3 September 2023
Gondola
Queenstown
Stargazing
Stratosfare restaurant
Whether you’re coming for sightseeing or adventuring, Queenstown is one of the most ideal holiday destinations in New Zealand year-round.
What month or season gets you fantastic weather and great deals? The truth is, it’s always the best time to visit Queenstown! Choose the dates of your next trip with our helpful Queenstown travel guide.
When planning your Queenstown trip, considering each day’s average temperature is essential. Check with the local meteorology service to stay up-to-date.
Booking in Queenstown’s shoulder seasons is a great way to take advantage of off-peak season prices.
Queenstown accommodation options include luxurious town-centre hotels, authentic rural B&Bs, backpacker hostels, and family-friendly motels. Book early to get the best deals on your accommodation.
Months: March, April and May
Temperature: 6-16°C
Rainfall: 30-50mm
For a quieter period with sunny weather, the best time to go to Queenstown is in autumn. However, make sure you bring plenty of layers to stay warm with the ever-changing weather in Queenstown.
Take a scenic ride in the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak, where you can expect jaw-dropping views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Queenstown.
Queenstown is an ideal base for hiking the Great Walks of New Zealand. Hike routes include the Routeburn and Milford Tracks and the iconic Ben Lomond. If hiking isn’t your thing, take a bike ride along the Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley trail.
Autumn is one of the best times to visit for ziplining, bungy jumping, and canyon swinging. Get your adrenaline on and feel the rushing autumn breeze in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital.
The vibrant Arrowtown Autumn Festival events include an art exhibition, juggling workshops for kids, gold panning championships, and more.
Months: June, July and August
Temperature: 2-6°C
Rainfall: 30-60mm
Cool, crisp, and sometimes a little wet, winter is not always ideal for outdoor activities. But, toward July, ski season is in full swing.
Queenstown’s cold weather is a great time to enjoy world-class ski fields. All are within easy access, offering quality snow and terrain for all skier, snowboarder, and snowmobiler levels.
The Winter Festival is an action-packed event offering live entertainment to celebrate the snowy season.
Head to Skyline for a unique stargazing tour with complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar.
Enjoy a touch of pampering between adventures in a soothing hot pool at the Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa. Relax in private tubs with spectacular views over the Shotover River.
Months: September, October and November
Temperature: 8-13°C
Rainfall: 30-70mm
Spring is the quietest time, where the sun starts to rise around 8 am and sets at 7 pm. However, you can still get some winter sports action and see snow on the mountains in early spring.
Join a coach tour or a more intimate scenic flight to witness stunning glacier-carved valleys, snow-covered alps, alpine lakes, and ancient forests.
The Jazz Fest provides over 40 free events and ticketed concerts featuring smooth blues, big band swing, and funk bands.
Helicopter flights will reveal incredible views of imposing mountain peaks, dramatic glaciers, and the stunning Lake Wakatipu.
The Village Green, Queenstown Gardens, Lake Esplanade, and Walter Peak Homestead offer incredible views of flowering cherry trees bursting with colour in spring.
Months: December, January and February
Temperature: 14-18°C
Rainfall: 20-80mm
With warmer weather, summer is the most popular time to visit, especially for crazy adventure sports and activities. Be aware of the summer school holidays – refer here for dates.
Enjoy summer days on Queenstown’s waterways with a jet boating tour. Experience fast-paced thrills and delightfully near misses as you hurtle through narrow canyon walls.
Take a refreshing dip during daylight hours in warm weather. Visit Queenstown Bay beach, Sunshine Bay, Kelvin Heights beach, or Bob’s Cove.
The Shotover River offers some of the best whitewater action. Ride the rapids on this grade 3-5 river and float through a 170m-long tunnel.
Visit Skyline’s blog page for more of the best activities to fill your days and nights here in Queenstown.