Queenstown & Lake Wanaka

Surrounded by spectacular lakes and mountain, Queenstown and Lake Wanaka are vibrant ski resort towns, each with their own personality and offerings to suit all winter holiday makers.

Queenstown and Lake Wanaka, located within an hour’s drive of each other, bridge four ski resorts and two specialist ski area which are all within easy reach, no matter where you choose to stay during your visit!

It is no wonder that skiers and snowboarders flock from all over the world to these energetic alpine towns, enjoying their premier ski areas, lively après ski culture and abundance of off-piste activities.

• Resorts in the region

  Between them, both Queenstown and Lake Wanaka provide a home base for four premier commercial ski fields, a couple of specialist fields and thousands of peaks across the Southern Alps for heli-skiers and boarders.

  In Queenstown you can enjoy quick access to Coronet Peak, New Zealand’s most well established ski area, as well as The Remarkables. Cardrona Alpine Resort is conveniently located between Queenstown and Lake Wanaka, as are Snow Park NZ and Snow Farm. Majestic Treble Cone takes command from its vantage point overlooking Wanaka's spectacular lake. They all provide their unique character and personality that simply have to be experienced.

• Fly direct into Queenstown 

  Direct flights from Australia’s East Coast into Queenstown Airport mean you can arrive and be on the snow-laden slopes literally within the hour.

  Alternatively, you can fly via Christchurch International Airport  or Auckland International Airport and link with domestic flights to Queenstown or Lake Wanaka – Lake Wanaka has its own domestic airport with flights from Christchurch International Airport.

• Getting around the region 

  It is easy to get around the region with your choice of transport options. Queenstown Airport has a range of rental car companies on site, along with taxis and shuttles to help you explore the region.

  Wanaka airport is serviced by taxis and shuttles.  On request, many Wanaka accommodation providers will provide a pick up and drop off service to Wanaka airport.

  Sit back and take the convenience of specialist ski transfers to the slopes.  Queenstown based companies provide transfers to all ski areas in the region.  From Wanaka check out the options to reach the nearby Wanaka slopes.  It couldn't get any easier as you don't need to worry about chains or weather....leave it to the experts.

• Accommodation & Activities

  No matter what your budget or preference, there is truly accommodation for all in both Queenstown and Wanaka. You can choose from 4 star resorts or quality camping grounds, luxury B&B right in the heart of town, sumptuous hide-away lakeside lodges, relax in internationally recognised brand-name hotels or enjoy the convenience of serviced apartments.

  If ever you are in need of a rest from the slopes, try swinging a club at one of many golf courses, a pampering at one of the numerous day spas, sipping wine down the Gibbston Valley, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, gondola rides..... the list goes on and on!  Alternatively, take to the skies on board the latest chopper or fixed wing aircraft and if you are really keen you can even take on the challenge of skydiving.  Children will be mesmerised by the maze and puzzle attractions in Wanaka and be captivated by the toy museum seemingly packed with every toy ever created!

  More fun awaits as the night falls.  Popular pizza restaurants and bars, sumptuous dining and cosy cocktail/ après ski bars and themed restaurants are all on offer.