Life speeds up in winter in Queenstown: how to experience the winter adrenaline rush in this picturesque alpine town

Picture this: You’re sipping on a mulled wine surrounded by snow-capped mountains and starlit skies after a jam-packed day of activities including skiing and skydiving. The dream, right?! It’s no surprise that our travellers love to spend winter in Queenstown for exactly that reason!

Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is a picturesque alpine town. Don’t be fooled, though – life here doesn’t slow down during the winter months – it speeds up!

A view over Queenstown from the top of the Skyline Gondola and Luge track
A view over Queenstown from the top of the Skyline Gondola and Luge track

Queenstown is also called the adrenaline capital of New Zealand. Combined with amazing hikes and beautiful scenery, there never is a dull moment in winter in Queenstown. Here’s our list of amazing Queenstown must-dos.

Carve up the ski slopes

Queenstown is New Zealand’s number 1 winter sports destination, so gear up, grab your mates and get ready to send it down the mountain! If you’re a ski-newbie then why not take a lesson or two? Bonus: The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down – Coronet Peak offers night skiing until 9pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays!

Fresh pow-pow, amazing views!
Fresh pow-pow, amazing views!

Get the adrenaline pumping in winter in Queenstown

Want to know the best way to keep warm during winter in Queenstown? Adrenaline. That’s right – we’re talking skydives, bungy jumps, canyon swings, jet boats. You name it! Queenstown is the adventure capital of NZ and a bit of snow won’t stop the fun! Here are 3 of our favourite winter adventure activities:

Skydiving

Your first skydive is sure to be one of the highlights of your life! The butterflies (and most likely your breakfast) will start fluttering away in your belly long before your tandem master starts shuffling you both towards the exit of the plane.

Then, before you know it, you’ll be falling literally out of the sky with the snow-covered mountains and the glittering blue lake laid out like a canvas below you. Well, you miiiiiiight not notice the view whilst you’re plummeting to the ground at 200kph (try to keep your eyes open…) but it does make for a superb picture!

Warm layers and gloves are a must!
Warm layers and gloves are a must!

AJ Hackett bungy

This 8.5-second free fall is certainly not for the faint-hearted. AJ Hackett offers a variety of bungys across New Zealand (even the worlds first commercially operated bungy for you adventure boffs out there) but if you’re going to take the plunge why not do the highest? THE NEVIS. Note: Call your mother, tell her you love her because, unlike skydiving where you’re strapped to someone else, it’s all up to you to step off that ledge. You’re getting sweaty just thinking about it? See, we told you adrenaline is good for the cold.

Feeling brave? Get dunked in the ice cold water at Kawarau Bridge!
Feeling brave? Get dunked in the ice cold water at Kawarau Bridge!

Shotover Canyon Swing

Forwards, backwards, on a chair, with a mate, pin drop, or even down a slide – these are just some of the ways you can do the canyon swing! You’re definitely going to want to do the canyon swing more than once… The staff here really know how to get the adrenaline pumping. Oh, and they’ll even lend you a nice big puffer coat if it’s super cold.

Puffer coat + Adrenaline = Warmth
Puffer coat + Adrenaline = Warmth

Go for a winter walk or hike in Queenstown

Keen hikers, rejoice – winter is an amazing time to get out and about! Lace-up your hiking boots and head up to the summit of Ben Lomond. The snow does make the walk a little more challenging, so make sure you’re suitably fit with enough warm layers and plenty of food and water. If you want something a little tamer, then you can always walk up Queenstown hill or take a stroll around the Queenstown Gardens. If you continue right around the track towards Frankton you’ll get a full view of the Remarkables mountain range – your winter wonderland awaits…

Winter vistas from the summit
Winter vistas from the summit

Eat and drink your days away

The best part about cold weather is being able to feast on the most indulgent food and drink without having to worry about your beach body! Queenstown is home to heaps of incredible restaurants, bars and cafes and, of course, the famous Fergburger.

Grab a coffee or mulled wine to keep those hands warm | photo: Queenstown Winter Festival
Grab a coffee or mulled wine to keep those hands warm | photo: Queenstown Winter Festival

We know the backpacker budget can often limit you to cooking noodles in the hostel kitchen but we’d highly recommend getting out and sampling some of the delicious delicacies on offer for at least one meal if you can!

Queenstown in winter: experience the adrenaline rush

So, there you have it – winter in Queenstown is a #nzmustdo! What are you waiting for? Check out our amazing New Zealand tours.

Tara profile picture

Tara

Originally from Birmingham, UK. Favourite Stray stop: Tongariro National Park. Fun fact: she has done every Bungy Jump in New Zealand.

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New Zealand is a tiny country that packs a scenic punch! Explore New Zealand the 'Stray' way - getting further off the beaten track, seeking out one-of-a-kind experiences and meeting a bunch of epic fellow adventurers.
All tours are Stray Journey small group tours!

Wanderlust - See it All in NZ

24 days - starts & ends in Auckland

On this trip, you get the best combination of nature, relaxation, beautiful scenery and adrenaline. In 24 days, you will experience beautiful nature consisting of rainforests, mountains and volcanoes.

Takahe - South Island Tour

11 days - starts & ends in Christchurch

From the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park to the West Coast’s glaciers and rainforests, the party and adventure capital of Queenstown, to the “Roof of Aotearoa” Mt Cook National Park.

Ruru - All of NZ Tour

18 days - starts in Auckland, ends in Christchurch

Hike some of New Zealand’s best tracks, kayak at sunrise, taste a delicious traditional hangi meal, bathe in a hot thermal stream surrounded by native bush.

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Avika
Avika
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8 October 2018 5:55 pm

Stunning Blog!! Very nice

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