Oh, Queenstown. She's a vision of natural splendour, especially during the winter months when the landscape shimmers with icy allure and the gentle winter sun casts a mellow glow.
The Top 5 Bucket-List Queenstown Experiences For The Best Winter Getaway Yet
It’s a time when the region truly comes alive, captivating the hearts of travellers from every corner of the globe. With the ski season of ‘24 kick-starting tomorrow, Queenstown beckons with promises of bluebird days and pristine powder slopes waiting to be explored. But for those seeking something beyond the ordinary ski experience, we’ve curated the top 5 bucket-list worthy activities to transform your winter getaway into an unforgettable adventure. From snowshoeing to picturesque picnics in Middle Earth, and thrilling snowmobiling adventures in breathtaking backcountry, this winter season promises to deliver moments with a heavy dose of magic. Join us as we skip the chairlift queues and embark on the Queenstown trip of a lifetime.
Carve unforgettable memories on top of the world with a heliskiing adventure
A heliskiing tour promises pure, unadulterated adrenaline as you carve through untouched powder on Queenstown’s best-kept secrets. Enjoy a scenic helicopter ride to peaks and ridges wilder than your wildest dreams. From the exhilarating slopes of Mount Soho to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, each run offers a thrill like no other. Between runs, embrace the luxury of a state-of-the-art snowcat complete with heated cabins, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment throughout the journey. After all, who wants to freeze on a chairlift? Not us.
After a morning of incredible skiing, treat yourself to a gourmet three-course lunch served on the deck of a remote Alpine Hut, perfectly paired with the finest Amisfield wines. This is not your every day slog up and down the slopes; it’s an unforgettable, state-of-the-art experience that will leave you breathless.
Helicopter to the picnic of a lifetime in Middle Earth
It’s time to climb back into the chopper for a journey to the heart of Middle Earth – Earnslaw Burn, home to thundering waterfalls and incredible scenery immortalised in The Hobbit movie. As you land beside the cascading torrents, surrounded by towering ice-caped peaks, indulge in the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds you. Take a moment to dip your toes in the pure, glacial river flowing from the falls. Welcome to the unequivocal picnic spot of dreams.
The gourmet spread prepared for you is a highlight unto itself, featuring gourmet local produce paired perfectly with a premium Gibbston Valley mulled wine offering. It’s a feast fit for adventurers, offering a taste of luxury amidst the breathtaking scenery of Middle Earth. It’s a quick flight back to Queenstown, but you’ll be floating on cloud nine for a while.
Glide through breathtaking backcountry on the back of a snowmobile
The only wilderness snowmobiling experience in New Zealand, this amazing adventure grants exclusive access to remote trails and backcountry riding. Glide over the breathtaking vistas of Lake Wakatipu, the majestic Remarkables, and the Hector and Garvie Mountains, before descending into the awe-inspiring Nevis River Valley.
Here, you’ll get the chance to effortlessly glide (or throttle at speed) through the beautiful backcountry with a knowledgeable guide. As you explore New Zealand’s most inland mountain range, enjoy the sheer exhilaration of experiencing untouched landscapes and the raw beauty of nature as it whips past you. After this experience, you’ll be wondering why snowmobiles aren’t the everyday commute.
Grab your ice axe and saddle up for the glacier experience of a lifetime
No great bucket-list adventure comes easy, unless you’ve got a helicopter. So, we’re back in the private chopper (sensing a theme here), flying straight into the heart of some of the most breathtaking glaciers the region has to offer.
This experience offers a challenging yet immensely rewarding day tour that promises to take your breath away. Equipped with your ice axe, crampons, and harness, journey alongside your private guide as you explore crevasses and ridges, immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of the landscape.
At the summit, unwind and savour the moment with a glass of Central Otago mulled wine and a gourmet cheese board. Go ahead and raise a glass to a big old tick off the bucket list.
Trade the ski’s for snowshoes and take on the Southern Alps by foot
Snowshoeing isn’t just for the pros – if you can walk, you can snowshoe. And if you’ve got snowshoes, why not take it up a notch with heli-snowshoeing? Forget the exhausting uphill climb; a quick helicopter ride from Queenstown gets you straight to the top, where the real adventure begins.
Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps, you’ll feel like you’re in another world, exploring hidden corners and untouched peaks. After working up an appetite, take a breather at the summit with a glass of bubbly, soaking in the views and relishing in the satisfaction of a day well spent.
So, what are you waiting for? Your bucket-list adventure is ready and waiting, offering endless discovery and joy amidst the stunning landscapes of this enchanting New Zealand gem. Reach out to our award-winning travel designers today, and let’s craft the winter getaway of your dreams.