In Australia we have Queensland and  Surfers’ Paradise but New Zealand has Queenstown – Skiiers’ Paradise.   From January through to December, dusk till dawn there is always plenty to do in Queenstown.  Queenstown is also Adreneline and Adventure Paradise where you can bungy jump, skydive, hang glide, jet boat or  go canyoning. 

The weather is turning cooler and winter is approaching so it is time to plan for the annual pilgrimage to the ski slopes.  With discounted airfares and flights from most Australian capital cities into both Christchurch and Queenstown, Skiing in New Zealand can be much more affordable than a local ski trip.  There are 3 major ski fields within easy reach of Queenstown – The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona.  As well as a variety of ski and snowboard runs, there is heli-skiing and night skiing.

Accommodation in Queenstown ranges from budget options like the Base Discovery Lodge where you can share a dorm with 6-8 people for just $22 per night, through to apartment complexes and 5  star hotels.  You can have rooms with views over the lake or the mountains, depending on your mood. 

For a truly luxurious weekend try The Spire Queenstown – its own website boasts that it is Queenstown’s most award winning luxury boutique hotel.   With just 10 ‘guest suites’ appointed with the finest of furnishings from the B&O telephones, Charles Eames designed chairs, interactive multi-media systems through to their pillow menu.  Choose from  a Well Being Pillow, Sonar Pillow, Lavender Lambswool Pillow – they  even have a Pregnancy Pillow!   It can be pricey to stay there, but the Inspire Bar has a Jazz night every Friday from 9pm.  If you get there early (between 5pm and 9pm) you can enjoy $10 cocktails!

If you are travelling with a family or group of friends, there are many apartments to choose from.  The Glebe Apartments have a 4 bedroom/2 bathroom unit which sleeps up to 8 people for around $450/night during the peak season July/August.  Thats less than $60 per person, per night. 

Click Here to view our range of Queenstown Hotels.

If the whole family is not into skiing, there are plenty of activities suitable for kids.  Sail on Lake Wakatipu on an Americas Cup Yacht, or the Earnslaw Steam Ship; Skyline Gondola and Luge; Shotover Jet; Horse riding.  For stafety, some age restrictions will apply for activities.

Queenstown has an activity for everyone, and accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes.  Give it a try!