Two seasons at once
Spring in Queenstown
Blossom in Arrowtown while the fields are still turning — spring is the few weeks you can ski in the morning and ride a dry valley trail the same afternoon.
September and October are Queenstown's overlap: the mountains run on spring snow and softer crowds, the valley trails dry out, and the rivers come up with snowmelt. Days stretch out, the gardens and orchards come away, and prices and queues sit well below the summer peak. Closing dates move with the snow every year, so check the snow report the morning you go rather than trusting a date.
Good right now
Dart River Wilderness Jet
Journey into pristine Mount Aspiring National Park aboard a shallow-draft jet boat, navigating the ever-changing braided channels of the glacial Dart River. Experience true wilderness silence, ancient beech forests, and the otherworldly landscapes where Lord of the Rings was filmed.
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise
Experience the jaw-dropping beauty of Milford Sound with a scenic 4.5-hour coach journey through Fiordland's ancient landscapes, followed by a 2-hour cruise beneath the towering 1,692m Mitre Peak. Get up close to thundering waterfalls, spot native wildlife, and discover why this UNESCO World Heritage site is called the eighth wonder of the world.
Shotover Jet Canyon Ride
Experience Queenstown's original thrill ride as you rocket through narrow Shotover River canyons at 85km/h, complete with heart-stopping 360-degree spins. Since 1965, this legendary jet boat adventure has been making visitors scream with delight as expert drivers navigate impossibly tight canyon walls.
Shotover River Rafting
The Shotover the classic way: a bus ride up Skippers Canyon, then the wild water back down — finishing through the 170-metre Oxenbridge Tunnel and the drop into Cascade Rapid.
Thunder Jet Boat
The original Queenstown jet boat experience that launched our adventure tourism fame, featuring legendary 360-degree spins and high-speed thrills across Lake Wakatipu. Expert local pilots deliver 25 minutes of pure liquid adrenaline with The Remarkables as your spectacular backdrop.
TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruise
Step aboard the iconic 1912 TSS Earnslaw steamship for a magical journey across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Watch coal-fired engines at work and experience over a century of maritime heritage on the 'Lady of the Lake.'
Arrowtown to Gibbston – Iconic Arrow River Bridges Bike Ride
Looking for Queenstown’s most scenic half-day ride? This self-guided adventure has it all - historic Arrowtown, river gorges, and the famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge - before rolling i…
Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries
Voted the World’s Best Wine Tour Begin your day with a warm welcome from your wine-certified guide at (or near) your Queenstown accommodation before setting off into the Gibbston w…
Long lunches and lighter evenings
Botswana Butchery
Upscale steakhouse in a heritage building serving dry-aged beef and fresh seafood with panoramic Lake Wakatipu views.
Fergburger
Queenstown's legendary burger joint serving made-to-order gourmet burgers with premium NZ meats. Famous for its perpetual queue and late-night hours until 5am on weekends.
Rātā Restaurant
Rātā is a celebrated fine dining restaurant in the heart of Queenstown, awarded One MICHELIN Star in June 2026.
The Grille Bar & Restaurant
Upscale charcoal grill restaurant within Eichardt's Private Hotel, specializing in premium New Zealand beef and seafood with panoramic lake views from every table.
Bespoke Kitchen
Health-focused cafe on quiet Searle Lane serving wholesome brunch dishes and specialty coffee. Popular with locals for its fresh daily menu and peaceful courtyard setting.
Blue Kanu
Polynesian-Asian "Pacifica" restaurant & bar.
Plan a spring trip
Tell Will your dates and it'll work around what's still open up the hill and what's already dry down in the valley.
Plan my tripPlanning a trip?
Build an itinerary, choose where to stay and sort how you’ll get around — all in one place.