Top Queenstown Winter Sports

Observe more than 20 native bird species—including New Zealand’s famous kiwi—with admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park in central Queenstown. See wildlife shows, nature exhibits, and daily keeper presentations, and catch a rare sight of the flightless kiwi in a darkened enclosure that mimics a nocturnal environment. Your admission ticket is valid for the entire day so you can explore the park at your own pace.

On a rainy day, an animated show is perfect way to learn about the fascinating history of Lake Wakatipu while keeping warm indoors. This state-of-the-art animated show takes you on a journey through time, from the moment the earth was formed to the present day. You'll learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the earth, how the lake was carved out by a giant glacier. Then view the marine life that now calls it home from the comfort of Queenstown underwater observatory.

Enjoy the ultimate alpine adventure by going on a guided snowshoeing experience in the Remarkables Mountain Range. You won’t have to worry about buying special equipment as snowshoes, walking poles, and all technical equipment is provided. You’ll have fun and hike along picturesque areas such as Jagged Edge Ridge. Going on a guided tour is a safe and enjoyable experience, as you won’t get lost and can focus on the stunning views.

Experience the thrill of a helicopter ride and snowmobile tour on the only snowmobile wilderness tour available in New Zealand. Enjoy exclusive access to backcountry trails that can only be accessed via helicopter, ensuring that you won’t see another tourist for miles around! Your highly skilled guide will adapt the snowmobile ride to varying levels of ability, to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Round-trip flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound save you hours of road-travel time in Fiordland National Park. Following a scenic flight with views of snow-covered peaks, remote valleys, and waterfalls, touch down for a cruise on Milford Sound. Traveling by both air and water takes you to dramatic places you'd miss by sticking to the road. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected central Queenstown accommodations.

Skydive in Queenstown—New Zealand’s outdoor adventure capital—and jump from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet (2,700, 3,600, or 4,500 meters). After a safety briefing, board a small plane and tandem skydive with an experienced guide. Free-fall at speeds of up to 124 miles (200 kilometers) per hour, then relax as you float beneath your parachute high above Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains.

An all-in-one experience that lets complete first-timers learn, ride, and even reach the summit on day one.

Cardrona is the biggest ski resort in New Zealand with over 615ha of skiable terrain! Ski across six different basins with wide-open slopes and explore some of New Zealand's most progressive ski and snowboard terrain. Cardrona has something for all ages and ability levels with outstanding learners facilities through to the Southern Hemisphere’s most extensive terrain parks and halfpipes. This lift pass and rental package is the most convenient way to hit the slopes. It includes a lift pass and skis, boots, and poles or a snowboard, boots and wrist guards. Pick up your gear and pass from one of two convenient off-mountain locations in Queenstown or Wānaka, or grab them right on the mountain! Soak in the endless alpine views at nine different cafés and restaurants across the mountain, with more choice than any other ski resort in the country.

The deep waters, soaring cliffs, and thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound are spectacular from all angles, and this half-day tour by air and boat takes in all the highlights. Enjoy thrilling aerial views of the Fiordland National Park on a round-trip flight from Queenstown, and marvel at Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke on a scenic Milford Sound cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch are included for a truly seamless experience.

Take in aerial views of Queenstown that you can’t get any other way on a thrilling tandem paragliding flight. Start with a safety briefing before harnessing up with an instructor who will take the lead. Launch from Coronet Peak, the ideal place from which to enjoy views over the Wakatipu Valley, lakes, mountains, and beyond.

A complete, all‑mountain day with lessons, lifts, equipment, and clothing included—everything you need to progress in one package.