Keen to hit the slopes in the picturesque South Island town? Read on to find out the best time to go.
We’ve researched the best time to ski in the beautiful city of Queenstown based on the weather, the crowds and the prices. Make sure your next ski trip is the best it can be by following our handy tips.
The best time to ski Queenstown
July to September.
Why?
Queenstown is an all-year-round travel destination, but for those looking to brave the cold and visit during the winter months it’s best to visit from July to September.
At this time Queenstown sees the opening of New Zealand’s ski fields and the celebration of the arrival of winter through the Queenstown Winter Festival, which generally takes place at the end of June.
For a quieter trip, it’s best to avoid the beginning of the ski season as a lot of people come to celebrate during this time. We’d recommend the shoulder months of June or October for a balance of minimal crowds and well-priced accommodation, as well as there still being enough snow to ski on.
Overview
Queenstown is a popular holiday destination, meaning it’s best to avoid the weeks prior to, during and after the school holidays and allow the crowds to die down.
July and August are typically the months that Queenstown receives the most snowfall, so if you are keen on making sure you get the absolute best out of the mountain this would be a good time to go.
Weather and prices
The best time to ski in Queenstown, weatherwise: Queenstown is pretty consistent weatherwise throughout the winter months. Most resorts are open from June until October, but August does receive cold blasts the most often.
The cheapest time to ski in Queenstown: The best hotel prices and flight deals tend to be available during the shoulder ski seasons in June and October.
The best time to ski Queenstown...
- Heli-skiing. Heli-skiing is a popular activity for thrill seekers visiting Queenstown. The best time to go is between August and early September, as this is when the snow is deep and the weather is fairly clear.
While the 2017 season opening dates haven’t been announced yet, here is when the main resorts have opened in the past:
- Coronet Peak. As one of New Zealand’s most popular ski destinations, Coronet Peak opens in early June
- The Remarkables. The Remarkables ski resort offers terrain for all ski levels and opens in early June
- Cardrona. Cardrona is another popular ski resort in New Zealand, which is closer to Wanaka than it is to Queenstown. Cardrona opens in early June as well
Find the best price on flights to Queenstown:
Latest snow deals to New Zealand:
CruiseAway
Up to 40% off Royal Caribbean cruises
Save on select Royal Caribbean sailings from now until February 2020 in the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia.
Last verified
Deal expires
Europcar
Up to 20% off base rate
Valid for rentals until 16 December 2018 at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. Must book 21 days in advanced and a minimum of 2-days rental to redeem offer. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
DriveNow
Campervan hire from $5/day
Offers and validity dates updated daily. Available on select routes in Australia and New Zealand.
Last verified
Enterprise Rent a Car
Up to 10% off New Zealand car hire
Valid until 31 December 2018, including over Christmas. Minimum of 3 days rental. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
I Want That Flight
San Francisco flights from $807 return
Valid for travel between November - December 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-San Francisco with Air New Zealand.
Last verified
Coupon code expires
Flight Centre - International
New Zealand flights from $372 return
Valid for travel from 1 February - 31 March 2019 and 1 May - 19 August 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch.
Last verified
Deal expires
Air New Zealand - Longhaul
South America flights from $1,183 return
Valid for travel from February - September 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Buenos Aires.
Last verified
Deal expires
Air New Zealand - Longhaul
North America flights from $999 return
Valid for travel from October - November 2018 and January - June 2019. Destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Vancouver and Honolulu. Sample fare is Sydney-Los Angeles.
Last verified
Deal expires
Air New Zealand - Tasman
New Zealand flights from $179
Valid for travel from 6 February - 3 April 2019 and 1 May - 19 August 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-Christchurch.
Last verified
Deal expires
Air New Zealand - Tasman
New Zealand flights from $239
Valid for travel from 12 November - 13 December 2018 and 31 January - 31 May 2019. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch.
Last verified
Deal expires
Wotif - Deals
Up to 25% off luxury hotels worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Auckland, Queenstown, London, Bangkok, Paris, Fiji and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
STA Travel
International flights from $363 return with Air New Zealand
Valid for travel until December 2018, including over Christmas. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland. Destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco and more.
Last verified
Deal expires
TourRadar
Up to 62% off Australia and New Zealand tours
Valid for travel from September - December 2018 depending on the destination. Destinations include Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Tick Travel Insurance
Get 10% off all Tick travel insurance policies
Want to save more on your Tick travel insurance policy? Just enter this code to receive a 10% discount on your cover to destinations like Bali, New Zealand, USA, Europe, Thailand, Fiji, Vietnam and more.
Last verified
Travel Insurance Saver
Get up to 30% discount on travel insurance
Save on policies to Bali, New Zealand, USA, Europe, Thailand, Fiji, Vietnam and more when you purchase cover online. Terms and conditions apply.
Last verified
CruiseAway
Up to 30% off P&O cruises
Save on select P&O sailings between March - August 2019 in the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia.
Last verified
Deal expires
G Adventures
Up to $1,170 off Australia and New Zealand tours
Valid for travel from 29 October 2018 - 30 January 2019. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Adelaide, Cairns, Alice Springs, Uluru and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
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 checkout and complimentary internet use. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Europcar
15% off the 5+ day hires
Valid on select dates until 16 December 2018 in Australia or New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
CruiseAway
Up to US$1,000 OBC + free upgrade
Valid on select 2018 - 2020 cruises with Seabourn. Destinations include Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Air New Zealand - Pacific Islands
Cook Islands flights from $385 each way
Valid for travel on select dates from May - October 2018. Sample fare is Sydney-Rarotonga.
Last verified
Air New Zealand - Pacific Islands
Norfolk Island flights from $278 each way
Valid for travel until 2 December 2018. Sample fare is Brisbane-Norfolk Island.
Last verified
Europcar
10% off New Zealand car hire
Valid until 16 December 2018. Minimum of 3 days rental. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal expires
Europcar
25% off premium hire insurance
Get up to 25% off on your car rental when you purchase GoZen Cover. Valid at participating locations across Australia and New Zealand. T&C's apply.
Last verified
Choice Hotels
Up to 10% off stays
Valid on select dates when booked between 2-30 days in advance and prepaid at time of booking. Available at locations across Australia and New Zealand.
Last verified
Airport Parking
Compare airport parking rates at 13 airports across Australia and New Zealand
Find the lowest price at various airport parking providers in Australia and New Zealand with Airport Parking.
Last verified
