Winter in Queenstown is packed with excitement and beauty! From thrilling snow sports to peaceful stargazing, there’s something for everyone. Our local team has handpicked the best activities to do in Queenstown this winter season. From hitting the slopes to unwinding in an onsen, check out our selection below.
EVENTS
1. LUMA Southern Light Project
As one of the most anticipated winter events in Queenstown, the LUMA Southern Light Project is a mesmerizing event held in the picturesque Queenstown Gardens over the King’s birthday weekend. Experience an enchanting display of light installations and sculptures, complemented by interactive performances and live music.
Held over the long weekend, this unique event explores the realm of illuminated art, sculpture, and sound while bringing communities together through local eats and mulled wine from the food stalls scattered throughout the gardens.
Date: 30 May – 3 June 2024, 5 pm – 10 pm
Address: Queenstown Gardens, 29 Park Street Queenstown, 9300
Directions: 10 min walk from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://luma.nz/
2. NZ Mountain Film Festival
Adventure lovers would be excited to hear that the 22nd NZ Mountain Film Festival is coming to Queenstown this June! Held for just two days, this internationally acclaimed event invites local and global filmmakers to showcase their work from their inspirational adventures.
From heart-pounding skiing and climbing documentaries to thought-provoking environmental films, the festival celebrates adventurous sports and lifestyles, and is considered one of the premier mountain film festival events in the world. Whether you’re an avid adventurer, film enthusiast or simply seeking inspiration, be sure not to miss this iconic festival here in Queenstown!
Date: 27 – 28 June 2024
Address: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Directions: 5 min walk from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://mountainfilm.nz/
3. Mardi Gras 2024
Dance the night away at Mardi Gras 2024, one of the largest winter parties in New Zealand happening in Queenstown during the Matariki long weekend. With colourful costumes, street parties and a range of local and international electronic musicians hitting the stage, this is definitely one of the greatest highlights of the winter season. Some artists to look forward to this year include Elipsa, 12th Planet and Leotrix with more exciting artists to be announced. Keep your eyes peeled for more details.
Date: 29 June 2024
Address: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Directions: 15 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.audiologytix.com/mardi
4. Winter Pride
One of the most exciting events happening in Queenstown this winter is none other than the Winter Pride Festival, an annual festival celebrating diversity and inclusivity in our nation. Running for a total of 11 days, visitors can look forward to a week-long extravaganza of exciting games and activities, from dance parties featuring some of Australasia’s top DJs to skiing and snowboarding adventures for the thrill-seekers.
As one of the largest Winter Prides in the world and the largest in the southern hemisphere, the festival promises a vibrant lineup of events, including a Pride Party Series with dance parties, games nights, and drag shows. Some festival highlights include the Pride Colour Run down the Remarkables, Pride in the Park and Pride Night Ski at Coronet Peak, among many other exciting events.
Date: 22 Aug – 1 Sep 2024
Address: Various venues
Website: https://winterpride.co.nz/
5. Winter Games NZ
Running alongside the Winter Pride Festival is the Winter Games, the biggest snow and sports event in the Southern Hemisphere happening right here in Queenstown. Get ready to witness the pinnacle of winter sports taking place over two action-packed weeks from late August to September, attracting the best winter athletes from all around the world.
Held across Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona Alpine Resort, the competition schedule is packed with thrilling events. From high-octane alpine ski racing to jaw-dropping freeski and adrenaline-inducing freeride events, get ready to see some of the world’s best at work at the Winter Games this August.
Date: Aug – Sep 2024 (visit website for actual dates)
Address: TBC (visit website for venue addresses)
Website: https://www.wintergamesnz.kiwi/
6. Matariki Arrowtown Lights
Experience the magic of Matariki Arrowtown Lights as Buckingham Street comes alive with a mesmerizing display of visual storytelling and light projections. This celebration marks the beginning of the Māori New Year and features a vibrant lineup of performances, light and music with Kapa haka performances by local preschools and schools.
Throughout the day, indulge in kai around fire pits while enjoying captivating storytelling sessions, including the wonders of the Otago night skies told by astrophysicist Professor Brian Boyle.
Date: 28 June 2024
Address: Arrowtown
Website: https://www.arrowtown.com/our-town/events/matariki-arrowtown-ka-muriwai/
7. Snow Machine
Experience the ultimate fusion of music, snow, and winter adventure at Snow Machine in Queenstown. Over four days and three nights, enjoy endless skiing adventures at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak in the day, then groove to the beats of your favorite DJs at night. Visitors can look forward to the fantastic lineup of artists this year including Atomic Blonde, Danny Clayton, The Rubens, and The Knocks.
After the slopes, continue the party at Queenstown’s hottest bars and clubs with after parties each night. For those seeking an extra adrenaline rush, choose from a variety of heart-pumping activities like jet boating, skydiving, heli-skiing, and bungy jumping. With all-rounded packages offering everything from accommodation, lift passes, and entry to the après stages, be sure to get your tickets to the greatest winter festival this September.
Date: 3 – 8 September 2024
Address: Various venues. Check the website for details.
Website: https://snow-machine.com/nz/
activities
8. Day Trip to Milford Sound
Located around a 4-hour drive away from Queenstown is Milford Sound, one of the country’s most spectacular wonders known for its stunning natural landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Aptly described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘Eighth Wonder Of The World’, fur seals, bottle-nose dolphins and humpback whales make their home here and can be easily spotted due to their large numbers.
A day trip to Milford Sound is best explored on a tour or boat cruise taking you to the most scenic attractions in the area. Alternatively, a drive up to the famous Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, as well as the unmissable Mirror Lakes is a must-do on your trip here.
Address: Milford Sound
Directions: 4 hour drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.milford-sound.co.nz/
9. Coronet peak night ski
Gear up and ski at one of the most famous locations for winter sports in New Zealand. For those who are afraid of skiing, fear not, as you have the option of tobogganing or trying the Yooner, a cross between sledding and skiing that ensures you have an equally enjoyable time in the snow!
During the winter months of July and August, night skiing is also available from 4 to 9 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and some Saturdays for those seeking a fun evening activity.
Address: Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown 9371
Directions: 20 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.coronetpeak.co.nz/winter/
10. Onsen hot pools
Opened in 2007, Onsen is a New Zealand-owned and operated facility that puts a unique Kiwi twist on the Japanese bathing tradition. Unlike Japanese onsens, getting nude is not required—unless you want to—and tattoos are welcomed.
Onsen is renowned for its exclusive use of cedar hot tubs with breathtaking views overlooking the Shotover River and the stunning mountain range. In addition to the hot tubs, Onsen features a tranquil day spa with high-quality therapists offering an extensive range of face and body treatments for both women and men. Guests can choose to book either the exclusive use cedar hot pools or a hot tub and spa package, ensuring the best in pure indulgence.
Onsen boasts 14 classic cedar-lined hot pools, each accommodating up to four adults comfortably. Additionally, new private oval tubs are designed to offer a bespoke soak and spa experience for couples or individuals.
Address: 162 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371
Directions: 10 min drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://www.onsen.co.nz/
11. Lake Tekapo
Nestled within the stunning landscapes of Queenstown, Lake Tekapo transforms into a winter wonderland in the months of June to August with snow-capped mountains providing a picturesque backdrop to the serene waters. During the winter season, the clear skies make it the perfect time to join a guided night sky tour with tour companies like Big Sky Stargazing, Dark Sky Project and Tekapo Star Gazing.
While you’re there, don’t miss taking a good soak in the Tekapo Springs, a swimming complex containing thermal pools and sauna rooms with breathtaking views of Mount John and Lake Tekapo. After a relaxing soak, put on your snowshoes and embark on a guided snowshoeing tour to explore the high country amidst the pristine winter landscape.
Address: Lake Tekapo
Directions: 4 hour drive from The Dairy Private Hotel
Website: https://tekapotourism.nz/
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