Make the most of more daylight hours in Queenstown in spring with everything from snowy slopes and adventurous pursuits to picturesque walking tracks, cherry blossoms and scenic day trips. Indulge in the region’s best food and wine, hire a bike to explore nature on two wheels or unwind in a steamy outdoor spa with mountain views. With warmer temperatures, bluebird days and a fresh energy across the region, spring is the perfect time to experience every side of Queenstown.
1. Hit the slopes
Spring skiing might just be Queenstown’s best-kept secret with some of the season’s most reliable snow conditions. With the snow season stretching into mid-October, the slopes at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, and Treble Cone come alive with bluebird days, softer snow, and a fun, carefree vibe. It’s the season of slushy turns, dress-up days, and mountain festivals.
Coronet Peak is a must-visit, being New Zealand’s first commercial ski field and boasting incredible views of the Whakatipu basin. The Remarkables offer slopes for beginners through to experienced skiers and boarders looking for chutes and off-piste skiing. The wide open runs at Cardrona allow you to explore a whole other mountain, now with 150 hectares of new terrain to explore at Soho Basin. Continue further over the hill to Treble Cone near Wānaka, perfect for the hardcore snow lovers.
Après ski is a quintessential part of spring skiing in Queenstown. The mountains are home to their own gems. Heidi’s Hut tucked into Coronet’s Rocky Gully is a local favourite for wine, craft beer, and cosy alpine vibes, while The Ice Bar at The Remarkables adds a touch of novelty to your ski day with breathtaking views of Whakatipu basin.
Off mountain there are plenty of watering holes where showing up in your ski gear is welcome including Gantley’s Tavern, Canyon Brewing and Altitude Brewing. Back in town, settle in for an evening of indulgence with cocktails at Little Blackwood or head to a rooftop bar like SODA, Sundeck and Local to catch the sunset with a well-deserved brew in hand.
2. Do something adventurous
A memorable spring getaway is sure to include your favourite kind of adventure. Queenstown has long been the birthplace of adrenaline in New Zealand, resulting in world-firsts like commercial bungy jumping and jet boating, as well as New Zealand’s first commercial ski field, rafting, paragliding, and skydiving. This pioneering spirit still fuels the region today. Whether you’re chasing an intense rush or seeking something a little more low-key, adventure activities in Queenstown range from thrill-seeking to unique and accessible experiences.
On the water or ground, speed across turquoise rivers with KJet, venture deep into Skippers Canyon by jet boat, or test your aim with clay target shooting. For more off-road thrills, tackle rugged terrain on a 4×4 adventure or take an adrenaline-charged ride with Oxbow at the Nevis Bluff. If you’d rather take to the skies, leap from the Kawarau Bungy Bridge, swing through the Shotover Canyon, or freefall with NZONE Skydive. Scenic flights, paragliding and parasailing also offer unforgettable ways to see Queenstown from new heights.
For a more low-key adventure, join a Segway tour along the lakefront, discover new perspectives from a kayak, or simply take in the incredible alpine scenery at your own pace.
Whatever your pace, share in Queenstown’s love of adventure. The town doesn’t just host these experiences; it celebrates them, with a legacy of innovation that makes it one of the most exciting destinations on earth.
3. Discover breathtaking walks and hikes
Queenstown is the ultimate destination for those wanting to spend their time outdoors. Walk alongside the rivers, hike up to spectacular viewpoints, and stroll around the lake. It’s a nature lover’s dream. With three of New Zealand’s Great Walks on its doorstep, Queenstown is the place to discover some of the best scenery in the country by foot. The renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand is something truly special to behold, and guided hikes with Ultimate Hikes and The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp will take you even further into the wild.
Whether you’re staying close to Queenstown for a lakeside stroll around Moke Lake or taking in quintessential alpine scenery along the Lakeside Trail from Kelvin Heights to Jacks Point, options feel endless and enticing. For something more challenging, head to Glenorchy and embark on the multi-day Routeburn Track. Or go more luxe with an Ultimate Hikes guided Routeburn experience, combining dramatic alpine landscapes with the comfort of warm showers and three-course dinners at the end of each day.
Track transport options keep things simple when planning a multi-day hike, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) are your go-to for local knowledge of tracks, temporary closures and tips on gear and safety. When the boots come off, Queenstown offers the perfect ways to wind down. Think massages, private hot tubs, saunas, and spa treatments, all surrounded by alpine views.
4. Ride on world-class bike trails
Queenstown is home to some of the best mountain and trail biking in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a dream destination for riders of all skill levels. The Queenstown Trail is the perfect starting point, offering over 150km of scenic off-road riding along rivers, lakes, and through forested valleys stretching between Queenstown and Gibbston. Newly developed routes such as the Wharehuanui Trail, linking Arrowtown and Arthur’s Point, and the Shotover Gorge Trail, which winds along dramatic river scenery, add fresh terrain to explore.
More adventurous riders can take on the thrills of three lift-assisted bike parks (Coronet Peak, Cardrona Alpine Resort and the Ben Lomond Trails), offering everything from high-speed downhill runs and technical descents to flowing singletrack, cross-country trails and world-class jumps. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or looking to progress your skills, the variety ensures there’s something for everyone.
Bike hire and transport is easy and accessible from operators like Around the Basin and Better By Bike, or see the place through the eyes of a local by joining a tour with Ride to the Sky. Off the trails, you’ll find a strong biking culture with epic food and drink spots, volunteering opportunities, events, and panoramic views around every corner.
5. Wine and dine around Queenstown
In early spring you might find yourself tucked into a cosy corner beside a crackling fire, while on sunnier days it’s all about al fresco dining – soaking up the rays and views, and discovering fresh seasonal flavours paired with world-class food and wine.
Queenstown is home to people from all around the globe, inspiring a vibrant and diverse food scene. Feast on modern Indian and African food at Tamarind by No5 Church Lane, or go for Japanese cuisine at Kappa in the heart of Queenstown. Find gems tucked in Arrowtown including Swiftsure, Slow Cuts and Aosta. Postmasters is an Arrowtown classic on the corner of the main street, and drinks are a-go at Hyde. For an unforgettable dining experience, book lunch or dinner at award-winning Amisfield. This degustation menu is a celebration of New Zealand produce and culture, complete with distinctive and acclaimed wine – it’s the perfect insight into the taste of the region.
Fergbutcher in Arrowtown serves up the ultimate breakfast bap, and Queenstown Marina is the place to be with mid-morning treats from Boatshed Bakery, healthy soul food from Norka’s Kai Cafe (don’t go past their strawberry iced matcha), wine tasting at Wet Jacket or happy hour at Fino Wine Bar. Make food and wine the centre of your spring getaway at Ayrburn, a must-visit dining destination in the mountains. Don’t miss sampling Central Otago pinot noir as you explore New Zealand’s most southerly wine region. From well-loved icons like Gibbston Valley, Peregrine, and Mt Rosa to boutique gems such as Nockie’s Palette, Chard Farm, Brennan Wines and Cox’s Vineyard, you’ll find everything from celebrated classics to charming, intimate cellar door experiences.
6. Find Queenstown’s Creative Side
There’s more to Queenstown than jaw-dropping scenery and adventure. Peel back the layers and you’ll find a thriving creative culture waiting to be explored. From hands-on workshops at Country Lane Retail Village including pottery, jewellery making, and more, to contemporary exhibitions and dance classes at Te Atamira, the region’s artistic spirit shines. Go gallery hopping and check out unique and unconventional contemporary art at The Ivy Box Gallery and the latest collection at award-winning ArtBay Gallery.
Lean into your artistic side on a unique experience with Art Adventures NZ where you and your guide visit outstanding natural landscapes to inspire your open-air art work. By night, follow the sound of live music echoing through town most nights of the week. Delve deeper and connect with the heart and soul of Queenstown and enjoy something a little different.
7. Take in the sights
There’s no better time than spring to get out and explore Queenstown’s breathtaking scenery, and sightseeing tours are a great way to tap into local knowledge and access areas you might otherwise miss. From cruising on Lake Whakatipu with the Million Dollar Cruise to saddling up for a horse trekking adventure.
Go beyond the sightseeing and have a hand in a reforestation project by planting a native seedling as you learn about conservation in New Zealand on RealNZ’s Walter Peak Garden to Table Experience. Pair this with a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, a stroll through the Walter Peak garden and a garden to plate tasting – this is an incredible way to experience what makes Queenstown unique.
Whether you go by boat, foot, van, or horseback, Queenstown offers a spectacular way to take in the views at every turn.
8. Venture further
Stay longer, explore further, and discover Queenstown is a great base for other adventures. Head over the Crown Range through the spectacular Cardrona Valley to the alpine paradise of Wānaka, checking out the historic Cardrona Hotel along the way. Soak up the mountainous backdrop and picturesque Lake Wānaka before discovering the restaurants, cafes and boutique shops in this alpine town. Whether you’re strolling along the lakefront or embarking on one of Wānaka’s top walking tracks, time adventuring in the outdoors is well spent.
Then set your sights south and followexplore the Southern Way. This self-drive adventure winds through dramatic landscapes between Queenstown and Dunedin, passing through Fiordland and The Catlins. Impressive waterfalls, lighthouses perched on remote and rugged points, the mystic of the Murchison mountains in Te Anau and the unforgettable scenery of Piopiotahi Milford Sound. In the depths of Fiordland, Milford Sound is dubbed the eighth wonder of the world – a must-visit on any Queenstown trip. Get there by car, bus or plane and experience the wonder of this treasured fiord. With world-class experiences in every direction, Queenstown invites you to keep the adventure going.
This article was created in paid partnership with Queenstown NZ.
