Milford Sound
Choosing how to spend your off-mountain day? If the weather or ski conditions are less than optimal, or you just need a rest day, you’ll be looking for epic experiences in and around Queenstown to keep you occupied. Luckily, the fun you can have on the local mountains like The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Treble Cone, and Cardrona, can almost be matched with the 10 off-mountain activities collected below to fill your Queenstown itinerary.
1: Spirit of Queenstown Lunch Cruise
The cozy and intimate setting of the Spirit of Queenstown scenic cruises is the perfect way to spend a chilly winter day. Warm up with a locally sourced platter-style menu as you enjoy the ever-changing views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains from your table. Choose from a wine and cheese cruise or our new set menu lunch cruise for flexibility around your other dining or day plans.
2: Soak in the views
Enjoy the luxury and tranquility of a hot tub overlooking some of the best views in Queenstown and the surrounding areas. Here is a list of the top hot tubs to soak your skied-out muscles:
3: Milford Sound Cruise
The dramatic views of Queenstown’s ski fields can only be rivalled by the rugged and untouched landscapes of Milford Sound, nestled in the heart of Fiordland National Park. It may be more convenient than you think to spend an off-mountain day exploring this world-renowned area. Book your seat on a comfortable return coach trip to link up with your cruise or prepare to be amazed on a scenic flight with Glenorchy Air landing right in Milford Sound.
4: Take an Ultimate Off-Roader ride
A ride in an Oxbow custom-built off-roader will finely balance your desire to appreciate the valley views while also delivering maximum thrills, and they’ll balance it on one axle. Experience the rugged ride of going up, over, sideways, and near 90 degrees for a unique perspective on the mountainscape around you. When you gear up for this unique all-terrain adventure in Queenstown, you can also tick off the quintessential Queenstown adrenaline rush.
5: Kawarau River Jet
If the weather is keeping you from a wind-whipping rush higher up the mountain, take a ride in the thrilling Kawarau Jet boat in central Queenstown. The Kawarau River jet was the first commercial jet boat company in the world and has been part of the Queenstown furniture for over 60 years. Experience speeds of up to 95 kph with 360 degree spins and exhilarating sharp turns thrown in on your journey across three waterways, Lake Whakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. Conveniently located at the Main Town Pier in the heart of Queenstown, it’s not hard to find a slice of adventure that comes with a side of history.
6: Shop the best locally made products and crafts
Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Wanaka are home to talented and creative people that love where they live, making it the perfect place to shop the best locally made products, crafts, art and photography. Here is only a few of the many places you can find these:
- Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market every Saturday year-round
- The WoolPress, Arrowtown
- Frank’s Corner
- Remarkables Market
- The Old School House, Cardrona Hotel
7: Dine at Amisfield Bistro
Experience the authentic taste of New Zealand’s hunting and gathering legacy by dining at the Amisfield Bistro. This award winning restaurant focuses on creating dishes that represent the work of a small group of South Island’s charm: fisherman, hunters, foragers, and farmers. Following the seasons and winter’s effect on the land, Amisfield’s winter menu will focus on the ocean and snow-covered land, still emmersing you in the idea of a wild New Zealand winter while off-mountain.
While you’re in the area, you can also spend half the day exploring the neighboring Lake Hayes Walkway on foot or bicycle, or discover many local wineries in the famous Central Otago, the most southern grape growing region in the world.
Have a full day to spare? Take a day-trip over the hill to Wanaka! The three highlights of Wanaka below are just the beginning of this stunning area.
8: Snow Farm
If you’re looking for a unique change to a typical mountain experience, Snow Farm provides the opportunity to try out Nordic Skiing, snowshoeing or snow tubing for the kids. You can even ski or snowshoe out to Snow Farm’s exclusive backcountry huts with the options of booking a bed or booking your own hut for your group. The backcountry huts are an amazing alpine experience so that does mean they’re often booked up in advance; check with Snow Farm directly for any last minute availability. For a special treat during the winter months, keep an eye on their Facebook page for winter events like Full Moon Fondue.
9: Hook salmon fishing and restaurant
The lower South Island is home to some of the best freshwater fishing experiences in the country, Wanaka included with Hook’s Authentic lake to plate salmon fishing and restaurant experience. Fish for your own Chinook salmon from a spring-fed lake and, if you’re an ace angler, have your catch of the day prepared straight away for your meal by Hook’s restaurant. There are few things more satisfying than eating your own fresh catch overlooking the hills and lakes. If a delicious dinner indoors is more suited to your taste or the weather conditions, Hook’s selection of platters, gourmet pizzas, and (you guessed it) salmon make it a great place to dine.
10: Visit the Cardrona Hotel
If you have been shredding the slopes of Cardrona Ski Field then you’ll be perfectly situated to visit the historic and photogenic Cardrona Hotel. Established in 1863, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels, and is one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush era. Stop in to thaw out by the outdoor fire and stay for a bite to eat at their equally well-known restaurant and bar.
Queenstown offers a plethora of exciting and memorable off-mountain activities for those looking to make the most of their time when the weather, ski conditions, or stiff legs are feeling less than ideal. With such diverse and captivating experiences, Queenstown and the surrounding areas have more than enough activities to ensure your days are filled with epic adventures and cherished memories.
Photo credits:
Amisfield Bistro: https://lookaboutlindsey.com/3-must-visit-central-otago-wineries/
Amisfield Bistro2: https://spinnakerbay.co.nz/queenstown/travel-guides/amisfield/
