If you’re looking for the best Queenstown winter events, adding a swing, catapult, zipride, or bungy jump to your itinerary is one of the most iconic experiences the region has to offer. From Matariki celebrations and ski season to Snow Machine and winter festivals, an AJ Hackett experience complements every Queenstown winter escape and adds unforgettable memories.
If you’re planning a trip to Queenstown over winter, you probably already have a list of things you want to do.
Maybe it’s skiing, maybe it’s live music, maybe it’s mulled wine by a roaring fire while admiring the Remarkables dusted in snow.
And these are all excellent choices…
But if you’re looking for the ultimate long weekend in Queenstown, we’d like to suggest adding one more thing to the itinerary:
A bungy jump.
After all, Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping and the Adventure Capital of the World. If there was ever a time to tick it off your bucket list, Queenstown winter might just be it.
One thing’s for certain: Queenstown knows how to do winter. Here’s a line-up of some of the best events happening in Queenstown this season, along with a local’s guide to building the perfect itinerary around our alpine playground.
Ski Season in Full Swing
No Queenstown winter guide would be complete without mentioning the mountains.
Whether you’re carving turns at Coronet Peak or exploring the terrain at The Remarkables, winter in Queenstown revolves around the snow.
But here’s our favourite itinerary:
Morning: Hit the slopes.
Afternoon: Take on the Kawarau Bungy.
Evening: Aprés and then dining in Arrowtown
There’s something wonderfully absurd about spending the morning skiing down a mountain and the afternoon getting your adrenaline fix. Which is exactly why Queenstown is, well, Queenstown.
Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland
One of the newer additions to Queenstown’s winter calendar, Ayrburn transforms into a winter playground complete with festive lights, seasonal food and drink offerings, family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities to embrace the colder months.
It’s the perfect way to spend an evening after a day of adventure.
Because nothing pairs better with a bungy jump than a glass of mulled wine and a story that begins with: “So then I stepped off the edge…”
They even have an ice rink!
26th June – July 31st, 2026
Coronet Peak Dog Derby
Yes, you heard correctly. That’s snow and dogs. It’s exactly as entertaining as it sounds and another unique “only in Queenstown” experience.
If you’ve never watched enthusiastic dogs charge through the snow while their owners try desperately to keep up, you’re missing out.
The annual Dog Derby at Coronet Peak has become a beloved winter tradition, combining community spirit and plenty of entertainment.
August 8th 2026.
Snow Machine Festival
For those who like their winter with a soundtrack, Snow Machine returns to Queenstown from 8-13 September 2026, bringing together skiing, snowboarding, live music, and après-ski parties across multiple days.
Think:
- Skiing by day
- Music by night
- Mountains everywhere
And if you’re travelling all the way to Queenstown for one of New Zealand’s biggest winter events, why not make the trip even more memorable?
Many Snow Machine visitors are already chasing adventure. After all, if you’re here to “go hard or go home,” nothing eptiomises that quite like a bungy.
Taking the leap fits surprisingly well between a morning on the mountain and an evening at the festival.
We even have an exclusive Snow Machine x AJ Hackett event at the Kawarau Bungy Centre on Sun 13th. If you’re keen for some adrenaline-fused beats. Get tickets here.
Night Ski Party ft. Hot Dub Time Machine
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you combine skiing under the stars with one of Australasia’s most beloved DJs, this is it. The Night Ski Party at Coronet Peak, featuring Hot Dub Time Machine, turns the mountain into a giant alpine dance floor, with skiers and snowboarders carving turns beneath the lights before dancing the night away. Expect retro bangers, epic mountain views, and a uniquely Queenstown winter experience.
July 29th, 2026.
Why a Bungy Belongs on Every Queenstown Winter Itinerary
Here’s the thing. You can ski at lots of places around the world, you can attend music festivals almost anywhere, and you can find winter events in dozens of destinations.
But Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping. It’s one of the few places on Earth where adventure isn’t just an activity, it’s part of the culture.
Whether you choose the iconic Kawarau Bungy, Nevis Bungy, Nevis Swing, or the new Kawarau Swing, you’re participating in a piece of Queenstown history.
And winter somehow makes it even better. Snow on the mountains, crisp alpine air, and dramatic scenery.
The feeling of standing on a platform, knowing that in a few seconds you’ll be doing something you’ll never forget. The winter solstice is all about turning toward the light again, making it the perfect time to leave the old behind, try something new, and embrace whatever comes next.
Build Your Perfect Winter Weekend
If you don’t know where you’re staying yet, here are some options.
Stay in Central Queenstown
Perfect if you want to be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and the waterfront.
There’s always something happening in central Queenstown. From jet boats on the lake and paragliders floating overhead to street performers, markets, and bustling cafés, the atmosphere is buzzing. It’s the ideal base if you want to soak up the energy of the town and have everything at your fingertips, including many of Queenstown’s adventure booking offices (ours included).
Best for:
- Atmosphere
- Nightlife
- Convenience
- Tourist attractions at your fingertips
Stay in Frankton
If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter and often more budget-friendly, Frankton is a great option. Just a short drive from central Queenstown, it offers a glimpse into the local side of life while still keeping you close to all the action.
We’d recommend hiring a car if you’re staying here, as it makes it much easier to explore the wider region, hit the ski fields, visit local attractions, and make the most of everything Queenstown has to offer.
Best for:
- Families
- Longer stays
- Easy airport access
Stay Near Arrowtown
Arrowtown offers the best of both worlds: a charming local atmosphere with easy access to everything that makes Queenstown such a sought-after destination. With its historic streets, alpine charm, and slower pace, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer.
It’s also perfectly positioned for winter adventures, with easy access to the ski fields and some of the region’s best restaurants, wineries, and bars just a short drive away. If you’re looking for a cosy alpine base with plenty of character, Arrowtown is hard to beat.
Best for:
- Couples
- Relaxed weekends
- Picturesque winter scenery
A great Queenstown winter itinerary might look something like this:
Day One
- Arrive in Queenstown.
- Explore your chosen area.
- Kick off with a bang: Matariki Under the Stars, Snow Machine Festival, a winter event, or a night ski.
Day Two
- Ski Coronet Peak or The Remarkables.
- Afternoon Kawarau ZipRide (Or Bungy/Swing!)
- Aprés and dinner in Arrowtown. Take your pick from world-class Italian at Aosta, legendary burgers from Slow Cuts, or a delicious pub meal and beer at The Fork and Tap with the locals.
- Catch a movie at Dorothy Browns, a gorgeous boutique cinema in the heart of Arrowtown.
Day Three
- Brunch at the lake. Try the Boathouse café in Frankton or the Bathhouse café in Queenstown.
- A lakefront stroll.
- Head to the Nevis Swing and bungy and experience the ultimate alpine adventure.
- Dinner in Queenstown city. Try the famous Ferg Burger, and enjoy a mulled wine on Perky’s floating boat or at Steamer Wharf.
- For the bold, the party continues at Bunker or Sundeck bars.
That’s the thing about Queenstown in winter.
You come for the snow, but you stay for the atmosphere, and the memories you make will last a lifetime.
We hope to see you soon.
Book your Queenstown adrenaline adventure
FAQs:
What are the main winter events in Queenstown in 2026?
The season includes Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland (26 June to 31 July), the Night Ski Party with Hot Dub Time Machine (29 July), the Coronet Peak Dog Derby (8 August), and the Snow Machine festival (8 to 13 September).
What adventure activities can you do in Queenstown in winter?
Plenty stays open through winter, including the Kawarau Swing and the Zipride at the Kawarau Bungy Centre. Snow on the surrounding mountains and crisp alpine air make the experience even more dramatic than in the warmer months.
