Queenstown Winter Ski Escape with Car Hire

Ski New Zealand have a superb range of cars from all the top companies and with a range of insurance options and inclusions like ski racks, and snow chains that will suit you perfectly.

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.

Ride the latest in ski or snowboard technology, expertly fitted by the team at Browns Ski Shop. They also have the biggest range of boots in Queenstown to cater for all foot sizes and shapes and take the time to make sure they are correctly fitted.

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.

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. 

The Queenstown Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in the Southern Lakes, 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 Queenstown Superpass and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
With 3 days of Queenstown Superpass fun, you'll be in heaven. You can decide on the day whether you're skiing The Remarkables or Coronet Peak. If so visit the Guest Services Desk to swap one of your Superpass days for a Twilight Pass. With so much flexibility and freedom, you'll have an awesome time no matter the weather. And if you find that your legs aren't going to hold up to a 3rd-day skiing, no worries you can swap a Superpass day for credit towards thrilling off-mountain activities, great shopping and some of the best bars and restaurants in Queenstown.

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.

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.

We recommend a visit to one of Queenstown's ‘must-do’ tourist attractions, the Ice Bars. Queenstown has two bars to choose from, Minus 5° Ice Bar or Below Zero and these are a bucket list item for many visitors. A variety of drinks are available and you will be wrapped up toasty and warm whilst enjoying the sculpted ice walls, bar, furniture, sculptures and even the glasses.

You have already had a taster of what Coronet has to offer now is time to get out and start exploring. Head over to Greengates Express to find a big nature playground full of features. 

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. 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.

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.

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.