Get exclusive travel offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder Privacy & Cookies Policy and Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
Queenstown
Travel Guides
Best time to go to Queenstown
Find the best time to visit the adventure capital, Queenstown, based on the activities and prices on your itinerary.
We’re committed to our readers and editorial independence. We don’t compare all products in the market and may receive compensation when we refer you to our partners, but this does not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn more about Finder .
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
December to February.
You can find most activities in Queenstown during the summer between December and February. Avoid the peak tourist season by travelling at the beginning and end of summer to maximise the hot temperatures and the mix of activities. Avoid autumn, which is between March and May, due to its unpredictable weather.
Cheapest time to fly to Queenstown
Latest Queenstown travel deals
Trafalgar Tours
Up to 15% off last-minute trips
Valid for travel on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Europe, UK, the Middle East, Argentina, India, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
Europcar
Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand rentals
Ends
Available on select dates until 15 December 2020. Rental must be for 2 days or more and booked 21 days in advance. T&Cs apply.
Hotels.com
Extra 8% off on hotel bookings
Ends
Save on hotel stays before 31 December 2020 in Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, USA and more. Available at select hotels.
Europcar
Up to 20% off base rate
Ends
Available on rentals until 15 December 2020 in Australia and New Zealand. Pick up on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday required to avail offer. T&Cs apply
Otel.com
Extra 9% off hotel bookings
Valid on select hotel stays worldwide like Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, USA, Europe and more on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Some restrictions apply.
DriveNow
Campervan hire from $5/day
Available on select routes, dates and locations in Australia, including Darwin, Alice Springs, Cairns and Brisbane, and New Zealand.
G Adventures
Up to 15% off Australia and New Zealand tours
Ends
Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Cairns, Wellington, Auckland, Queenstown and more. T&Cs apply.
Skyscanner
New Zealand flights from $243 return
Ends
Available on select dates from January - October 2021 to Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin and more. Sample fare is Sydneyt-Auckland with Jetstar. T&Cs apply.
Topdeck
New Zealand trips from $1,209
Available for travel on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Queenstown, Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, Auckland, Wellington and more. T&Cs apply.
Swiss BelHotel
Up to $500 off gift vouchers
Ends
Vouchers are valid for 24 months after dates of purchase. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland and Queenstown. T&Cs apply.
Cruise Direct
Australia and New Zealand cruises from USD$365
Available on select dates in 2021 with Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and more. Sample rate is for a 3-night cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Cruise Direct
Up to 60% off 2nd guest + kids sail free on worldwide cruises
Ends
Available on select dates in 2021 with Royal Caribbean Cruises. Plus get 30% off 3rd and 4th guest and up to USD$1,000 OBC. Destinations include Mexico, Bahamas, Alaska, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France and more. T&Cs apply.
OneTravel
Up to $10 off international flights
Ends
Available on select travel dates when you use the code. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, London and more. T&Cs apply.
OneTravel
Up to $50 off holiday package fees
Ends
Available on all vacations when you use the code. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, USA and more. T&Cs apply.
OneTravel
Up to $10 off hotel booking fees
Ends
Available on select stay dates when you use the code. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, USA and more. T&Cs apply.
Airbnb
New Zealand stays from $30/night
Available on select dates from July onward for Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch stays. T&Cs apply.
Destination International
8-day New Zealand getaway with flights from $2,299
Ends
Available for travel on select dates from 1 February - 30 November 2021. Package includes return economy flights, accommodation, transfers, tours, car rental and more. T&Cs apply.
Destination International
14-day New Zealand getaway from $4,799 with flights
Ends
Available on select dates from February - November 2021. Package includes return flights, accommodation, Queenstown Skyline Gondola with dinner, transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
Destination International
7-day Niue and New Zealand getaway with flights from $1,899
Ends
Available for travel from February - March 2021. Includes return airfares, transfers, accommodations and more.
TourRadar
Up to 30% off Australia and New Zealand tours
Ends
Available on select dates until December 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Adelaide, Darwin, Byron Bay, Christchurch, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.
Cruise Direct
Up to USD$1,300 OBC with Celebrity Cruises
Ends
Available on select dates in 2021. Destinations include Bahamas, Japan, Argentina, Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand and more. T&Cs apply.
Contiki
Up to 20% off New Zealand trips
Ends
Available on selected trips departing from 14 November 2020 - 6 March 2021 to Christchurch, Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and more. T&Cs apply.
Avani
Up to 33% off stays + extra 10% off members
Ends
Available on select stay dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Dubai, Lisbon, Malaysia and more. Minimum of 3+ night stays. T&Cs apply.
Qatar Airways
Up to 12% off economy class flights + 1 free date change
Ends
Available on flights until 31 October 2021 for registered students from Australia, New Zealand and more. Destinations include Japan, Korea, Canada, India and more. T&Cs apply.
AAT Kings
Up to 2.5% off 2+ holiday bookings + Extra 10% off day tours
Available on select dates until 2021 across Australia and New Zealand when you purchase at the same time. T&Cs apply.
Rentalcars.com
Compare over 800 car hire companies worldwide
Rentalcars.com can help you compare major car hire company rates for the best price. Companies it compares include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar and Budget. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada and more.
Trafalgar Tours
Up to 15% off + $99 deposit on 2021 trips
Ends
Available for travel in 2021 to Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, India and more. T&Cs apply.
Hotels.com
Up to 30% off New Zealand hotels + Extra 8% off
Ends
Available on select hotels and stay dates until December 2020 in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and more.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts
10% off stays in Australia and New Zealand
Valid for My Oaks members. Membership is free and also entitles guests to late check-out and complimentary Internet use. T&Cs apply.
Trafalgar Tours
Up to 5% off family tours
Available on select travel dates in 2020 and 2021 when you book for 5 people or more. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
Trafalgar Tours
Up to 5% off group tours
Available on select travel dates in 2020 and 2021 when you book for 9 people or more. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
OneTravel
Up to 25% off worldwide hotels
Ends
Available on select dates in Las Vegas, London, Paris, Australia, New Zealand and more.
Hertz
Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand car hires
Ends
Available on rentals until 31 October 2020 when you book for 7+ days. T&Cs apply.
TourRadar
Up to 50% off advance purchase
Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021 when you book 90 days in advance. Destinations include Maldives, Lisbon, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and more.
Bookabach NZ
New Zealand stays from NZD$46/night
Ends
Available on select 2020 dates in Auckland, Waihike Island, Rotorua and more. Sample rate is for a stay at a petite cabin in Mangawhai Park. T&Cs apply.
Cruise Direct
Last minute cruises from USD$109
Ends
Available on select dates in 2020 to Australia, New Zealand, London, Amsterdam, Italy, Greece and more. T&Cs apply.
Stayz
New Zealand stays from $20/night
Available on stays in 2020 in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and more. Sample stay is for a bed in a dormitory in Queenstown.
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
Up to 10% off + 2,000 bonus points on New Zealand stays
Ends
Available for stays until 31 March 2021 when you book for a minimum of 2 nights stay. Valid for My Millennium members only. T&Cs apply.
Trip.com
Queenstown stays from $12
Ends
Available on stays until 31 December 2020. Sample rate is for a stay at Nomads Hotel Queenstown. T&Cs apply
Overview
Temperatures vary significantly throughout the year and in each season. The most unpredictable time of year is autumn where temperatures range from -3 to 26℃. Summer is the hottest time with temperatures of 2 to 29℃ while winter is ideal for snow sports with temperatures from -6 to 15℃.
You’ll find the best bang for your buck along with activities and good weather in spring where temperatures reach lows of -2 and highs of 24℃.
Weather and prices
Best time to visit Queenstown, weather wise. Most activities are available in summer, so December to February is an ideal time to visit.
Cheapest time to visit Queenstown. Visit during spring, September to November, for smaller crowds but weather warm enough for outdoor activities.
Best time to visit Queenstown for...
- Snow and skiing. New Zealand’s winter,June to August, is the best time to catch a ride through the powder. But it’s best in September when the crowds are gone, the temperatures are slightly warmer and there’s still snow on the ground.
- Sightseeing. Visit during the spring months of September to November for blooming trees and warmer weather without the crowds and peak prices.
- Extreme sports. Extreme sports are available all year round but avoid autumn, March to May, since it features the most unpredictable weather.
- Wineries. Summer, December to February, is peak season for wine tastings, but wineries are open all year round so spring is also ideal and less crowded.
- Water sports. To avoid cool water, stick to the summer months of December to February.
- Outdoor activities. If you wish to avoid crowds, visit in spring (September to November) when the temperatures are comfortable and mild. If you crave the heat, then summer (December to February) is best.
Related Posts
Ask an Expert