What's the best time to visit queenstown?

The question of "what's the best time to visit Queenstown", is one that's always open to debate.

Planning a trip to Queenstown, nestled in the breathtaking Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, is like opening a treasure chest of experiences, each more exhilarating than the last.

Over the years we've helped countless people craft their perfect Queenstown itinerary, and as we've done this, one thing stands out. Queenstown is a year round destination as unique as anywhere else on the planet. Each season paints the "adventure capital" in its own unique colors, and offers you a seemingly never ending variety of experiences.

Read on and we'll help you pinpoint the perfect time to explore this enchanting destination.

Discovering Queenstown: An Introduction

Over the last few decades, our many visits to Queenstown have impressed on us that there are few places that can rival  the sheer visual majesty of Queenstown and the surrounding Southern Lakes region, and we are always left in awe.

Lake Wakatipu stretches out over more than 40 kilometres in length, and is surrounded by towering peaks, snow capped in the cooler months. Even flying in is an experience,  and as you descend over the Southern Alps, time almost stands still, and it seems like you could reach out and touch the alps. In 2025, the British Insurer AllClear awarded Queenstown second place in their "The world's most beautiful airport landings".

On the ground, it doesn't matter whether we are walking or driving, we find ourselves constantly pausing to take it all in. This visual overload influences every holiday here, no matter the time of year, and it doesn't really matter what we are doing, those views are always with us.

The best time to visit Queenstown season by season

Known globally as the "Adventure Capital of the World," Queenstown offers year-round thrills, if that's your thing.

But Queenstown is also the perfect place to just sit and relax.

And it combines both as effortlessly as anywhere else on earth.

Each season here offers distinct experiences, so choosing the best time to visit Queenstown will align with your personal interests.

Whatever you choose to do, the locals will wrap you in the warmth of their southern hospitality.

Summer in Queenstown: The Season of Endless Possibilities (December to February)

When summer arrives in Queenstown, the town becomes a vibrant hub of activity. The days are long, with daylight stretching till after 9.30pm, and temperatures hover comfortably between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it the ideal setting for outdoor adventures.

Adventure rules

If you thrive on adrenaline, summer here is synonymous with bucket-list activities.

Top of the list, in our opinion, is bungee jumping at the historic Kawarau Bridge. Here the Kawarau River is flanked by towering cliffs, carved over centuries by the blue-green waters of the river. The historic bridge spans the river, and is New Zealand's original bungy site, offering a breathtaking 43 metre leap. We first took the plunge back in 1998, and we loved it.

Skydiving offers panoramic views of the Southern Alps that are hard to beat, with a backdrop that seems to stretch forever.

On Lake Wakatipu, and surrounding rivers, activities like jetboating, rafting and the unique Hydro Attack, are guaranteed to thrill, all the while framed with the backdrop of those glorious mountains. The Dart River adventure is something special, and takes you on a back country oddysey into some of the most pristine wilderness country imaginable.

As a hiking destination, Queenstown has so many options close to town. Queenstown Hill and the Ben Lomond Track offer rewarding climbs with snapshots of panoramic vistas that will forever remain imprinted on your mind. You can see more on our "5 Best Short Walks in Queenstown" page.

Ahh, what a place to Relax

Summer also opens doors to more serene, relaxed experiences.

Here's a few favourites of ours:

* Exploring the lush vineyards of Gibbston Valley, and sampling world-class Pinot Noir and discovering the region’s rich wine making heritage.

* Queenstown's vibrant streets come alive during the New Year’s celebrations, with music and fireworks lighting up the warm, festive nights.

* Savour the delights of the Queenstown Gardens, easily accessible next to the town centre.

* Ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for stunning views. A sunset meal at Stratosfare is highly recommended. Be sure to book a window table.

* For music lovers, the annual Gibbston Valley Summer Concert features some very special acts.

* Experience Queenstown from a different perspective on a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw. The optional BBQ at Walter Peak High Country Farm is not to be missed.

* Take the time to just sit by the lake and take it all in. It's free, and it's guaranteed to relax you.

Autumn in Queenstown: A Tapestry of Colours (March to May)

Autumn in Queenstown is a photographer's dream. As the leaves turn to hues of amber and crimson, there's a certain calm that descends on the region.  Temperatures cool to between 5°C and 25°C (41°F to 77°F) and open fires draw you into the pubs and restaurants. 

The great outdoors are calling

The short drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown is an essential adventure. The drive into Arrowtown is lined with brilliant foliage, and artists and photographers frequent the area. The Arrowtown Autumn Festival transforms the area with parades, craft markets, and food fairs, blending community spirit with the beauty of the season. For a special treat, stop off at the Onsen Hot Pools at Arthur's Point. Can you picture yourself soaking in a hot tub whilst overlooking the river?

Scenic drives to Wanaka or Glenorchy wow us every time, but number one on the list, is a day tour to Fiordland. But please, don't drive yourself. It's just too far to do yourself in a day. Take an organised coach trip and cruise, sit back and listen to the commentary, and enjoy. If time allows, stay a couple of nights at Te Anau, and visit both Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. They each have their own personality and we've put together some pros and cons here. Whichever you choose, you will love it.

For fishing enthusiasts, Autumn offers unobstructed spots to cast a line, and try your luck with the large trout and salmon that the region is well known for. You can often see trout, salmon, and huge eels, as you walk along the lakeside boardwalk in town, but the Queenstown Underwater Observatory guarantees a viewing. Kids love this.

If you love your golf, this is a golfer's heaven. With several world class courses within 30 minutes drive, Queenstown is the perfect spot for an Autumn golfing holiday. For golfers, Autumn may very well be the best time to visit Queenstown.

Winter in Queenstown: A Snow-Covered Wonderland (June to August)

In Winter, Queenstown comes alive as skiers and snowboarders arrive to carve up the slopes here and at nearby Wanaka. The town, now cloaked in snow, is at its most impressive visually, and it's hard to explain the serenity that comes with sitting at a bar or restaurant at Steamer Wharf, and looking across Lake Wakatipu at the Remarkables. You really need to experience this for yourself. The crisp air and snow-capped peaks painted a perfect winter canvas, and temperatures range from -2°C to 10°C (28°F to 50°F). We love winter in Queenstown, and we've often remarked that this could be the best time to visit Queenstown. 

The local ski areas—Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, and Treble Cone—offer terrain that caters to both novices and pros, and the apre-ski scene flourishes here, with over 100 bars, pubs and restaurants. 

Queenstown offers a wide range of winter activities, turning the town into a festive wonderland with events, concerts, and a contagious celebratory spirit. Fireworks light up the night sky, and night skiing at Coronet Peak, under a sky scattered with stars, adds a unique thrill to the adventure.

Beyond the slopes, winter is a time to unwind. Immerse yourself in the warmth of local hot pools, a perfect ending to an active day .

At Queenstown Gardens, ice skating and the quirky ice bumper cars are a great escape for the family.

Spring in Queenstown: The Season of Renewal and Bloom (September to November)

Spring awakens a different energy in Queenstown. As blooms began to unfurl, the town feels as if it's coming back to life, with a vibrancy that's contagious.  Temperatures gradually warm up, and range from 8°C to 22°C (46°F to 72°F), and for many, this is the best time to visit Queenstown.

Queenstown’s nature tours and wine tours provide the perfect opportunity to make the most of the outdoors. Visits to local farms like Walter Peak give an insight of life on the land, and are fun for all ages.

It's the perfect time of year to head out onto the lake on the TSS Earnslaw, and see Queenstown from a different viewpoint. 

We love sitting on Perky's Floating Bar with a local beer or wine and taking in those views. There's heaters and blankets to keep you warm if the temperature drops, and they even allow you to take your own food on board. Maybe a famous Fergburger?

The Queenstown Gardens take on a new look as the flowers bloom, and the lakeside trails offer stunning views. Hire a bike and experience the trail views, or for something really unique, try a guided Segway tour.

Getting to Queenstown: By Air and Road

By Air

Queenstown International Airport is serviced by both domestic flights from major New Zealand cities (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch) and direct flights from Australia. The descent, framed by the towering beauty of the Southern Alps, is mesmerising. 

There's lots more information on our Queenstown Airport page here.

By Road

Like many New Zealand roads, any route to Queenstown offers jaw dropping scenery:

* From Christchurch: The drive takes 6 to 8 hours, and features the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, and the imposing Southern Alps, home to the highest peak in New Zealand, the ever-imposing Mount Cook. We often break up the drive with an overnight stay at either Tekapo or Twizel.
* From Dunedin: around 3.5 hour drive with rolling hills and sprawling farmland vistas.
* From Wanaka and the West Coast: Only about an hour away from Wanaka, with two available routes, via Cromwell, or via Cardrona and the Crown Range. The Crown Range, New Zealand's highest main road, is our clear favourite (assuming the road is not closed by snow as it can be during winter). This drive delivers jaw-dropping views.

Getting to Queenstown from the major New Zealand cities

If you are wondering about the various ways of travelling to Queenstown from either Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, we've put together some information to help you choose the best option for you:

• From Auckland
• From Wellington
• From Christchurch

Conclusion: Choosing the best time to visit new zealand

The essence of Queenstown lies in its true year-round versatility as a holiday destination. No matter the time of year, Queenstown warmly invites you to be a part of its vibrant heart and soul.

From a summer filled with adrenaline-pumping activities, an autumn of reflective beauty, a winter wonderland of snowy escapades, to a spring of renewal and rebirth, each season transforms Queenstown into a fresh canvas of possibilities.

So the choice of the "best" time to visit Queenstown is deeply personal, tied to what your heart seeks. Adventure, beauty, or tranquility.  Or perhaps a little of each? Embrace the journey, and Queenstown will open its stunning arms, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.

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