In winter, Queenstown is known as one of the top destinations in New Zealand for skiing and snowboarding. There are four nearby ski fields to choose from making it an ideal place for those looking to hit the slopes.
But Queenstown isn’t only about snowboarding and skiing during the winter months. There are a ton of other things to do if you’re not shredding. Whether you simply want a relaxing winter getaway or a day off the slopes, there are lots of other great activities to choose from!
We’ve put together this list of awesome ways to spend your time this winter in Queenstown when you’re not on the slopes.
Queenstown Lake Cruise
Wine and Craft Beer Tour
The region of Central Otago is famous for producing some of the best Pinot Noir in the world! A visit to Queenstown simply isn’t complete without sampling a few of the award-winning wines in the area – and the best way to do this is on a tour.
There are a variety of wine tours available from Queenstown. You can choose between full and half-day tours, and some even have the option of including craft brewery stops! The craft beer scene is emerging in full-force in Queenstown at the moment, so that is a great option for those who aren’t keen on trying wine at every stop!
Rain, shine or snow, wine and craft beer tours are a great activity in Queenstown this winter.
Scenic Tour to Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a town located 46 kilometres north of Queenstown. This small town is a popular tourist destination simply due to the fact that it is stunning! There are mountains in every direction you could look, rivers, lakes and picture-perfect corner shops! In fact, many scenes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed near Glenorchy, and a scenic tour to the region is sure to point these places out!
In the winter, the snow-capped mountains add a whole new level of beauty to Glenorchy, making the perfect place to explore! Be sure to walk along the boardwalk and enjoy picture-perfect moments, the photo opportunities on this walk are a photographer’s dream!
Tubing and Sledding
If you want to get up in the mountains for some winter sports, other than skiing and snowboarding, then maybe you should have a go at sledging or tubing! At the Remarkables or Coronet Peak you can rent (or bring your own) sledge or tube and slide down the hill next to the skiers!
This is the ideal winter adventure activity and a fun way to hit the slopes without needing to know how to ski or snowboard!
Day Trip to Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of those places in New Zealand you simply just have to see for yourself. The steep mountains and cliff faces that are breathtaking, and taking a boat cruise in Milford Sound is the best way to experience this!
You can easily visit Milford Sound in one day from Queenstown. If you need transport or simply don’t want to have to drive on the winter roads, we have coaches departing daily for Milford from both Queenstown and Te Anau. These coaches are so much more than just transport though. Our coaches stop at some of the best places on the road to Milford, and our driver offers live commentary along the way!
Once in Milford Sound, you’ll be able to walk along the foreshore, have a choice of many different boat cruises, and even explore our Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. For those looking for a little extra adventure, kayaking is another fun activity!
Don’t worry about what day you visit Milford Sound either as you can go in any weather all year round– in fact, most say Milford is more beautiful in the rain! In the winter, you may even get the chance to walk in the snow or see frost-covered valleys.
Let us help you make the most of your winter holiday here in Queenstown – check out all of our tours in both Queenstown and Milford Sound.
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