Queenstown Winter Ski Escape with Car Hire

The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt along with Snowplanet, Turoa, Whakapapa, Porters, Roundhill, Mt Dobson, and Ohau ski areas. Get more choice, more fun, and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass, and make the most of your New Zealand holiday! With 3 days of New Zealand Superpasses, you’ve got lift access to New Zealand’s premier ski areas plus the fun and excitement of a range of off-mountain attractions around New Zealand. You can mix it up a little and ski a day at the different alpine resorts or maybe you’ve got your eye on a run that you want to conquer over 3 days. 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.

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% beginner slopes, 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.

The drive from Queenstown to Coronet Peak is a scenic 20-kilometer journey taking around 20-30 minutes. Follow Gorge Road through Arthurs Point, then turn left onto Coronet Peak Road, which winds up to the resort. Allow extra time during peak season, check road conditions beforehand, and consider the ski bus for a hassle-free trip. The road to the ski field is a sealed alpine road, snow chains must be carried. Don’t forget to enjoy the stunning mountain and lake views along the way!

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% beginner slopes, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced, the Remarkables offers challenges for all levels. 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.

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.

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience a delicious barbeque lunch and a farm tour in a stunning lakeside setting. First, take a scenic cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, one of the last remaining fully functional coal-fired passenger ships in the southern hemisphere. Disembark and take in the picturesque shores of the Station. Relax on the lakeside terrace at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and savour the aromas of the best local produce being cooked on the grill. The seasonal menu has plenty to choose from salads, vegetables and succulent meat with plenty of delicious dietaries on offer as well. Finish your meal with a scrumptious dessert before joining an entertaining farm demonstration or exploring the beautiful lakeside gardens.

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.

The Nevis Swing is not simply the most famous Queenstown Swing. It is not merely the most famous New Zealand Swing. This is the most famous swing in the whole world! After being lifted out above the launch deck, suspended 160 metres above the canyon floor, you’re suddenly released and find yourself rushing towards the other side of the valley at 120kph, eyes wide open in disbelief or shut tight in fear. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.

Ziptrek Ecotours is a spectacular and exhilarating flying fox eco-adventure through the forest canopy high above Queenstown, on Skyline Gondola hill. The perfect starter to your adventure experience in Queenstown. Faster, longer and finishing with a flying fox ride that descends 30 storeys at speeds of up to 70kph, the Kea tour is a unique way to get down the mountain. This stunningly beautiful guided journey through ancient native beech forest comprises six breathtaking, tree to tree ziplines with outstanding alpine vistas; returning you to the bottom of the gondola hill on a total high. Please Note: Ziptrek Ecotours is an adventure activity that takes place at height within a forest environment, as such there are elements of risk involved. The primary risks being fall from height, collision with objects, equipment failure, changing weather conditions, natural hazards, slips/trips and falls. Ziptrek will take all reasonable and practicable steps to ensure guests safety. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Start your afternoon of sampling the region’s best locally brewed beers by travelling out to the beautiful, historic Arrowtown, passing by Lake Hayes and working your way back to Queenstown. Your afternoon involves stopping at three locations for tastings, an interactive brewery tour and an exclusive lunch with paired beers. After each tasting you can also purchase any drinks you would like to take home with you. As you return to Queenstown you can choose to be returned to your accommodation, or to one of Queenstown’s favourite craft beer bars to cap off your big day out!

With such an abundance of activities on offer, one day in Queenstown is never enough! For more thrills, you can choose from jet boating, luging, bungy jumping, or a canyon swing. If golf is your game, the exceptional Millbrook Golf Course is the place for you. If you prefer wine, head down the Gibbston wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot, or explore a little further afield - the nearby historic gold mining township of Arrowtown is a popular destination and features many original buildings and features. At the head of Lake Wakatipu sits Glenorchy. The scenic drive here is worth the trip alone; however, upon arriving in this peaceful township, you could easily rest the day away. Nearby is the start of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great walks. You can enjoy a section of this track as a day walk. Alternatively, head over the Crown Range to the beautiful lake town of Wanaka, famous for its iconic tree in the lake. To appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds this area, a scenic flight or skydive will take your breath away.

The mountains surrounding the world-renowned resort towns of Queenstown and Wanaka feature thrilling backcountry terrain and dramatic scenery. Journey into the sky for incredible helicopter accessible terrain to enjoy an unforgettable day of heli-ski or heli-board bliss. Runs vary between 1500 to 2500 vertical feet of treeless skiing in sheltered basins, bowls and wide rolling mountain flanks with the opportunity to sample some of the more advanced terrain. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information click here.

Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. It’s a thrilling ride! Skim past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world-famous Shotover Jet full 360-degree spins! It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.