6 Days  •  5 Nights

Queenstown Winter Ski Escape

Queenstown (5N)

Tour Includes

Accommodation
Meals
Sightseeing
Transfers
Local Guide
Activities
Overview

About the Trip

When winter blankets the Southern Alps, Queenstown becomes New Zealand's premier ski destination, with four world-class fields within easy reach of a buzzing lakeside town. This five-night escape combines great skiing with the town's legendary food, wine and scenery.

You'll ski or snowboard the slopes of Coronet Peak and the Remarkables above Queenstown, and nearby Cardrona or Treble Cone near Wanaka, with lessons for all levels, then warm up with apres-ski, hot pools and lakeside dining. Snowy peaks, powder days and cosy evenings fill the days.

With a central hotel, ski passes and transfers arranged, it is the perfect Southern Hemisphere ski holiday.
Highlights

Trip Highlights

  • Skiing and snowboarding at Coronet Peak
  • The Remarkables ski field above Queenstown
  • Nearby Cardrona and Treble Cone near Wanaka
  • Lessons and hire for all levels
  • Apres-ski and lakeside dining
  • Hot pools and a Skyline Gondola view
  • Snowy Southern Alps scenery
  • A Southern Hemisphere ski holiday
Itinerary

Day by Day

A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.

Day 1

Arrive in the winter wonderland of Queenstown and settle in, with a welcome dinner and your first apres-ski atmosphere.

Your Journey This Day
Queenstown Airport
Private Transfer
Your Queenstown Hotel
Meals Included
Dinner
Day 2

A day on the slopes of Coronet Peak, the closest field to town, with lessons or free skiing and a famous night-ski option.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3

A day skiing or snowboarding the sunny bowls of the Remarkables, with sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 4

Ski nearby Cardrona or Treble Cone toward Wanaka, or take a rest day for the gondola, the hot pools or a wine tasting.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 5

A final free day for one more day on the mountain, a scenic flight or simply the lakeside cafes and shopping.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 6

A final breakfast before your transfer to Queenstown airport.

Your Journey This Day
Your Queenstown Hotel
Private Transfer
Queenstown Airport
Meals Included
Breakfast
Route Map

Where You Will Travel

Package

What's inside the package?

Inclusions

  • Private airport transfers
  • 5 nights in a central Queenstown hotel
  • Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
  • Three days of ski-field lift passes
  • Return ski-field transfers
  • A Skyline Gondola experience
  • A rest-day activity or hot pools visit
  • All listed activities per the itinerary

Exclusions

  • International airfare to and from New Zealand
  • NZeTA and International Visitor levy fees
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Ski and snowboard hire and lessons where not stated
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
  • Drinks unless specifically stated
  • Optional adventure activities where not stated
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Best Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Place
Queenstown
Conditions
Warm summer
Daily max temperature
22°C
Monthly rainfall
70mm
Weather data is based on monthly averages. Popularity rating
Good to Know
  • Visa: Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before travelling, which includes the International Visitor levy. Others need a visitor visa; we can advise
  • Currency: The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. Queenstown is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
  • Seasons reversed: Queenstown is in the southern hemisphere, so summer (December to February) is warm and long for hiking and lakes, while winter (June to August) brings skiing and snow to the surrounding peaks
  • Adventure & safety: Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital, with bungy, jet boats, skydiving and more. All operators are strictly regulated and safe, but activities are weather-dependent and some carry age or health restrictions
  • Four seasons in a day: Mountain weather changes quickly, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, along with strong sun protection for the intense alpine UV
  • Driving: New Zealanders drive on the left, and the roads around Queenstown are scenic but winding, especially the Crown Range and the route to Milford Sound; allow plenty of time
  • Milford Sound: The day trip to Milford Sound is long (a full day by road) but spectacular; a scenic flight or coach-cruise-fly option can shorten it, weather permitting
  • Sandflies: Fiordland and Milford Sound have persistent sandflies, so bring insect repellent for that excursion
  • Best time: Queenstown is a year-round destination — summer for hiking, lakes and wine, autumn for golden colours, and winter (June-September) for skiing and snow
  • Tipping & power: Tipping is not customary in New Zealand. Power is 230V with the Australian-style type I plug, so bring an adapter
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What meals are included?

Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a TSS Earnslaw steamship dinner or a wine-country lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Queenstown's superb dining scene.

Are transfers and activities arranged?

Yes — your airport transfers, sightseeing and the named activities are arranged for you, and Queenstown's compact centre is easy to explore on foot in between.

Do I need a visa for New Zealand?

Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, applied for online before travel. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.

When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

Summer (December-February) is best for hiking, lakes and wine, autumn for golden colours, and winter (June-September) for skiing. Queenstown is a wonderful year-round destination.

Is the adventure activity optional?

Yes — Queenstown offers everything from gentle scenic cruises to bungy and skydiving. We include core experiences and you choose your own adventures to match your appetite, from mild to wild.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. Durations, hotels, activities and add-ons like Milford Sound, Wanaka or a ski package can all be tailored. Just tell us what you have in mind.

How far is Milford Sound from Queenstown?

Milford Sound is a full-day round trip by road (around four hours each way) through spectacular Fiordland, or a shorter scenic flight or coach-cruise-fly combination — all of which we can arrange.

When is the Queenstown ski season?

The Southern Hemisphere ski season runs roughly from June to early October, with the best snow usually in July and August. We schedule this trip for prime conditions.

Is it suitable for beginners and families?

Yes — the Queenstown fields have excellent beginner areas and ski schools, and Coronet Peak and the Remarkables are very family-friendly, with lessons and hire available for all levels.