Plan Your Ski Trip to Queenstown Here

Coronet Peak’s 15-minute access from Queenstown, sealed road and comprehensive snowmaking facilities frequently make it the first-choice resort for new visitors to the area in winter. The Remarkables is literally a step up, its car park almost level with Coronet Peak’s mountaintop. While the winding road takes a bit longer to get your head (and car) around, the rewards are sweeter on a powder day, with cooler temperatures and generally improved snow conditions. By Glenn Cullen.

Get active

Lighting the way
Friday and Saturday night-skiing and snowboarding under lights at Coronet Peak have long been Queenstown staples. With the mountain adding Wednesdays to the mix for the month of July, night owls have an extra night to enjoy the white room under the stars.

For your viewing pleasure
It’s easy to become blasé about the extraordinary mountain vistas lined up, one after the other, after landing in Queenstown. Still, you’d be foolish not to take a short break from skiing or snowboarding when at the top of The Remarkables’ Shadow Basin Chair. The outlook back to town captures the majestic Southern Alps and the alpine waters of Lake Wakatipu in all their glory.

Chute me now
“Slackcountry” is something of a skiing and snowboarding buzzword. It refers to short hikes within resorts to access better terrain or untracked snow. The “Remarks” shine particularly brightly in this area. A 20-minute hike will get you to south-facing runs like the Alta Chutes where the cold smoke can be chalky, even days after a storm.

Where to stay

Eichardt’s
Superbly located and sumptuously appointed, Eichardt’s is one of the best places to stay in Queenstown. You can take it a step further this season by enjoying the penthouse suite and its NZ$2 million refurbishment. It comes with a 100-square-metre balcony and sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu as well as use of a butler and driver. It’s decadent and delightful.

2 Marine Parade, Queenstown
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The Rees
Just east of the downtown area but well worth the extra stroll, The Rees is a sophisticated collection of apartments and hotel accommodation on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Terrific views of The Remarkables, an amazing wine cellar and locally sourced produce in the True South Dining Room await.

377 Frankton Road, Queenstown
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SEE ALSO: Insider Tips to Queenstown

Eating and drinking

Bespoke Kitchen
If you’re fussy or have food intolerances and want to start your ski day the right way, it’s hard to go past Bespoke. Alongside more traditional breakfast fare there’s vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options that don’t skip out on flavour.

9 Isle Street, Queenstown

Fergburger
A burger joint, yes, but just not any old burger joint, as the queues outside this Queenstown institution will attest. With offerings such as Holier than Thou (tofu with spicy satay, coconut and coriander sauce), Bun Laden (felafel, cucumber, avocado and lemon yoghurt) and Chief Wiggum (slow-roasted New Zealand pork belly, lettuce, tomato, red onion, hash brown and aïoli), Fergburger is a step above your regular fast-food fare.

42 Shotover Street, Queenstown

Rātā
Owner/operator Josh Emett earned his stripes working under Gordon Ramsay so if you’re inclined to think that one way or another this will be an intense experience, you’re right. It is – intensely good. Hip yet hidden away, Rātā focuses on local produce: think cured Marlborough salmon with horseradish, green apple and beetroot; and seared Wakanui sirloin with shiitake, dukkah and sesame dressing. But it’s the Harmony pork belly and shoulder served with pickled pear, brussels sprouts and celeriac cream that reigns supreme for swine-lovers.