Queenstown · Sports & events
SPORT & SEASON
Winter belongs to the ski fields; summer belongs to trail runners, cyclists and one very long race.
Coronet Peak and the Remarkables
The two closest ski fields run roughly June to early October, with night skiing at Coronet. Buses leave from town and midweek passes cost less.
Winter Festival and Winter Games
The Winter Festival takes over the lakefront at the start of the season in June, and the Winter Games bring freeski and snowboard contests to Cardrona.
Coast to Coast race
The multisport race crosses the South Island by bike, foot and kayak in February; nearer town, the Motatapu and Shotover Moonlight races run in autumn.
Queenstown Trail cycling
Around 130 kilometres of flat, mostly off-road trail link the town with Arrowtown and Gibbston. Bike hire is easy and the vineyards are the point.