Explore Queenstown and The Remarkables

Ski New Zealand have a superb range of cars suitable for winter driving in New Zealand. With a range of inclusions like ski racks, and snow chains that will suit your winter holiday perfectly. First time driving in New Zealand winter? Check out our helpful tips!

Welcome to Queenstown for your winter ski or snowboarding holiday.  It’s not just the skiing that makes Queenstown a fantastic winter destination, there’s also the spectacular scenery, amazing adventures and endless activities to keep you entertained when you’re not on the slopes.  After each action-packed day, you’ll also find a superb variety of cafes and restaurants to relax and refuel at.
Today we recommend you visit the Snow Centre located on the ground floor of the Station Building at 9 Duke St and collect your MyPass card.  This will save you heaps of time tomorrow as you’ll avoid the morning queues and can head straight to the mountain with more time to ski and ride.  When you visit the Snow Centre please take your Ski New Zealand itinerary with you as the Snow Centre staff will need the reference number for this.  You will need to pay $5 for each MyPass card and each person in your group receives their own card.  All your lift passes, rental equipment, lessons, shuttle transfers etc will be loaded onto your card.

From Queenstown, it’s a 20-minute drive to Coronet Peak Ski Area.  From the centre of town it’s well sign-posted to Coronet Peak, approximately 13km out of town. The road to the ski field is a sealed alpine road, snow chains must be carried.

The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to ski and ride Queenstown’s closest mountains – Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Get more choice, more fun and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
With 2 days of New Zealand Superpasses, you've got lift access to New Zealand's premier ski areas plus the fun and excitement of a range of off-mountain attractions in and around Queenstown. You can mix it up a little and ski a day at the Remarkables and a day at Coronet Peak, or maybe you've got your eye on a run that you want to conquer over 2 days. And remember if the weather doesn't play ball on one of your days you can always exchange one of your Superpass days for an exciting off-mountain activity or towards a feast at your favourite Queenstown and restaurant or cafe.
Want to ski a little longer, don't own your own gear or snow clothing, or not sure if your skills are up to scratch?
No worries, chat to us about adding additional days, rentals, or lessons.

Want to challenge yourself on exciting terrain in some of the best conditions in the Southern Hemisphere?  Then Coronet Peak should be top of your list. This theme park created by mother nature offers gripping trails and extensive snowmaking facilities, making for complete snow coverage on multiple trails. Coronet is also home to night skiing for a different take on these roller coaster trails try it under lights. For those just getting to know the snow the dedicated learner and novice areas make finding your snow feet easy and all gear can be hired on the mountain. With 25% beginners, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced, Coronet Peak has the trail for you.  For a break from the snow, enjoy live music at the base building, or wet your whistle with a hot chocolate or cold beverage at Heidi's Hut. The pizza and pasta meals are great for warming you up and giving you an energy boost for the afternoon. There are regular shuttles to and from Queenstown, which is only a 20-minute drive away. 

Well-known as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world's first and most famous bungy jumps to jet boat thrills, white-water rafting, and skydiving. However, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by many historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks and gardens, browse through market stalls on weekends, dine in wonderful al-fresco restaurants, or ride on the 100-year-old historic Steamship - TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. Take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob's Peak and soak up the panoramic views of the magnificent lake and mountain ranges. Steamer Wharf is full of delicious eateries and the O'Connells Pavillion is great for a spot of shopping. And after all of that, if you do want the adrenaline rush, Queenstown is known for taking your pick from the Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, or Heli-hike.

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience a delicious barbeque lunch and a farm tour in a stunning lakeside setting. First, take a scenic cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, one of the last remaining fully functional coal-fired passenger ships in the southern hemisphere.
Disembark and take in the picturesque shores of the Station. Relax on the lakeside terrace at the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant and savour the aromas of the best local produce being cooked on the grill. The seasonal menu has plenty to choose from salads, vegetables and succulent meat with plenty of delicious dietaries on offer as well. Finish your meal with a scrumptious dessert before joining an entertaining farm demonstration or exploring the beautiful lakeside gardens.

From Queenstown it’s a 40 minute drive to the Remarkables Ski Area.  From the centre of town drive towards the airport, then continue over the Kawarau River and continue on the main road until you see the well signposted entry for the Remarkables Ski Area Access Road. The road to the ski field is a sealed 14 km alpine road, snow chains must be carried.

The Remarkables offers a laid-back atmosphere which is fantastic for families and those new to skiing or snowboarding. Located just 45 minutes from Queenstown, the Remarkables features a fantastic network of trails with wide, gentle slopes for beginners of all ages and big mountain runs for the experts in the family. With 30% beginners, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced, the Remarkables offers challenges for all levels and for those wanting to progress quickly, the friendly team of instructors can be with you every step of the way. While you're up there don't forget to check out the purpose-built snow tubing lanes before you round off with a steaming hot chocolate or drink at Remarkables cafe. With regular shuttles from Queenstown, lessons for 4yrs+ and complete gear hire on the mountain, this is a fun and easy day out for visitors to the South Island.

If the weather plays ball and you’re legs are up to it take to the slopes again, maybe even venture over to Treble Cone for the day.  Just a 90 minute drive from Queenstown, this ski field has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for 2 years running.  If you need a rest day you can always slip in a spot of retail therapy at Queenstown’s many shops or take the short drive to Arrowtown.  This historic village is perfect for strolling and as an added bonus is home to a fantastic range of shops, cafes and restaurants.  A winter holiday in Queenstown doesn’t need to be all about the snow there are many other ways to spend your day, including golf at Millbrook Resort, a day trip to Glenorchy to explore Mt Aspiring National Park on the Dart River Wilderness Safari, or maybe take a scenic flight over snow covered Fiordland National Park to the spectacular Milford Sound.

The Gibbston Valley is a premier boutique wine growing region right on Queenstown’s doorstep.  Stretching from the Kawarau Suspension Bridge to Lake Hayes, the area is heavily planted in grapes, including pinot noir which Central Otago does so well.  Vineyards that shouldn’t be missed include Peregrine with its architecturally designed cellar, Chard Farm and Gibbston Valley Wines home to New Zealand’s largest wine cave as well as a gift shop, cheesery and café.  Another great option for lunch is Amisfield Winery, the Bistro is a real treat.  To explore Gibbston Valley you can self drive, but if you want to enjoy the tastings either join a guided wine tasting tour or a supported bike tour, where they’ll pick you up after the wine tasting, saving you from a wobbly ride home.

One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River. Established in 1862 during the height of the Otago gold rush, the settlement grew quickly as pioneers constructed cottages, shops, hotels and churches, more than 60 of which can still be seen today. A special highlight is the Chinese settlement at the edge of the river. Built by Chinese miners from 1868, this area of restored shelters and buildings paints a picture of earlier times. It is a living historic settlement with many stories to tell. Wander the tree-lined streets of restored cottages and explore gold mining sites. In April and May Arrowtown ignites with colour as deciduous trees prepare for winter and a festival held in the last week of April celebrates the town's seasonal beauty and glittering history.

If time allows sneak in a few more Queenstown sights or maybe take an early morning ride on the Skyline gondola before returning your rental car to the airport and catching your flight home.