Winter in Queenstown: The Best Things to Do, See and Experience
Planning a winter holiday in Queenstown? From world-class ski fields and spectacular alpine views to hot pools, lakeside dining and magical evening events, winter is one of the best times to visit Queenstown, New Zealand.
Inside Out Property Management offers a collection of professionally managed Queenstown holiday homes, apartments and family accommodation throughout Queenstown and Frankton. Book your Queenstown accommodation directly with our local team and enjoy a comfortable home base close to the region’s best winter attractions.
Here are some of the best things to do during a Queenstown winter getaway, including the beautiful Ayrburn Winter Wonderland near Arrowtown.
1. Visit Ayrburn Winter Wonderland
Ayrburn is one of the most memorable places to visit near Queenstown during winter. Located between Queenstown and Arrowtown, this historic food and wine precinct is surrounded by alpine scenery, landscaped gardens and beautifully restored buildings.
Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland Lights illuminate the grounds with glowing pathways, decorated trees, outdoor fires and festive displays. Entry to explore the lights is free, and visitors do not need a ticket.
It is a wonderful evening activity for:
Families visiting Queenstown
Couples planning a winter escape
Groups looking for après-ski activities
Visitors searching for things to do in Queenstown at night
Guests staying near Arrowtown or Frankton
Arrive before sunset to enjoy the mountain views, then watch the precinct transform as the lights come on.
Ice skating at The Dell
The Ayrburn ice rink will operate from 26 June until 26 July 2026, with one-hour skating sessions running from 11am until 8pm. Skate and helmet hire are included, and advance booking is recommended.
After skating, warm up beside an outdoor fire with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, toast marshmallows or book a table at one of Ayrburn’s restaurants.
Restaurants and bars at Ayrburn
Ayrburn is home to a collection of restaurants, bars and casual dining venues, making it easy to turn your visit into a full afternoon or evening.
Options include The Bakehouse, The Woolshed, The Manure Room, Billy’s and The Burr Bar. The precinct combines food, wine, gardens and entertainment in one destination.
Dining reservations are strongly recommended during busy winter evenings.
2. Ski or snowboard Queenstown’s mountains
Queenstown is surrounded by four popular ski areas: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone.
The scheduled 2026 seasons are:
Coronet Peak: 13 June–4 October
The Remarkables: 13 June–11 October
Cardrona: 20 June–11 October
Treble Cone: 27 June–27 September
Opening dates and conditions can change depending on snowfall and weather.
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are the closest ski fields to Queenstown, while Cardrona and Treble Cone are ideal for a longer day trip. Lessons, equipment hire and mountain transport are available for beginners and experienced skiers.
Staying in an Inside Out Queenstown holiday home gives you space to store your ski equipment, prepare breakfast before heading up the mountain and relax comfortably after a full day on the slopes.
3. Ride the Queenstown gondola
Take the Skyline Gondola above central Queenstown for expansive views across Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and the surrounding mountains.
At the top, visitors can enjoy sightseeing, dining and the Queenstown Luge. It is an excellent winter activity for families, couples and non-skiers—and the views can be particularly impressive after fresh snow.
4. Cruise Lake Wakatipu
A Lake Wakatipu cruise offers a different perspective of Queenstown’s winter landscape.
Wrap up warmly and enjoy views of the snow-covered mountains from the water. Depending on the experience selected, you may also visit Walter Peak High Country Farm or combine your cruise with dining and farm activities.
This is a relaxed option for visitors looking for Queenstown winter activities that do not involve skiing.
5. Explore Arrowtown
Historic Arrowtown is beautiful during winter and pairs perfectly with an Ayrburn visit.
Spend time browsing boutique shops, exploring the historic village, walking beside the Arrow River or enjoying lunch at one of the town’s cafés and restaurants. Arrowtown is approximately a 20-minute drive from central Queenstown, depending on traffic.
Guests staying in Frankton or the eastern Queenstown suburbs can easily visit Arrowtown, Ayrburn and the surrounding wineries during the same day.
6. Warm up in a private hot pool
A private hot-pool experience is one of the most relaxing things to do in Queenstown in winter.
Enjoy warm water and alpine views while the temperature drops outside. Hot pools are especially popular after skiing, so booking ahead is sensible during weekends and school holidays. https://www.onsen.co.nz/
7. Experience Queenstown’s food and wine scene
Queenstown and the surrounding region offer everything from relaxed cafés and family dining to wine bars and special-occasion restaurants.
You can also take a winter wine tour through Gibbston Valley and the wider Central Otago wine region. Cellar doors remain an excellent option during colder weather, particularly for couples and groups seeking a slower-paced day away from the ski fields.
8. Try a classic Queenstown adventure
Winter does not stop Queenstown’s famous adventure activities.
Depending on weather and operating conditions, visitors can experience:
Jet boating
Bungy jumping
Ziplining
Scenic helicopter flights
Skydiving
Four-wheel-drive tours
Indoor skydiving
Queenstown is known for combining adventure activities with dramatic alpine scenery throughout the year.
9. Enjoy a winter walk
For a quieter activity, explore one of Queenstown’s lower-level walking trails.
Popular options include Queenstown Gardens, Frankton Track, Kelvin Heights Peninsula Trail and Arrow River Trail. Conditions may be cold, wet or icy, so wear suitable footwear and check the weather before heading out.
Where to stay in Queenstown during winter
Choosing the right Queenstown accommodation can make a major difference to your winter holiday.
Inside Out Property Management offers professionally managed Queenstown holiday rentals and short-term accommodation suitable for couples, families, ski groups and business travellers.
Our properties may include features such as:
Full kitchens
Heating and heat pumps
Laundry facilities
Free parking
Fast Wi-Fi
Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
Mountain or lake views
Convenient access to Queenstown, Frankton and the ski fields
Unlike a standard hotel room, a Queenstown holiday home gives you additional space to unwind, cook meals, dry winter clothing and enjoy time together between activities.
Book Queenstown accommodation directly with Inside Out
Make your winter escape easy by booking with a trusted local Queenstown property management team.
When you book directly with Inside Out Property Management, you receive personal local support before and during your stay, save while avoiding unnecessary third-party booking fees.
Browse our available Queenstown holiday homes and apartments, choose the property that suits your group and start planning your winter itinerary.
Book your Queenstown winter accommodation directly with Inside Out Property Management and experience Queenstown—inside and out.