Handy information about Queenstown

Queenstown is located in the heart of the Southern Alps providing magnificent mountains for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. There are four ski areas within driving distance, the closest being 20 minutes from town.

The enviously long ski season in Queenstown welcomes skiers and snowboarders from June to October. The four ski areas offer unrivalled alpine scenery, world class infrastructure and varied open and treeless terrain, each ski field has its own unique character.

Queenstown can be accessed by flying into Queenstown’s International Airport with direct flights from Australia and New Zealand’s main ports. The best way to get around in Queenstown is to hire a car or get a taxi or bus to your accommodation and then catch the daily shuttle to several of Queenstown’s resorts. 

The two closest resorts to Queenstown town centre are Coronet Peak and The Remarkables which provide options for all skill levels. The two other resorts that can be accessed from Queenstown are Cardrona and Treble Cone, which are closer to Wanaka. 

There is plenty to enjoy after a day skiing or riding, from indulgent spas to bustling bars from cheap and cheerful meals to award winning fine dining. Queenstown après are as active or passive and you want to make it.

There are also plenty of other adventure activities you can do in Queenstown such as the Skyline Luge, the Shotover Jet, bungee jumping and much more. 

Getting Around

You’ve got a few options for how you want to get to the ski resorts each day, and also around town. Car hire is one of the most popular options. Conveniently you can pick up your hire vehicle at the airport and drop it back there for your flight home. Having a car offers convenient access to the slopes at your leisure. The roads up to the resorts are windy and exhilarating. Parking at the resorts is not usually an issue but it can be crowded on weekends, school and public holidays, and after a big dump. Depending on where your accommodation is located you may find you don’t need your car of an evening or day off. Queenstown itself is a nicely compacted town with most bars, restaurants and shops close by. Parking within Queenstown can get quite tricky but you can usually find a spot close to your accommodation, otherwise most hotels offer parking for guests.

If you are making your own way to the resorts make sure you carry chains with you at all times. Please drive to the conditions and maintain two way access at all times.  Allow 45 minutes to The Remarkables and 20 minutes to Coronet Peak in good conditions, longer in peak times and heavy snow.  And there is free parking at both Coronet Peak and the Remarkables.

Not keen on hiring a car, you can certainly take the option of the resort shuttle buses to get to and from the mountains. These run regularly from both the Queenstown Snow Centre, and from most hotels. If your accommodation is not listed on their schedule, there is always a pick up/drop off within an easy walk.

***Insider tip; If your accommodation is quite close to Queenstown Snow Centre, take these shuttles as opposed to the hotel route. The hotel drop offs can take quite a while whereas the Queenstown Snow Centre is an express route between the resort.

Getting to and from the airport without a car hire is easy. You can easily hop in a taxi. No need to pre-book as there are taxis outside the terminal. A taxi costs around $45 each way and takes approx. 15 minutes. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is located 8kms from CBD, making it one of the easiest and hassle free commutes to your holiday destination. Alternatively you can also take an airport shuttle transfer.

MyPass Card

Your MyPass card is your all access card to lift passes, lessons, rentals and transfers. You can add money to your MyPass card making it your on-mountain debit card as well as reviewing your daily statistics and other account information. Once you exchange your pass, you must create an account online with your unique webcode found on the back of your card. The friendly NZSki Guest Services team will be happy to assist with any questions you may have.

Things to do in Queenstown

Hit the slopes! But if you’re looking for some other activities, or just having a rest day on the slopes, you couldn’t possibly be in a better destination!

Check out our blog ‘Queenstown – So Much More Than a Ski Destination‘ for some enthralling activities.

Weather Forecast

Looking to find out what the snow gods are planning? Our friends at Mountainwatch update their weather forecast constantly.

Click here for the current info.