Queenstown’s winter is the absolute best. Whether you want to get your heart racing with adrenaline pumping activities or whether you prefer to sip mulled wine on a balcony overlooking gorgeous snowy peaks. In either case, Queenstown New Zealand should be your first choice.

You won’t be disappointed; winters in Queenstown are one of the most beautiful experiences. The vast sky, sun shimmering through the snow-capped mountains, and you gazing amazed at how beautiful the world is, that is what a quiet Queenstown winter is all about.

There is always plenty to do during the Winter months – Destination Queenstown has an up to date schedule.

Here are some of the exciting things to do when you are at Queenstown.

Skiing is a must-do if you are at Queenstown, and there are ample places where you can ski. Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona are the closest fields

For those that have never skied , you can take a few lessons, there are plenty available. Before too long, you’ll be up there on the slopes flaunting your newly acquired skills.

If skiing is not your thing, there are many other exciting Winter activities to keep you busy.

Maybe sometimes you yearn for a good old walk. At Walter Peak, you’ll be able to have a pleasant outdoor walk on the farm and even feed the animals. Sipping steaming cups of hot tea and strolling through the lakeside will make your already lovely day even merrier.

Moreover, if you are interested in a farming lifestyle, you can learn a thing or two from the team of experts who are there to guide you at Walter Peak. The duration of this fun little adventure would be around 3 hours.

Do stars and open sky mesmerise you? The night sky in Queenstown is a surreal stargazing experience. If you have Southern Lights on your bucket list; you may be able to  tick it off  in Queenstown. You may be lucky to see the Southern Lights on a clear winter.

Unwind yourself and spend hours gazing at the iconic beauty of the vast expanse of Queenstown’s sky.

The Skyline Queenstown Stargazing located at the top of Bob’s Peak is where you should head; to get a glimpse a natural wonder. Watch out for a shooting star

After a winter day of adventure in the of Queenstown, you get to chill out in relaxing hot pools. Onsen Hot Pools are a perfect place to calm down and treat yourself to some drinks while looking at the beautiful landscapes. You can see the Shotover River while you unwind in the hot pool. Return rejuvenated with after one of their iconic facial and body massages packages available.

Famously known as the 8th wonder of the world, Milford Sound is truly a beauty to behold.

It’s about a three-hour drive from Queenstown (each way) and is considered the most beautiful part of Fiordland National Park. Breathtaking, especially during winters and stuning when it rains, you’ll find yourself spellbound by the magnificence of this place.

Boat cruises are one of the most popular ways to explore Milford Sound.

Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, is the cute village of Arrowtown. A perfect place to wander , grab something to eat, a hot drink from the cafes and watch the world go by.

Also, if you are a Lord of The Rings fan, you cannot miss the lakeside drive to Glenorchy.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a pro or a novice. A day spent ice skating is always  fun. Slipping and falling with your mates and family and doing a quick stunt or two would make for some good memories to laugh about later.

And if you don’t want to ice skate, Queenstown Ice Arena has a space for you too. Off-rink, there is a comfortable lounge and a warm fireplace. So you can chill without feeling left out.

Queenstown is home to the world’s first commercial Bungy jump. The splendid view once you are up there and taking that plunge gazing down to the turquoise water below is truly indescribable .

Though Kawarau Gorge is the most famous for bungy, Queenstown is known as the hub of bungy jumping for a reason. You have a variety of choices. The highest in the Southern Hemisphere is the Nevis Bungy, with 8.5 seconds of free fall. At the top of Skyline Gondola, there is the Ledge Bungy with a 47m drop where you can do freestyle.

The only way to experience the stunning canons of Queenstown is to take the jetboat. Summer or winter this is always open.

So pack your warm clothes and be ready to lose yourself in the natural beauty of Queenstown.

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world.

Which makes it an excellent spot for a family holiday. There’s so many new experiences to have with your kids.  From horseback riding and farm visits to lake travels and mountain biking. If you are looking to arrange the perfect family holiday in Queenstown, New Zealand, here are some popular family activities to incorporate into your holiday.

Activities for the whole family

  1. Take a ride on an authentic steamship

The TSS Earnslaw is an iconic feature of Queenstown. This vintage steamship more than 100 years old is the only hand fired steamship in operation in the entire southern hemisphere. Bring the whole family to cruise the lake and take in the gorgeous alpine scenery. Kids of all ages will enjoy seeing how the giant steam engines work before enjoying a snack from the on-board café. You can even have a sing along with the on-board pianist.

  1. Learn about sheep farming on a Walter Peak Farm Tour

For a memorable half road trip, why not add a visit to the Walter Peak High Country Farm to your TSS Earnslaw journey? New Zealand is renowned for its sheep. This experience enables you to see sheep shearing on a functioning working homestead.  Additionally, you can pick between afternoon tea and or a BBQ to keep everybody took fed and cheerful.

  1. See the “8th wonder of the world”

New Zealand is no stranger to the beauty of nature, and Milford Sound is a special case. Frequently mentioned as the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound is home to  mountains, falling cascades and a bounty of natural life. There are an assortment of encounters at Milford Sound, including nature travels, short-term travels and kayaking.

  1. Go horseback riding in the mountains

Want an authentic New Zealand backcountry experience? Take the family on a horseback riding journey across Walter Peak ranch. In the wake of taking the TSS Earnslaw across the lake, you’ll meet your local escort at the ranch and head off on a pony ride through moving high nation slopes with stunning views on the lake and encompassing mountains. At just six individuals for every ride, it’s the ideal family action in Queenstown.

  1. Go for an exhilarating jetboat ride

One of the best things to do in Queenstown with kids is going on a jetboat around the lake. You will race around Lake Wakatipu, turning in full 360-degree circles. Getting started with 820 pull, the jetboat can go as much as 90 kilometers each hour. This exhilarating outing is the ideal taste of what the experience capital of the world brings to the table.

6.Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Wakatipu

On a gorgeous, calm day in Queenstown, there’s nothing better than enjoying the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Take the family for a day kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or even paddle boating.

  1. Go ice skating

Ice skating is a fitting action for youngsters in Queenstown Strategically placed right close to town by the nurseries, the Queenstown Ice Arena offers public skating meetings and rental equipment. Partake in a cup of hot cocoa by the fire while the children go out and skate or go along with them on the ice for quality family time.

  1. Spot a kiwi in real life

You have probably heard about the famous kiwi bird. If you haven’t, the kiwi is a flightless bird and also happens to be New Zealand’s beloved national bird. However, there aren’t too many left in the world, and because they’re nocturnal, they are very difficult to spot in the wild. Take the family to the Kiwi Birdlife Park to see this special creature and understand the preservation endeavors being made to support this endangered species

  1. Talk a easy stroll through nature

No matter the season, you can enjoy an easy hike in the Queenstown area. Some of the best family-friendly walks include a stroll through Queenstown Gardens, a walk-up Queenstown Hill and a jaunt around Bob’s Cove. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views of mountains, lakes and stunning natural scenery.

Where to Eat

Breakfast:

A Queenstown breakfast will set you up for your day’s adventure.

Of course we are going to recommend our very own Giants.  Kids under 12 go free.

 

Lunch:

Fergburger is a hit with families who visit New Zealand. However, if you have seen this local hotspot on too many travel guides, we have plenty of other great takeaway lunch spots to visit. Head to Earnslaw Park where you can sit on the steps leading into the lake and the kids can feed the ducks.  This is a great way to go if you’re all eating from different outlets.  Or simply lounge on the main beach next to the best adventure playground. Here, you will also find a cafe right next door if you want to relax while the kids play.

 

Dinner:

Queenstown is known for its assorted population and cosmopolitan energy. This is reflected in the mixed scope of cafés. Ethnic options include Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Italian, Mexican and South American restaurants.

Bars and pubs can also work for kids as Queenstown’s bars, often have a children’s menu, a lot of room and additional items like toys or colouring sheets for youngsters. Popular kid friendly pubs are Pub on Wharf or World Bar. World Bar additionally has the an excellent plant-based menu.

 

Sweets:

If you have a sweet tooth, you have come to the right place. From the huge shakes and doughnuts at Balls and Bangles to the best chocolate and sweets at Patagonia Chocolatery, you will find a sugar treat.  Overwhelming frozen yogurts can be found at Mrs. Ferg Gelateria or Patagonia while the bread shops and bistros have made it their goal to entice you with sweet and imaginative items. In Arrowtown and in Queenstown an absolute necessity visit with kids is The Remarkable Sweet Shop, reminding us of past times and with free fudge tasting.

 

Where to Stay

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay with the whole family, consider the Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park. With a variety of dining options, hotel amenities, events and spectacular location, the Holiday Inn is perfect for the entire family.

In addition to this, Kids ages 12 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. With that being said, up to four kids ages 12 and under can also eat free any time of the day in any Holiday Inn Giants Restaurant. Make yourself at home in spaces that invite you to interact, play and connect with your entire family. Last but not least, we also offer a wide range of food and drink options that are available from our restaurant, bar and cafe.

 

Queenstown is breathtaking – a mountain town which is an ideal location for a special occasion escape. What are some of the top experiences for active couples that locals recommend when visiting Queenstown?

Recommended Activities

  1. Go star gazing

Queenstown is a remote town encircled by mountains and a long way from a significant city. This makes Queenstown a well-known spot to view and photograph the stars. See the night sky free of light pollution. You may even see some shooting stars.

  1. Tandem Bungy Jumping

Kawarau Bridge Bungy is home to NZ’s very first bungy jump, AJ Hackett. With have an exceptional security record this is the place for your first bungy. Bungy jumping is one of the most outstanding experience exercises in Queenstown.

  1. Bike Riding

There is a number of bicycle trails in Queenstown  for all levels of cyclist. The Queenstown track consists of modest tracks that connect up Queenstown to the Gibbston Valley.

The most well-known part is 16.2kn  the Frankton track around to Kelvin Peninsula Trail. For the most part level track, it takes around 2 hours to ride. The path finishes at Jardine Park, where if you don’t  want to ride home you can catch transport back. Buses in Queenstown have bicycle racks so it’s no issue.

  1. The most scenic hiking trails in New Zealand are located in Queenstown

The diversity of tracks across New Zealand’s National Parks and Reserves means there’s something for everyone. From leisurely nature trails that bring New Zealand’s  unique ecosystems into focus, to challenging multi-day adventures in remote, untouched wilderness.

Shorter walks and hikes include:

New Zealand’s Great Walks that are not too far from Queenstown are:

 

Other hiking trails include:

Some of these tracks may take a few days. Therefore, it is important to be prepared with snacks, food, water and correct clothing.

Wellness Spas in Queenstown, New Zealand

If you and your loved one need pampering there are spas to suit all tastes.

A few local favorites include:

We have to mention Body Sanctum Massage & Day spa. Why? Not only is it Queenstown’s number one and original Day Spa, but it is also a multi-award winning spa that specialises in massages and ultimate relaxation. Body Sanctum Day Spa offers massage, spa bundles, facials and beauty treatments in a quiet and tranquil space.  Here, you can unwind and let your worries float away.

This =day spa offers everything you need to feel pampered and relaxed. Forme Spa Queenstown offers a variety of facials and beauty treatments as well as a selection of massages. This Queenstown day spa is located in the heart of the town. Choose a relaxing massage – hot stone, tissue, fragrant healing or a couples massage.

Located in the heart of Queenstown, Harmony Spa offers the best for unwinding and skin medicines. If you and your partner are looking for the perfect place to relax, begin your journey of serenity at Harmony Spa – facials, massages to pedicures and more. So, relax, unwind and with your self-care treatments.

Where to Eat

  1. Enjoy a drink with a view

Visit the rooftop bar The Sundeck at Attiqa and grab a drink with your partner. Queenstown’s favorite rooftop bar is located here. Voted Glenfiddich Best Bar of the Year 2018 and Asahi Best Bar of the Year 2019,

  1. Take the gondola up to Skyline for dinner

Riding the Gondola up to Bob’s Peak is an iconic activity in Queenstown. Not only will you enjoy delicious food, but you will also have a beautiful view of the town.

  1. Enjoy a meal at The Bunker

Visit this destination with your partner after a day of activities. Sit down, relax, and enjoy delicious wine from this iconic restaurant. This estaurant is the perfect spot for an anniversary meal with your loved one.

Why Stay in the Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park?

Now it comes down to booking the perfect stay in Queenstown. Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park can help you. With  our own Giants Restaurant that offers a variety of dining options. This new hotel has modern amenities and of course, a “Remarkable” location.