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:
Air New Zealand - Tasman
New Zealand flights from $148 each way
Valid for travel on select dates from September - December 2018 and January - May 2019. Destinations include Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington. Sample fare is from Sydney-Christchurch.
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Europcar AU
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.
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Enterprise Rent a Car USA
Up to 10% off New Zealand car hire
Valid until 31 December 2018. Minimum of 3 days rental. T&Cs apply.
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Accor Hotels
$25 off each night + $1 breakfast
Valid for stays from 1 June - 11 November 2018. Redeemable at 190+ hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia.
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DriveNow
Campervan hire from $5/day
Offers and validity dates updated daily. Available on select routes in Australia and New Zealand.
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CruiseAway
30% off all guests + free balcony upgrade with Royal Caribbean
Valid for cruise on select dates from October 2018 - January 2020. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Pacific, South Pacific and more. T&Cs apply.
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TFE Hotels
25% off stays across Australia and New Zealand
Valid for stays between 19 August 2018 - 22 August 2019 on all participating hotels across Australia and New Zealand. Offer excludes bookings for The Calile Hotel Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
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Virgin Australia - Deals
New Zealand flights from $209 each way
Valid for travel from 31 October - 12 December 2018, 30 January - 27 March 2019 and 7-30 May 2019. Destinations include Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Dunedin. Sample fare is Brisbane-Christchurch.
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TFE Hotels Collection
25% off stays across Australia and New Zealand
Valid for stays between 19 August 2018 - 22 August 2019 on all participating hotels across Australia and New Zealand. Offer excludes bookings for The Calile Hotel Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
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Rendezvous
25% off stays across Australia and New Zealand
Valid for stays between 19 August 2018 - 22 August 2019 on all participating hotels across Australia and New Zealand. Offer excludes bookings for The Calile Hotel Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
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Vibe
25% off stays across Australia and New Zealand
Valid for stays between 19 August 2018 - 22 August 2019 on all participating hotels across Australia and New Zealand. Offer excludes bookings for The Calile Hotel Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
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Travelodge Australia
25% off stays across Australia and New Zealand
Valid for stays between 19 August 2018 - 22 August 2019 on all participating hotels across Australia and New Zealand. Offer excludes bookings for The Calile Hotel Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
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Adina
25% off stays across Australia and New Zealand
Valid for stays between 19 August 2018 - 22 August 2019 on all participating hotels across Australia and New Zealand. Offer excludes bookings for The Calile Hotel Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
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Oaks Hotels & Resorts
Book to win $500 voucher
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Up to 50% off Australia and New Zealand tours
Valid for travel from 23 July - 1 December 2018 depending on the destination. Destinations include Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
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Get up to 30% discount on travel insurance
Save on policies to Bali, New Zealand, USA, Europe, Thailand, Fiji and more when you purchase cover online. Terms and conditions apply.
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G Adventures
20% off Australia and New Zealand tours
Valid for travel from 21 August - 27 November 2018. Destinations include Wellington, Cairns, Melbourne, Auckland, Adelaide, Darwin, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Sydney, Queenstown and more.
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STA Travel
New Zealand flights from $299 return
Valid for travel until 31 December 2018, including Christmas. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch with Air New Zealand.
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Europcar AU
15% off the 5+ day hires
Valid on select dates until 16 December 2018 in Australia or New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
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STA Travel
International flights from $363 return with Air New Zealand
Valid for travel until December 2018. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland. Destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco and more.
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Europcar AU
10% off New Zealand car hire
Valid until 16 December 2018. Minimum of 3 days rental. T&Cs apply.
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Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
Up to 25% off Queenstown ski escape
Valid for travel until 30 September 2018. Minimum of 5 nights. T&Cs apply.
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Europcar AU
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.
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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.
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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.
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