inexpensive motels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts. When you’re spoilt for choice, at least you know you’ll be able to find a place that satisfies all your needs. See the Queenstown accommodation page for more information.

Queenstown Activities

If snowboarding and skiing in Queenstown is not enough for you, the town is also known as the “adventure capital of the world”. You’ll be overwhelmed by the choice of off-slope Queenstown activities, and if the Queenstown snow conditions are not great at the ski resorts you will never ever be bored. Tourist pursuits include winery tours, scenic flights, or trips to Milford Sound. However Queenstown is most famous for its adrenaline-raising activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, and jet boating. The only problem is that many of the adventure activities are a bit pricey, so you could blow your entire holiday budget in one day. Skiing in Queenstown seems like a relatively cheap endeavour in comparison.

The Queenstown shopping is also fabulous, so ladies (and gents) make sure those credit cards have a healthy limit!

Queenstown Nightlife and Dining

Queenstown isn’t just abuzz during the day. Après ski drinks turn into a very vibrant nightlife that continues on well into the evening. There are hundreds of Queenstown restaurants and bars, and with a melting pot of international tourists in Queenstown, there’s always something interesting happening.
Queenstown Ski/Snowboard Tours

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

South Island Snow Safari
FULLY HOSTED ROAD TRIP
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Skiing
Ability: Beginner to Advanced
This 8 day adventure is ideal for the young at heart who want to pack in as much skiing or snowboarding and fun as possible into a single week. You will visit up to 6 of NZ's great ski areas with professional hosts who will get you to the best skiing/snowboarding in each of the locations.
Price p/p Base/invoice currency is NZD
Price is per person dorm share (upgrade may be possible for extra cost)
Displayed price might vary slightly to actual due to fluctuations in exchange rates.
USD 1,829
View Details
 
See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Queenstown here

Heli Skiing Tours

Harris Mountains Heliski Queenstown Wanaka
DAY HELISKIING QUEENSTOWN & WANAKA
Packages from 4 to 10 runs
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Don't miss the opportunity to experience New Zealand's best heli skiing with Harris Mountains Heliski. Heli ski Queenstown and Wanaka heli ski packages are either 4, 7 or 10 runs with the option to purchase additional runs on the day. Includes Queenstown or Wanaka accommodation pick-up/drop-off.
Price p/p From price based on Intro 4-run package (per person) in 2024.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD inclusive of tax.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 942
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Ski The Tasman - Classic 2 Run Day
MT COOK HELI GLACIER SKIING
2 massive runs of 8 - 10 km each
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
A Ski the Tasman odyssey should definitely be on your bucket list! The inimitable opportunity to go heli skiing on a glacier with two million years of history is an activity not to be missed. This is without doubt one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have!!!
Price p/p Price is per person Ex Mt Cook.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 851
View Details
 
Alpine Heliski Day Heli Packages
QUEENSTOWN DAY HELISKIING
Packages from 4 to 7 Runs Ex Queenstown
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Alpine Heliski offers day heli skiing packages from Queenstown suited to all abilities. Standard packages are 3 to 10 runs; you choose a package to suit your budget & ability. All packages include guiding, safety equipment, gourmet lunch, transfers from your hotel in Queenstown & the time of your life! Share
Price p/p From price based on 4-run package for 2024.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 564
View Details
 Early bird discount if you book before June 30. 4 run=$925 6 run=$1075 7 run=$1145
See all Heli Skiing tours that visit Queenstown here
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