May 30, 2023
Queenstown is the ultimate winter holiday destination for a group of friends and perfect for a short week or even long-weekend getaway! With three ski fields within an easy drive, endless adventure activities and an amazing collection of places to eat & drink, there’s no better town to wrap up warm and enjoy all it has to offer.
As long-term locals, based right in central Queenstown, we love talking about all Queenstown has to offer and want our customers to make the most of their winter holiday.
Here is our recommended 5 day ski holiday itinerary for you to take inspiration from.
Day 1 – Experience the ultimate welcome to Queenstown
Arrive in style
When you book your Jet boat airport transfer with KJet, you’ll experience a shot of adrenaline before you even check-in to your hotel. You’ll be met at the arrivals hall with a personalised sign and hop onto your Mercedes-Benz sprinter. After a short drive around to the lake, you’ll be dropped at a private jetty – add on some bubbles here to really impress your mates – before being whisked away on a jet boat for a 20-minute blast around the famous Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. At speeds of up to 95km/hour with some 360° spins, there’s no better way to arrive in style and squeeze a bonus activity into your holiday. If you’re staying at The Rees or The Hilton, get a bonus drop-off right at their private jetty. Otherwise, you’ll be dropped off at the Main Town Pier where you can walk across to your central hotel, where your luggage will be waiting with the concierge.
Ski gear
Head out to get all your ski rental gear sorted today and it will be delivered to your hotel ready for you to use in the morning. Check out the experts Browns Ski Shop in town, operating since 1980.
Time Tripper
For the perfect introduction to Queenstown, check out New Zealand’s only underwater theatre, Time Tripper at the Main Town Pier. The impressive, state-of-the-art, animated show will take you back 90 million years to the time of dinosaurs, explain how the Southern Alps were created and share the beautiful love story of Lake Wakatipu. After the show, wonder at the slinky eels, diving ducks and trout in the underwater observatory – you won’t believe they are real!
Evening out
Head to dinner at Boardwalk Restaurant at Steamer Wharf, where you’ll enjoy some beautiful steak, seafood and oysters. Once you’ve finished dinner, head downstairs to Pier to sit outside with a blanket and enjoy a wine or cocktail while you take in the scenes of the bustling Queenstown lakefront at night.
Day 2 – Ski at The Remarkables
The Remarkables
Make sure you’re up early to enjoy a full day skiing or snowboarding at The Remarkables. A 45-minute drive from Queenstown town centre, enjoy the stunning views as you head up to the base building. With a huge learner area, a large variety of trails to choose from including parks and some steep terrain, there is something to suit all levels. Take up one of the morning beginner or refresher lessons to get you going. The café has lots of options for lunch and snacks. Rest your legs for an hour with a mulled wine or beer on the piste at the Ice Bar and enjoy the view.
Evening out
Once you’re ready to head out on the town, there are lots of amazing options for dinner and drinks. For an Asian Polynesian twist, head to Blue Kanu and make your way through the sharing dishes – make sure to try the prawn and scallop toast! Fancy dessert? Check out Patagonia chocolates range of treats and hot chocolates. Try Bardeaux for a cozy drink or if you’re keen for a bit of a party head to Ballarat Trading Company or Sundeck.
Day 3 – Bungy & night ski
Bungy jump
A morning of activities will blow any hangover away. Booking your Bungy Jump first before breakfast might be a good idea! The Kawarau Bridge Bungy was where bungy jumping was invented and with such a stunning setting, you don’t want to miss it! They also have options for tandem jumps or a zipride for a little less adrenaline, but it’s also just a great place to be a spectator.
Fergburger
Head back into town for lunch at the famous Fergburger – you simply cannot visit Queenstown without trying one! The wait can be long but very worth it. Visiting at lunchtime means less queues.
Queenstown Gardens
While you digest your Fergburger, have a wander around Queenstown Gardens to see the sculptures, ducks and trees.
Coronet Peak night ski
Get ready for your night skiing adventure at Coronet Peak. The night ski pass starts at 4pm but you can also buy a Twilight pass valid from 12.30pm-9pm. See the incredible sunset while you ski and when your legs are done, grab a pizza and check out the DJs on the deck.
Day 4 – Snowmobiles & Onsen hot tubs
Snowmobiles
Experience the snow in a different way today while you take a helicopter trip for some action-packed snowmobile riding. View the region’s snow-covered mountains from the helicopter as you head to the exclusive back-country terrain before whizzing around on your own snowmobile for 1.5 hours, instructed by professional, qualified guides.
Arrowtown
Spend a couple of hours wandering around historic Arrowtown where a walk down the main street is a journey back in time. Try out local eats Slow Cuts or La Rumbla to fill up.
Onsen Hot Tubs
In the late afternoon, enjoy Onsen’s cedar-lined hot-tubs, with breath-taking views over the Shotover River. Choose from a massage, face or body treatment as an add-on to your exclusive use hot-tub and take some deep breathes.
Dinner
Walk along to Cargo Brewery (5 mins) for some dinner and drinks in their historic stone building which was Queenstown’s first hospitality business in the gold rush era of 1865.
Day 5 – Cardrona ski field
Cardrona
Spend the day at Cardrona ski field with its world-class terrain, wide variety of runs and it’s five chairlifts (including the amazing Chondola – a fully enclosed gondola to keep you warm on the way to the top!). Check out the big air parks and half pipes, or just watch from the sidelines! There are loads of options for food on the mountain too.
Evening out
Keeping the day chill, head to Minus 5 Ice Bar for a cocktail or mocktail in a glass made of ice in Queenstown’s original ice bar. Explore the impressive ice furniture and handmade ice carvings.
For a warm place to enjoy pizza and drinks, check out The London underground bar.
Day 6 – Brunch before you fly out
Enjoy a fabulous brunch at Mora Wines before you head out to the airport. If you have time, squeeze in a quick walk around some of the scenic Lake Hayes track nearby.
