The Best Time to Go to Queenstown

If you are reading this chances are you’re ready to book that trip to Queenstown. Lucky you! Now you just need to figure out when is the best time to go to Queenstown. I can help you with that.

I live in New Zealand and have visited Queenstown on many occasions, during different seasons and in all kinds of weather. It’s still one of my top places to visit in New Zealand.

Queenstown is a popular destination for both locals and international visitors alike and for good reason.This alpine town is nestled in the Southern Alps in the Otago Region of New Zealand. It enjoys four distinct seasons making it an ideal holiday destination all year round.

Deciding which month or season to visit is somewhat personal and can be different for everyone. Seasonal activities, school holidays, climate, temperature and cost are all things that can impact our individual preferences around when the best time to visit is.

For me personally, autumn and winter are my favourite seasons to visit Queenstown. I love the cooler temperatures, autumn colours and the chance of snow. But for many others summer is preferred for the warmer weather and longer days.

In this blog, I’m sharing the pros and cons for each season as well as my top 5 favourite activities to do for each to help you decide when is the best time to visit for YOU.

When is the best time to go to Queenstown?

Whether you’re after warmer days, quieter times, peak ski season or the ideal hiking climate, Queenstown has something for everyone and there really is no bad time to visit Queenstown.

Let’s take a look at what to expect for each season including the pros and cons of visiting during each and the best things to do.

Also just a reminder that the seasons in New Zealand are the opposite to the northern hemisphere. So for us down here, summer is in December and winter is in July!

» Read Next: Packing List for New Zealand: What to Wear & Pack

Winter in Queenstown (June to August) 

The winter season runs from June to the end of August in New Zealand with the average high temperature in Queenstown ranging between 5℃ and 9℃ (41℉ to 48℉). 

During the winter months, the days are short and crisp, often calm with clear blue skies. Temperatures can drop into the minuses during the night so mornings can be frosty. 

It can snow, although sporadic, and more so in surrounding mountain ranges than in the town center. Rain is also possible although July is said to be the driest month in Queenstown.

The best way to be prepared for visiting Queenstown during winter is to pack warm layers including thermals, a warm coat, hat, gloves, thick socks and a pair of boots.

Pros of visiting Queenstown in winter

Winter is peak ski season and the best time to visit Queenstown if you are looking to hit the slopes. The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardona ski fields are all nearby making Queenstown a great base for skiing or snowboarding. 

Winter also comes with its own set of unique events such as night skiing, Matariki (Māori New Year) celebrations, Après parties, festivals and sporting events. You can check out this winter events guide for a list of events that are happening each month.  

Although ski season and festivals bring a crowd to downtown Queenstown and the nearby slopes, winter is generally a quieter time to explore the surrounding areas such Milford Sound. Winter is my favorite season to embark on a road trip in the South Island for this reason.

Cons of visiting Queenstown in winter

With ski season bringing in a crowd and the school holidays in July, the cost of accommodation in Queenstown and car rentals can be higher. They can also get booked out so the earlier you can book the better. You may be able to find better deals and more availability if you plan your visit outside the school holidays and either at the start or end of the season.

The days are shorter and colder which may make it difficult to fit everything in. While you can still do most things in winter, some activities may not be available or safe to do and opening days and hours for some attractions can vary.  It’s worth checking on this if there is a particular activity or event that you want to do while in Queenstown.

The possibility of snow and ice can make driving difficult especially if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. You’ll need to carry and be able to fit snow chains on your vehicle if travelling in winter.

With that said, there’s something magical about exploring the snowy landscapes in the crisp air and then warming up in front of open fires with a glass of mulled wine, making winter a great time to go to Queenstown in my experience.

Best Activities for Winter

Go Skiing / Snowboarding

In winter, Queenstown is the top destination for skiing and snowboarding for locals and visitors alike. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are two of the best ski fields in Queenstown offering a huge variety of terrain.

Coronet Peak even has night skiing. It’s a unique experience skiing under the stars with the trails lit up. It’s such a vibe and a feeling that’s hard to put into words so I highly recommend you experience it for yourself.

Soak in the Onsen Hot Pools

The Onsen Hot Pools is a truly relaxing experience where you can soak in cedar-lined hot tubs perched in the mountains overlooking Shotover River Canyon. You can book a classic hot tub session or include a spa treatment for the ultimate indulgence.

Located a 10 minutes drive from Queenstown on Arthurs Point Road, you can self drive or they offer a complimentary shuttle service from Queenstown center.

» Book your Queenstown Onsen Hot Pool experience here.

Visit Cardrona Hotel

The Cardrona Hotel is located about an hour’s drive from Queenstown and one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels. It’s seriously charming in an old west kind of way.

The pub restaurant has a rustic feel with stone walls, wood beams and a roaring fireplace in winter. It has such a cozy vibe and is the perfect place to stop after a morning skiing or snowboarding at Cardrona.

Experience Queenstown Ice Bar

The Queenstown Ice Bar is a unique cocktail bar experience. Inspired by Scandinavian design you’ll be sipping in style cocooned in a venue carved from 25 tonnes of ice creating a glass-like architecture and truly unique experience.

The Queenstown Ice Bar is located on Brecon street next to the Queenstown Skyline Gondola. They will even provide you with a warm coat and accessories. 

It’s worth noting that the legal drinking age is 18 years old in New Zealand. The only forms of ID that are accepted are your passport, a valid New Zealand driver license and the Kiwi Access Card.

Cruise Milford Sound

While Queenstown can bring in the masses for ski season, Fiordland tends to be more beautiful and generally less crowded in the winter months. The moody skies add to the already dramatic landscape. You also have a chance of seeing wildlife such as dolphins, whales and fur seals. 

Winter can also bring lots of rain but that’s a good thing as it brings the spectacular waterfalls to life, sometimes even creating new ones right before your eyes making it the perfect season for a cruise through the Milford Sound.

Check Prices and Availability: Queenstown to Milford Sound Full-Day Trip with Lunch

Spring in Queenstown (September to November) 

The spring season officially runs from September to November in New Zealand with the average high temperature in Queenstown ranging between 8℃ and 22℃ (46℉ to 71℉). September tends to be cooler and warming up in late November.

The Spring months can still be quite chilly up in the mountains while being warm in the valleys. The days will become longer with daylight savings occurring on the last Sunday in September. It’s a unique season in which you can pretty much do everything on offer and the snow capped mountains create the perfect backdrop for the lush valleys and new blooms bursting with color. 

The weather can be unpredictable with lots of rain showers so it’s best to bring layers that you can adjust for the temperature including a raincoat. If you plan on being in the mountains, bring a warm coat as well. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. 

Pros of visiting Queenstown in Spring

Spring is considered a shoulder season with less crowds and typically a quieter time to visit earlier in the season. You can get better rates and more availability on accommodation and car rentals. Even popular tours and attractions will often have discounts or promotions.

Ski fields are usually still open in early spring and you can get discounted rates and packages.

The days get longer, especially from late October when the sun sets around 7pm so you have more daylight hours to explore.

Cons of visiting Queenstown in spring

Spring in Queenstown can bring a lot of rain so if you are planning mostly outdoor activities during your visit this can be the biggest drawback.

Some attractions that close for winter may not be fully operational in the beginning of the season so it’s worth checking opening times and hours in advance for any activities you really don’t want to miss out on. 

By late spring you have even longer daylight hours and warmer weather which also means more visitors. Expect more crowds and higher pricing by November. 

If you are after good deals, less crowds and don’t mind a bit of rain then early Spring is the best time to visit Queenstown.

Best Activities for Spring

Give skydiving a try

Jumping out of a plane is a sure-fire activity to get the adrenaline flowing which will last for days after. I took the plunge with NZone and had the best experience. 

Skydiving is one of the best things to do in Queenstown in any season but the milder temperatures and lush landscape in spring make it the ideal time. You’ll experience the most incredible birds eye view of Queenstown and the surrounding areas. 

With skydiving being a weather dependent activity in any season, I recommend booking it in for the beginning of your stay in Queenstown. That way if it gets cancelled due to bad weather you may have the option to re-book for another day.

» Book Your Skydiving Adventure here!

Go on a Winery Tour

Did you know Queenstown is surrounded by some of New Zealand’s award winning wineries? This region is particularly known for its Pinot Noir variety and spring is a beautiful time to visit.

The spring weather means sampling delicious wine and al fresco dining surrounded by blooms in picture perfect locations locations like Gibbston Valley and Cromwell. There are quite a few wine tours to choose from, many offering pick up locations right from Queenstown.

🤩 This Gourmet Food, Wine and Cheese Tour offers great value with 15+ wine tastings, a food-matched lunch and cheese pairing!

Ride the Skyline Gondola

The Skyline Gondola is an iconic must-do experience in Queenstown. It’s the steepest gondola in the Southern Hemisphere that takes you to the top of Bob’s Peak. It recently completed an upgrade to all new state-of-the-art gondolas.

Once at the top there are a range of activities to choose from. You can ride the luge, go on a hike, dine at the buffet restaurant or cafe with views over Queenstown or go mountain biking.

The main viewing platform offers 220 degree views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges, which is set for a major upgrade and expansion. Exciting things to come!

Take a day trip to Glenorchy

Summer and winter are the most popular times for visiting Glenorchy which means it will be busier. Spring is a great time to visit Glenorchy with fewer visitors, colorful lupins blooming, baby lambs springing about the fields and longer days to enjoy. 

Head to the Glenorchy Wharf to visit the famous little red boat shed and beautiful lakefront. After you’ve visited the Glenorchy Boat Shed and Wharf, the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway is a super easy 3.2 km (2 mile) loop walk that will take you around the lagoon.

LOTR fans can’t visit Glenorchy without taking a ride out to Paradise to check out the beautiful scenery of Mount Aspiring and some of the LOTR filming locations.

This Queenstown Half Day Trip to Glenorchy offers value for money and this Lord of The Rings Tour will take you into Middle Earth and all the best filming locations.

Walk Around Queenstown Gardens

Queenstown Gardens is a lovely and easy walking trail with views of Lake Wakatipu, Frankton Arm, surrounding mountains, and Queenstown itself. It’s a 3km loop and should take about 1.5 hours to complete. Access to Queenstown Gardens is just a few minutes walk from the center of Queenstown. 

The gardens contain a variety of exotic and native trees and plants. Although suitable to do all year round, spring means the cherry blossoms are in bloom and Queenstown Gardens is the best place to see them!

Summer in Queenstown (December to February)

The summer season officially runs from December to February in New Zealand with the average temperatures in Queenstown ranging between 20°C and 30°C (68℉ to 86℉). 

The weather during the Summer months is generally drier with cooler mornings turning into hot afternoons. It’s peak season and visitors from all over the world travel to Queenstown to experience all it has to offer. Long sunny days give you more time to pack in all the fun activities and soak in the beautiful landscape. 

With hot sunny days with cooler mornings, bring light layers for the mornings and evenings and cooler clothes for during the day. The sun is intense here in New Zealand so sunscreen is a must. I also recommend bringing along a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water.

Pros of visiting Queenstown in Summer

Warm dry weather and long daylight hours means a bigger range of activities and more time to do them. With sunrise as early as 5am and setting as late as 10pm in peak summer you can really make the most of your time in Queenstown. 

Although skiing may be off the table, water sport activities such as SUP, kayaking and canyoning are in full swing.

Cons of visiting Queenstown in Summer

It’s the busiest season with visitors from all over the world coming to enjoy summer and escape winter in the northern hemisphere. Additionally, it’s summer school holidays in New Zealand and Australia making Queenstown a popular summer destination for families. 

Expect crowds and higher costs for things like accommodation and car rentals. Popular attractions can also sell out. Roads will be busier and finding parking in the town center can be difficult. Even restaurants can be fully booked during peak meal times.

If you are travelling to Queenstown in the summer then booking as much as you can as early as possible is best to avoid disappointment.

The sun can be intense so be sure to stay hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen.

If you don’t mind the crowds, prefer almost guaranteed good weather and are keen to fit as many activities into your day as possible, including lakeside beach BBQs, then summer is the best time to visit Queenstown.

Best Activities for Summer

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw

A leisurely cruise along Lake Wakatipu on the historic coal fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, is a great way to spend a summer afternoon in Queenstown.

 You can explore the decks and engine room. There is also a cafe onboard offering food and drinks. The return trip from central Queenstown to Walters Peak Farm takes about 90 minutes.

We like this half day tour which includes a BBQ and farm tour once you arrive at Walters Peak.

Jet boat through the Shotover River

There is no better way to cool off from the hot Queenstown weather in summer than jet boating down one of the fast-flowing rivers through narrow river canyons at speeds of up to 90 km (56 mph). It’s one of the best things to do in Queenstown for an exhilarating experience. 

We opted to go with The Shotover Jet which is located on Arthurs Point Road about a 10-minute drive from the center of Queenstown. You can make your own way there or they offer a complimentary shuttle service leaving from The Station, on the corner of Camp & Shotover Streets.

We had a fantastic experience and would do it again!

Have a picnic at Moke Lake

Moke Lake is a small lake surrounded by freshwater wetlands, farmland and mountains tucked away on the outskirts of Queenstown. It’s one of the South Island’s hidden gems and a favorite spot for local photographers. 

It’s about a 20 minute drive from Queenstown center on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and Moke Lake Road and a lovely spot for a picnic lunch and leisurely walk around the lake.

The Moke Lake Loop trail will take you right around the lake on a relatively flat well maintained track that is surrounded by mountains. On a still day you can see the mountains reflecting in the lake which is absolutely stunning. There are picnic tables (and the friendliest ducks you’ll ever meet) at the lakes edge. 

There isn’t anywhere to purchase food or drink nearby so be sure to bring your own, especially enough water if you plan on doing the loop track. Be sure to take any rubbish home with you and leave no trace to help keep Moke Lake as beautiful as you found it.

Try Ziplining

How does flying through the forest canopy on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline sound? If your excitement levels just shot up then this tour with Ziptrek Ecotours is a fun summer activity.

As one of the best zipline experiences in New Zealand, they offer three different courses to choose from. Tours range from 1 to 3 hours, so you have flexibility based on the amount of time you have. It’s open all year round…rain, sun or snow although booking for a clear day in summer will make the most of the incredible views!

It’s one of the top Queenstown zipline experiences so be sure to reserve your spot in advance!

Take a 4WD Off-Road Adventure

Ready to get dirty? Off Road Adventures is a local family owned and operated company offering quad and dirt bike tours through Queenstown’s stunning back-country. They have tours for all levels from beginners to pro. You’ll get access to some incredible locations not possible by car and too far to reach on foot.

Another great option is this 3.5-Hour Quad Biking Experience with Outback New Zealand where you’ll get to explore exclusive tracks on Queenstown Hill on a fully automatic ATV.

The warm dry weather in summer makes the perfect season to get out there and explore the backcountry. Once you’re finished you can jump into Lake Wakatipu to clean off and cool off!

Autumn in Queenstown (March to May) 

The autumn (or fall) season in New Zealand runs from March to May and is my absolute favorite season. 

Average temperatures in Queenstown range between 5°C and 25°C (41℉ to 77℉) during this season which is quite a spread so layers are essential. Expect crisp mornings and warm sunny days. 

The days are still quite long in early autumn (March) with sunset around 8.30pm and gets earlier from around April when daylight savings occurs. Remember our seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere so in April our clocks go back an hour.

Autumn is a popular season for photographers who come from all over to photograph the beautiful landscape blazing with colors of red, orange and gold. 

March is still quite a busy month. It starts to get quieter from about mid-April with May being perhaps one of the quietest months to visit Queenstown. 

The weather in autumn can have cooler mornings and evenings and warm days. Bring warm and light layers so you can adjust as the temperature changes throughout the day.

Pros of visiting Queenstown in Autumn

Autumn is one of the prettiest seasons to visit Queenstown with the deciduous trees changing to the fall colors and a great season for exploring the surrounding towns.

Dry days and milder temperatures are perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

Being a shoulder season (or off-peak season) you can find better deals on accommodation, especially later in the season as it becomes less busy.

Cons of visiting Queenstown in Autumn

It can still be quite busy early in the season. Temperatures will drop later in the season so it can be chilly at night and the days start to get shorter. 

It’s a season that can be too early for winter activities and too late for summer activities, especially late autumn when opening days/hours may start to become more limited as the town becomes less busy. 

If you prefer less crowds, milder temperatures and a more relaxed holiday then autumn may be your ideal time to visit Queenstown.

Best Activities for Autumn

Take a day trip to Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town located a short 20 minute drive from Queenstown. Rich in history, character and charm. Its quiet location, quaint architecture and beautiful scenery makes this a fantastic day trip from Queenstown. 

There are lots of fun things to do in this charming little town and autumn is a great season to visit when the surrounding hills are blanketed in shades of red, yellow and orange and the temperatures are perfect for exploring the nature trails. 

For a small town there are a ton of great cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat before exploring the boutique shops along Buckingham street.

If you don’t have car we highly recommend this Arrowtown and Gibbston Half-Day Scenic Tour which takes you to Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy Center, and a local winery for a tasting and platters, plus a scenic boat cruise on Lake Whakatipu. So many awesome highlights and excellent value for money.

Go on a hike

With mild temperatures and a landscape bursting with color, autumn is a great season to go hiking in Queenstown. There are so many trails to choose from, from easy nature walks to full day alpine hikes. 

My favorite hike in Queenstown is hands down Ben Lomond. It’s a full day’s hike that will take about 6-8 hrs return to the summit. It’s an intermediate to advanced hike so a decent level of fitness and preparation is required for this one. 

The best times to go are from November to April so you’ll have to get this one in by early autumn, but do check the DOC website for up to date alerts and information when planning your hike. This one isn’t suitable in snow, ice or bad weather.

Rated as a moderate hike, the Queenstown Hill Time Walk  is a great alternative. It’s an easily accessible 5 km (3 mile) return hike that starts from Belfast Terrace right in downtown Queenstown. It’s steep in the beginning and then a gradual uphill climb. At the top you are rewarded with panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables Cecil’s Peak and Bob’s Peak.

Walk around Lake Hayes

Lake Hayes has an easy walking track that is an 8 km (5 mile) loop around the perimeter of the lake and will take about 2-3 hours to complete.

There are several access points to the lake. If you’re traveling from Queenstown the most direct route is via highway 6 and the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road. 

Lake Hayes is great to visit in any season but in autumn the lake is surrounded by beautiful golden hues with comfortable temperatures for walking.

Go Bungy Jumping

The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is the original and world famous. It’s a 43m (140 foot) high bungy over the Kawarau River. You even have the option to touch the water if you dare.

The views are pretty awesome here,  especially in autumn when the gorge is filled with red, orange and yellow colors against the ice blue river.

» Book your Kawarau Bridge Bungy jump here!

Ride The Queenstown Trail

The Queenstown Trail is a New Zealand Great Ride featuring a 130km network of trails in the Wakatipu basin.

The trails will lead you between rivers, lakes and mountain ranges giving easy access to popular spots such as Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and Gibbston Valley that come alive with the colors of autumn during this time of the year.

You can enjoy a self-guided tour and navigate on your own using detailed trail maps or opt for one of the guided bike tour options that are available.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, any time is the best time to go to Queenstown! Every season has something to offer in this beautiful region, be it days packed full of adventure activities or a leisurely paced holiday sipping wine and dining in Queenstown’s fantastic eateries. I hope this blog helps you decide on the best time to visit Queenstown for you personally. It’s a great place to visit whatever the season!

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